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TRAVEL REPORT
United Arab Emirates

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 8 has been updated (removal of information on Ramadan).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

United Arab Emirates

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to the UAE do not experience problems. 

There is a constant and high terrorist threat throughout the Arabian Peninsula. From time to time, reports emerge that terrorists plan to attack specific locations in one of these countries. Targets could include government buildings, public areas, tourist sites and Western interests. Heightened security measures are currently in place and may be reinforced upon short notice. Canadians are strongly advised to maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times. Caution should be particularly exercised in areas known to be frequented by foreigners (commercial, public, touristic). Canadians should monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians are also advised to register and keep in contact with the Consulate of Canada in Dubai or the Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi, as well as to carefully follow messages issued through the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service.

There have been a number of consular cases of Canadians imprisoned in the UAE with regard to possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs, including drugs used outside of the UAE and still traceable in the blood or urine. Canadians should also know that prescription or over-the-counter drugs that are legal in Canada (e. g. codeine) may be restricted in the UAE. See Section 8 for more details.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations rarely occur. They have to be authorized by the government. There have been a number of demonstrations in the recent past related to regional political developments. Canadians are advised to avoid all political gatherings, crowds and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they will occur, as they might turn violent without warning.

Crime

The crime rate is low and violence is rare. Petty crime, such as purse-snatching and pickpocketing, occurs. Car doors should be locked at all times. To reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim, showing signs of affluence should be avoided and personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents should be secure at all times. Travellers should not accept to carry packages, especially across borders.

Women’s Safety

There have been reports of physical and verbal harassment towards women. It is advisable to travel in groups, and not travel alone at night. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

General Safety Information

Dial 999 for police, fire and medical emergencies.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of the United Arab Emirates. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the United Arab Emirates. Canadians do not require a visa prior to entry to the UAE. Upon arrival, Canadians will receive a 30-day entry permit which may be extended for a limited amount of time.

Foreigners planning to work or reside in the UAE must undergo medical tests including for HIV. Those found to be HIV positive will be immediately deported by the UAE authorities. HIV certificates issued by foreign medical authorities are not accepted.

Regional Travel

Canadians may face significant delays when trying to enter or transit through the country if their passport contains a valid or expired Israeli visa or stamps.

Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

United Arab Emirates - ABU DHABI, Embassy of Canada
Address: Abu Dhabi Trade Towers (Abu Dhabi Mall), West Tower, 9th Floor
Postal Address: P.O. Box 6970, Abu Dhabi,
Tel.: 971 (2) 694-0300
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 800-014-0145
Fax: 971 (2) 694-0399
E-Mail: abdbi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.uae.gc.ca

United Arab Emirates - DUBAI, Consulate of Canada
Address: Bank Street Building, Suite 701, Khalid bin Al Waleed Street, Bur Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Postal Address: P.O. Box 52472, Dubai, United Arab Emirates,
Tel.: 971 (4) 314-5555
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 800-014-0145
Fax: 971 (4) 314-5556/5557
E-Mail: dubai@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.uae.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate of Canada in Dubai and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa, toll-free, at 800-014-0145.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The authorities in the UAE have implemented screening measures at airports in response to the H1N1 Flu Virus outbreak. Travellers entering the UAE may be subject to a body temperature check.

Adequate medical services are available in the main cities, including private medical clinics. Immediate payment is required.

Domestic tap water is generally safe to drink, but filtered or bottled water is generally preferred. Travellers should avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets.

Dehydration is a serious risk due to very high temperatures during the summer months. Preventive action includes ensuring protection from the sun and drinking plenty of water.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. Lengthy delays in consular access are possible.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Religion

The country's customs, laws, and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Religious and social traditions should be respected in order to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Legal Process

Suspects as well as witnesses to incidents may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. Authorities may withhold the passport of an individual involved in legal processes, pending resolution of the case. This could result in the delay of a planned departure.

Canadians should be familiar with rules and laws of each Emirate they intend to travel to as they could differ from one Emirate to another.

