Each month, especially at the end of the year, the U.S. State Department reviews the travel warnings it issues to the 195 countries and nation-states recognized by the United Nations.
Like most other governments, the ranking system relies on four tiers. The first “Take Normal Precautions” level means a country is as safe or even safer than at home, while the fourth “Do Not Travel” level is typically assigned to authoritarian governments and countries actively at war.
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Travel advisory reflects “new risks to U.S. citizens and interests”
Advisory levels change when the situation on the ground changes and as part of a political agreement with a particular government.
The latter occurred when China made it easier for Americans to visit by expanding the hours and scope of its transit visa-free policy, and the United States responded by lowering China’s travel advisory rating from level three to level two.
The United Arab Emirates, home to metropolitan cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is extremely popular with tourists and billionaires looking to profit from the country’s zero income tax policy and residential options for ultra-wealthy investors destination.
As of early 2024, 48 billionaires had their primary residence registered in Dubai, and their combined wealth was estimated at more than $210 billion. In 2024, Dubai alone received more than 16.79 million international tourists, while Abu Dhabi’s international tourist arrivals were close to 5 million.
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As part of a year-end review, the U.S. State Department retained the UAE’s “more cautious” Level 2 rating but issued new advice reminding visitors that “tensions heighten the risk of attacks on U.S. citizens and interests.”
“Residents and visitors generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE, but regional tensions have heightened the risk of attacks on U.S. citizens and interests,” the updated note reads. “Armed groups operating in Yemen use missiles and drones to Aircraft attacks threaten neighboring countries including the United Arab Emirates.”
Dubai is very safe, but here are a few things to remember
The note cited the UAE’s geographical proximity to several current conflicts in the Middle East, such as the Houthi extremist group, which emerged from the war in Yemen in the 1990s and has been threatening Israel with drone strikes in the Gaza war, which has swept across the entire Middle East.
While the UAE’s location in the Middle East means there’s always a risk of escalation, it’s generally considered an extremely safe place to visit – especially for those who want to spend money on top hotels and fancy restaurants.
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Where more foreigners get into trouble is that their behavior may not be considered particularly bad at home, but the penalties are very severe in the UAE – especially public drunkenness, failure to obey traffic rules and the use of soft drugs .
The updated advisory further reads: “Residents and visitors should be aware that the UAE has strict rules regarding social behaviour, drug possession, traffic violations and financial crimes. “Breaking these rules may result in arrest and/or an exit ban. “
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