United Arab Emirates Country Report
The UAE can pose security challenges for both domestic and foreign telecom operators, but for the most part, it is well worth a visit. In early 2022, several missiles and weaponized drones fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted critical infrastructure facilities and prominent locations in the UAE. The Emirate’s air defense intercepted and destroyed most of the projectiles, but this system was not 100% effective and was very small. The number of casualties reported. Additional projectile attacks are also possible. The UAE is largely immune to the terrorist threat that affects many of its neighbors in the region. However Islamic extremist groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) threaten the UAE because of its large foreign population and its role in fighting extremism.
Crime is not a major concern. The main threats are financial crimes and petty thefts such as pickpocketing and extortion. Violent crime is rare. Cases of sexual harassment and rape of Western women have been reported. Demonstrations require prior government approval and are extremely rare. The demonstrations that take place are usually peaceful and strictly enforced. The protests of migrant workers have sometimes turned violent. UAE’s relations with America have strained relations with Iran. Tensions remain high with Qatar, even though the diplomatic dispute has been effectively resolved. Road conditions are good, but traffic accidents occur due to poor driving standards of local drivers. Dust and fog storms can affect air services and cause flight delays and cancellations. Medical standards are high.
Last updated: January 17, 2023
Security
Militants have threatened to attack. Attacks may target places of worship, military installations, business establishments, hotels, and other places frequented by travelers. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and pickpocketing also occur. Violent crime is rare. Demonstrations that require government approval are rare. The workers had already protested and caused financial damage. Relations with Iran have been strained because of relations between the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Despite the restoration of diplomatic relations in January 2021, tensions with Qatar remain high. However, a complete breakdown in relations like what happened in 2017 is unlikely in the near future. Houthi rebels in Yemen launched several missiles and armed drones against targets inside the UAE in early 2022. The UAE Air Force intercepted most of the projectiles. Additional projectile attacks are also possible.
Last updated: January 17, 2023
Infrastructure
Air travel is safe and compliant with international safety standards.
Although the road conditions are good, there are many traffic accidents.
Emirates ports are Western standard.
Access to public facilities is also excellent. The federal government and each of the emirates continue to invest heavily in the country’s infrastructure. The UAE has one of the most advanced telecommunication infrastructures in the region.
Concerns are growing about the threat of cyber attacks that could harm the country’s economy.
Last updated: April 25, 2023
Environment
Its climate is generally desert and dry with very hot summers. Sandstorms can cause difficult driving conditions, cause health problems, and severely affect air travel. Occasionally, heavy rains may occur, causing flooding and affecting land travel. Fog can disrupt air travel. Small, low-impact earthquakes occur sporadically but do not cause damage or injury. The country suffers from high levels of pollution.
Last updated: March 17, 2022
Health and Medical
Medical facilities in the UAE are comparable to those in Western Europe and the United States. However, outside of major cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, medical infrastructure can be difficult, inadequate, or absent, especially in rural areas. There are many public and private hospitals and clinics. Some prescription and non-prescription drugs available in Western countries are considered controlled or illegal drugs in the UAE. Outbreaks of infectious diseases occur sporadically.
Last updated: September 6, 2023
Political
Despite intra-emirate conflicts and hostilities with Islamists, there is no serious threat to political stability. The anti-government violence seen in other countries of the Middle East and North Africa has not continued in the United Arab Emirates mostly because of the high standard of living of the people and the existence of a large surveillance and police state. Anti-corruption and anti-fraud laws are enforced. Local laws reflect the fact that the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country. Violations may result in imprisonment or other penalties, including fines and the death penalty for serious crimes.
Last updated: January 17, 2023
