Health and Safety in UAE

The UAE is a very neat and clean country and does not pose any sort of health hazards to tourists. Travel immunization is not needed unless you are traveling from a health-risk area. There are very few mosquitoes in the city area and there is virtually no risk of malaria. If you are considering camping near the mountains or exploring in the wadis and date groves make sure your skin is not exposed. Also, it gets extremely hot in the summer months and exposure to the sun can cause you heat burn so take adequate precaution. Also de-hydration could be an issue so make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle around with you. World class medical facilities are available should you require it. The ambulance response system is also very efficient.

Medical Facilities

The UAE has many modern clinics and hospitals. Generally speaking medical facilities are very good. You must have a complete health check to obtain a visa to live in the UAE including a chest X ray to check for TB and a blood test. You can have the government health card and/or a private health scheme. Most expatriates hold private cards but more often now lots of people have the Government cards as well. Private care is expensive so unless you are financially solid it will be worth looking into this area with care.

Contact your hotel or the embassy of your country for recommendations for health care personnel.

Vaccinations

Generally for children the same schedule of inoculations exists here as they do in Europe or elsewhere. A BCG is required by law as so many people here are coming from countries where TB is prevalent. The UAE was declared officially free of malaria by the World Health Organisation in 2007.

Safety

Dubai is largely a secure city and law breakers are dealt with severely. It is safe to venture out late at night though certain areas may be a bit dubious. Women also enjoy this particular freedom here though one should always exercise caution and common sense to avoid any untoward incident. There is petty and opportunistic crime but very rarely any violent crime.