COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the threat from terrorism and drone/missile attacks (level 2 of 4).

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United Arab Emirates

Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism in the UAE. Broader conflicts in the Middle East and Gulf region have the potential to affect the UAE. Terrorist and rebel groups continue to threaten to carry out attacks in Gulf countries, including against Western interests. UAE authorities have, in the past, arrested a number of alleged terrorists in connection with possible attack planning.

Attacks could be indiscriminate. Government buildings, military facilities, transport hubs such as airports, places of worship, and public and commercial areas known to be frequented by Western expatriates and travellers could be potential targets.

Since 2018, cross-border attacks originating from Yemen have sporadically targeted infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including aviation interests. This has included missile, rocket, and drone attacks. The last attacks were in January 2022 and further strikes are possible. Armed groups in Yemen have publicly stated their intent to target neighbouring countries, including the UAE, using missiles and unmanned aerial systems (drones).  

New Zealanders are advised to be aware of their surroundings and exercise increased caution at all times. You should closely monitor local and international media to stay informed of developments affecting the Gulf region. In the event of a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities.

Personal and Maritime Safety
The crime rate in the UAE is low but there are rare instances of petty crime, such as pickpocketing.

Be prepared for extremely high temperatures. Between June and September, temperatures can exceed 50C. Sand storms and dust storms are also common.

Travellers entering the Gulf area by sea should be aware that many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa, the Tunbs in the Southern Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Mariners are advised to make thorough enquires before entering these waters or visiting ports, as vessels have been inspected and people detained and arrested.

Local Laws and Customs
It is recommended that New Zealanders travelling to the UAE familiarise themselves with local laws and customs. There are serious penalties for acts that may not be illegal or inappropriate in New Zealand. Laws may also vary between the seven Emirates of the UAE.

The UAE is an Arab Islamic country and travellers are advised to respect local customs, which are conservative in regards to sex and relationships.  Homosexual relationships are still considered strictly illegal in the UAE.  Heterosexual sex and cohabitation outside of marriage has been legal since January 2021 (where the couple are both from countries without Islamic Shariah Marriage laws), but may be viewed negatively by parts of Emirati society. There have been instances where victims of sexual assault have been detained after reporting an incident to police or seeking medical assistance.

Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour, including via all kinds of social media. The use of bad language, rude gestures, and public displays of affection, and behaviour that disrespects the ruling families/government officials, local culture or Islam, may result in complaints and charges being laid by the local authorities. New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities, and to be mindful of their social media involvement (posts, liking, sharing and comments). 

Local legal and judicial systems differ significantly to New Zealand. The resolution of legal issues can be prolonged and complex. You may find that there are significant periods of detention before trial and deportation. If you are arrested, or have a case before the local courts, a list of lawyers in the UAE can be provided to you by the New Zealand Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the New Zealand Consulate in Dubai. 

Alcohol, Drugs and Medicines
Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the Emirate of Sharjah. Elsewhere in the UAE, alcohol must only be consumed on licensed premises or at home. The Emirate of Dubai is the only Emirate requiring a license. There is zero tolerance for drink-driving, public drunkenness or drinking in public places. Failure to comply will result in imprisonment.  

There is zero tolerance for illegal drugs and drug-related offences in the UAE. The penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession (of any quantity) are severe and usually a person would be imprisoned in the UAE following conviction. The presence of drugs in the blood stream, including while in transit at the airport, is considered possession. Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty.

Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines that are readily available in New Zealand are considered controlled substances in the UAE. If a traveller arrives with certain medication and without the required documentation and prior approval from the UAE Ministry of Health, they will not be allowed into the country and may be prosecuted. Only 3 months’ maximum supply of any medication can be brought into the UAE with the appropriate prescription, reduced to one month’s supply if the medication is in the list requiring approval.  For more information, contact your nearest UAE Embassy.

Scams
Cybercrime and telephone scams are possible in the UAE. New Zealanders should be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks, and when receiving calls or WhatsApp messages from scammers claiming to be local authorities or financial institutions. For further information, see our advice on Internet fraud and international scams.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders travelling or living in the United Arab Emirates should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

Photography of certain government buildings and military installations is prohibited. Hobbies like bird watching and plane spotting may be misinterpreted, particularly near military sites, government buildings and airports. As of late January 2022, the UAE’s Ministry of Interior banned the use of drones and light sports aircraft. You should not photograph people without their permission, as this can lead to arrest and/or fines. Posting photos and videos to social media, without express consent, can be against the law.

If you're travelling on a New Zealand passport showing 'X' in the gender field, you won't be able to enter or transit the UAE.

New Zealanders in the United Arab Emirates are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Safe Travel website.

 

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand Embassy Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Street Address Level 25, Suite 2503, International Tower, Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE Postal Address PO Box 62292, Abu Dhabi Telephone +971 2 496-3333 Fax +971-2-496-3300 Email nzembassy.abu.dhabi@mfat.govt.nz Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/united-arab-emirates Hours Mon-Wed 0900-1600, Thu 0900-1530, Fri 0900-1130 Notarial Services: By appointment only, please email to arrange Note Facebook: @nzembassyuae Twitter: @nzinuae

New Zealand Consulate-General Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Street Address Office 6A, 6th Floor, Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Postal Address PO Box 23-156, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Telephone +971 4 270 0100 Fax +971 4 331 7501 Email dubai@nzte.govt.nz Hours Mon-Fri 0830-1600 Notarial Hours: by appointment only, please email to arrange

See our regional advice for the Middle East