Health and Safety in Abu Dhabi, UAE

General Safety, Security and Precautions

      is known for having a very low crime rate. The UAE is one of the safest places in the world to visit. In fact, it has been designated the world’s safest holiday destination by the international travel industry. You are very unlikely to face any problems with safety or security in Abu Dhabi, UAE. However, it is naive to think that there is no crime at all, but they rarely affect the quality of travel and life in Abu Dhabi. It is safe to walk round Abu Dhabi at all times of the day and night.

The United Arab Emirates generally keeps good relationship with western countries, and millions of tourists from the West visit Abu Dhabi every year. Generally, you should never let your guard down when you travel anywhere and usual sensible precautions apply in the United Arab Emirates also. Before you fly into Abu Dhabi, be aware that several prescriptions are banned especially anything containing codeine or temazepam. The UAE maintains a zero tolerance policy towards recreational drugs. Check with the UAE Embassy in your home country before leaving. There is a list of approved drugs on the website of the Ministry of Health. Also, you are not allowed to drive under alcohol anywhere in the emirates. Finally remember that UAE is a Muslim country so you need to consider religious sensitivities.

Emergencies

      Always keep your passport with you and memorize the emergency numbers in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The generic police number is 999 and you can use it if you are involved in a traffic accident or to report a criminal behavior. To call an ambulance, dial 998 or 999. For the fire department, call 997.

If any problem should arise, do not hesitate to get in touch with your embassy. All major embassies and consulates are represented either in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. The police in Abu Dhabi are approachable and they are generally helpful if you need to ask any guidance or direction. Abu Dhabi police site has lots of useful information. Police Headquarters: Abu Dhabi (02 4461461), Dubai (04 2292222), Sharjah (06 5631111), Ajman (06 7436000), Umm al-Qaiwain (06 5656662), Ra’s al-Khaimah (07 2333888), Fujairah (09 2370000)

Health

      Private hospitals and clinics in Abu Dhabi are very excellent, but the treatment can be costly. So it is ideal to take out health insurance in your home country before you travel. The standard of food hygiene and water quality is extremely high, especially with all of the larger centres. Most people (residents and visitors alike) prefer to drink bottled water. Some people will advise you not to drink the tap water in Abu Dhabi as it is desalinated sea water so does not taste pleasant. It is advisable to drink plenty of water in the heat and so carry a bottle of water with you at all times. 

Most shopping centres and malls, public gardens, museums etc. have clean, well maintained public toilets. Outside of the cities, you can find good public toilets at restaurants and petrol stations.