Safety in Dubai
Dubai is often hailed for its impeccable safety record and the accompanying life of luxury expats can enjoy with no fear of crime. However, this is not entirely accurate.
While it is true that the emirate is a safe place to work and live, crime of course happens everywhere and vigilance is required. It does happen that in contrast to other highly populated cities, Dubai has a high standard of safety and violent crime is extremely rare.
Burglaries can and do occur, especially during the summer months when many expat families return to their home countries, leaving houses vacant. On the other hand, it is considered perfectly safe to walk around late at night and to take taxis independently. Women on their own are not considered to be ‘targets’ or at risk. The penalties for breaking laws in Dubai are severe.
Expats' largest concern should actually be road safety in Dubai. Driving is not for the faint-hearted and the Emirate has one of the highest road death tolls in the world. Everyday there are reports of serious, often fatal, accidents on the highways. Although there are financial penalties for dangerous driving and speeding, they are well within most people's financial means and therefore do not provide a successful deterrent.
Those involved in a traffic collision, however minor, are required by law to contact the police immediately and stay with the vehicle until they arrive. Dubai operates a zero-tolerance policy with regard to drinking and driving. There is no such thing as a ‘legal limit’ and drinking and driving offences are punishable by at least a month in jail.
Emergency telephone numbers in Dubai:
Police and Ambulance - 999
Fire - 997
While it is true that the emirate is a safe place to work and live, crime of course happens everywhere and vigilance is required. It does happen that in contrast to other highly populated cities, Dubai has a high standard of safety and violent crime is extremely rare.
Burglaries can and do occur, especially during the summer months when many expat families return to their home countries, leaving houses vacant. On the other hand, it is considered perfectly safe to walk around late at night and to take taxis independently. Women on their own are not considered to be ‘targets’ or at risk. The penalties for breaking laws in Dubai are severe.
Expats' largest concern should actually be road safety in Dubai. Driving is not for the faint-hearted and the Emirate has one of the highest road death tolls in the world. Everyday there are reports of serious, often fatal, accidents on the highways. Although there are financial penalties for dangerous driving and speeding, they are well within most people's financial means and therefore do not provide a successful deterrent.
Those involved in a traffic collision, however minor, are required by law to contact the police immediately and stay with the vehicle until they arrive. Dubai operates a zero-tolerance policy with regard to drinking and driving. There is no such thing as a ‘legal limit’ and drinking and driving offences are punishable by at least a month in jail.
Emergency telephone numbers in Dubai:
Police and Ambulance - 999
Fire - 997
