Dubai
A city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene.
Police
999
Ambulance
998
Tourist Police
901
Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
The Unofficial Taxi Hustle
Unlicensed drivers approach tourists, especially at the airport, and charge exorbitant, non-metered fares, often claiming to be official.
Only use official RTA taxis (yellow sign, registered number) or licensed ride-sharing apps. Ignore touts at the airport.
The Broken Meter Scam
Official-looking taxis may have tampered or missing meters, leading to significantly inflated fares, sometimes starting at a higher rate than the standard 12 AED.
Always ensure the meter is running and starts at the correct rate. If the driver refuses to use the meter, get out and find another taxi.
The Fake Gold Bargain
Vendors in the Gold Souk or surrounding areas may sell counterfeit gold or gold with a lower purity than advertised, especially if the price seems too good to be true.
Only buy from established, registered shops. Ask for a receipt and a certificate of authenticity. Be wary of street vendors.
The Spilled Drink Distraction
Scammers work in teams, often using a distraction technique like spilling a drink or food on the victim, and then robbing them while pretending to help clean up.
Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. Keep valuables in a closed bag, not pockets. Immediately distance yourself from anyone who causes a sudden disturbance.
The Hidden Yacht Fee Trap
Operators advertise a low "all-inclusive" price, but then surprise the customer with numerous hidden fees upon arrival, such as fuel surcharges, captain fees, or docking fees.
Request an itemized, written quote that explicitly states all mandatory costs are included. Compare prices with established, reputable companies.
The Phantom Yacht Listing
Websites use professional, stolen photos of luxury yachts. Upon arrival, the actual vessel is smaller, older, or lacks the advertised amenities.
Request a live video call tour of the specific yacht before booking. Check online reviews for customer-submitted photos.
The Fake Lottery Win Call
Tourists with a local phone number receive a call or text message congratulating them on winning a large prize, then asking for bank details or a small "processing fee" to claim the winnings.
Never give out bank details or pay a fee to claim a prize. Legitimate lotteries do not operate this way. Hang up immediately.
The Street Electronics Swindle
Scammers on the street, particularly in older districts, try to sell cheap, counterfeit mobile phones or non-functional data/SIM packages.
Only purchase electronics and SIM cards from official, licensed stores like Etisalat or Du, or inside major shopping malls.
The Pity Plea Scam
A woman with a child approaches tourists, often in residential or less-crowded areas, claiming a dire emergency and pressuring the tourist for cash.
Do not feel pressured to give cash. Offer to contact the police or a local charity for assistance, which will often deter the scammer.
The Nightlife Spiking Danger
Primarily targeting women in bars and clubs, a drink is spiked, leading to incapacitation and subsequent theft or assault.
Never leave a drink unattended. Always fetch your own drink directly from the bartender. Go out with trusted friends and watch out for each other.
The Unlicensed Tour Guide
Unofficial individuals approach tourists at major attractions offering "exclusive" or "discounted" tours, which are often overpriced, non-existent, or lead to high-pressure sales at partner shops.
Book tours only through your hotel, official tourism offices, or reputable online platforms. Ignore unsolicited offers from individuals on the street.
The Non-Existent Luxury Rental
Scammers create fake listings for luxury apartments or villas on popular rental sites. After the victim pays a deposit, the scammer disappears, and the property does not exist or is not available.
Use only verified platforms. Never pay via wire transfer or non-refundable methods. If possible, verify the property's existence and ownership through a local agent.
Safe Attractions
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, a living wonder.
The Dubai Mall
The world's largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure.