United Arab Emirates Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates recorded 0.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places United Arab Emirates #172 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.9 per 100,000 in 2012, 0.7 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates United Arab Emirates at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
0.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#24 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (2010-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.9 per 100,000 in 2012, 0.7 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How United Arab Emirates Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In United Arab Emirates, the homicide rate for men is 3.0× higher than the rate for women — 0.9 vs 0.3 per 100,000 (2022).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
United Arab Emirates has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
3(2022)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for United Arab Emirates:
Updated to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel on March 2. Advisory summary was updated . Reconsider travel to the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of armed conflict and terrorism. Advisory Summary On March 2, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government family members to leave the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of armed conflict.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for United Arab Emirates
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 14, 2023).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) U.S. citizens in the United Arab Emirates should exercise a high level of security awareness. The possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests in the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula remains a serious concern.
Boating
The UAE and Iran have had a long-standing dispute concerning jurisdiction of Abu Musa, approximately 20 miles from Dubai. Fishing or sailing in these waters may result in seizure of vessels and detention of passengers and crew in Iran. Obtaining consular assistance in Iran for U.S. citizens is difficult and can only be done through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran , which acts as a Protecting Power, providing limited U.S. consular services.
Crime
Violent crimes and crimes against property are rare. U.S. citizens should take the same security precautions in the UAE that one would practice in the United States or any large city abroad.
Harassment and Assault
U.S. citizens, especially women, should take precautions against the possibility of verbal and physical harassment or sexual assault when walking alone, consuming alcohol, or riding in a taxi cab. Taxi passengers should avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxicab and should be sensitive that "small talk" can be misinterpreted as over-friendliness or even a form of propositioning by some taxi drivers. Taxis driven by women for the exclusive use of female passengers are available in some airports and by dispatch. Female travelers can identify these dedicated vehicles by their pink roofs. Some victims of sexual assault have been prosecuted for violating laws against sexual relations outside of marriage. The law puts a high burden of proof on the victim to demonstrate that sex was not consensual.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in the UAE. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: Romance/Online dating Money transfers Lucrative sales Gold purchase Lotteries Inheritance notices Work permits/job offers Bank overpayments
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +971 2 414 2200. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulate General for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
United Arab Emirates Population & Demographics
Population of 10,986,400, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is United Arab Emirates safe to visit?
The US State Department rates United Arab Emirates at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). The homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has an intentional homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #172 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates is currently at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in United Arab Emirates compare to other countries?
United Arab Emirates's homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Asia average of 2.0.