Middle East

United Arab Emirates

Location

Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia.

You should be aware of the threat of terrorism. Incidents of street crime are rare. Females should take care when travelling alone at night. Use reputable taxi companies. Illegal to smoke or drink in public places during Ramadan. Personal security, general travel, navigation, off road driving, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures / customs, communications, emergency shelters.

Local water is safe to drink in the capital, cities and hotels. Use bottled water everywhere else.

Flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east.

Desert; cooler in eastern mountains.

Frequent sand and dust storms.

Cholera, hepatitis A, malaria in some parts, polio, rabies, typhoid.
Hospital: Al Jazira Hospital, PO Box 2427, Abu Dhabi. Tel: 2-214800

Lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills.

Roads are generally in good condition. Minor expressions of "Road rage", such as rude gestures, can attract significant penalties. If involved in an accident, you should not move your car until the police arrive at the scene. Excursions into the desert should be taken in properly prepaired 4x4 vehicles, and always in convoy, with sufficient supplies.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.