Dress and Behaviour

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Men and women should dress conservatively (e. g. women should not wear tight or revealing clothing or short skirts, and both men and women should refrain from wearing shorts). Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

Canadians have been detained on allegations of showing disrespect toward others by making verbal insults and obscene gestures. All travellers should exercise particular care in their behaviour with others, especially officials, to avoid offending local sensitivities. Verbal insults and obscene gestures may be considered a criminal act and, if found guilty, the accused could face deportation, fines and/or a prison sentence.

Consumption of Prescription Drugs, Illicit Drugs and Alcohol

Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines that are available in Canada (e.g. Codeine) are considered to be controlled substances in the UAE. Any such medication is not allowed into the UAE without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health. If a traveller arrives in the UAE without prior approval and the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE and the person may be subject to prosecution and a jail sentence under the laws of the UAE. This applies while the medication is being taken and also while it is still detectable in the system. For more information, consult the website of the Ministry of Health of the UAE.

It is also recommended that Canadians contact the Ministry of Health Drug Control Department (DCD) to check whether your medication is on the List of Restricted and Controlled Drugs (generic names) and as such requires prior permission for importation. The Customer Service Centre of the DCD can be contacted by e-mailing drugcl.csc@moh.gov.ae, by telephone at (00) 971 2 611 7240 or by fax at (00) 971 2 632 7644. The Canadian Embassy in the UAE is unable to make these enquiries on travellers' behalf.

Criminal penalties for possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs, as well as poppy seeds, are strict and include the death penalty. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and/or heavy fines. The possession of drugs, even a very small amount, can result in arrest and, if convicted, a minimum four-year prison term. Using drugs deemed illegal by the authorities, even if used while outside of the UAE, can be punishable by law if traces of the substance are found in the blood or urine, and can also carry a minimum prison term of four years.

Restrictions concerning the consumption of alcohol must be respected. It is illegal for all Muslims to consume or possess alcohol. Canadians should be aware that the consumption of alcohol outside approved venues is illegal and could result in arrest and/or fines and imprisonment. Public intoxication is a criminal offence, no matter where the alcohol was consumed. There is no acceptable legal limit of alcohol consumption. Individuals may be required to take a blood and/or urine test if they are suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If the tests are positive, travellers may be prosecuted. In the emirate of Sharjah, any alcohol possession or consumption is considered illegal and is subject to criminal prosecution. There is a zero tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving.

Other Illegal and/or Restricted Activities

Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

Common-law relationships, homosexual relations, adultery, and prostitution are illegal and are subject to severe punishment, including the death penalty.

In public, physical contact (e. g. holding hands) should be avoided.

Pork is illegal in the emirate of Sharjah.

Possession of pornographic material is illegal in all Emirates.

It is forbidden to photograph certain government buildings and military installations. People should not be photographed without their permission.

Fraudulent Practices

Fraudulent practices (e. g. cheques without funds and non-payment of bills) are regarded as extremely serious offences and may result in imprisonment and fines. Penalties are generally assessed according to Islamic (Sharia) law. Bail is not available for non-residents of the UAE. Temporary release pending legal action may be granted in minor cases if the passport of the accused and the passport of the guarantor are surrendered to the authorities.

Employment

Terms and conditions of employment should be clearly established in writing prior to arrival in the UAE. It is customary for a local sponsor to retain an employee's passport, but this is not required under UAE law. Should a dispute arise, the UAE Ministry of Labour has established a special department to review and arbitrate labour claims. A list of local attorneys is available from the Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate of Canada in Dubai.

Family

Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is extremely difficult for a Canadian woman, even if she is a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through a court decision. Regardless of parental marital status, children of UAE fathers acquire UAE citizenship at birth, and must enter and leave the United Arab Emirates on UAE passports. The father's permission is required to leave the country.

Dual Nationality

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Sea Travel

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Caution should be exercised if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, in the Persian Gulf, particularly around the islands of Abu Masa and the Tunbs. Iran and the UAE each claimed sovereignty over the islands.

Road Travel

Accidents are common. Driving habits and style differ markedly from those practiced in Canada. Drifting sands and roaming animals also create hazards.

In the event of an accident, it must be reported to the police. Canadians are strongly advised to be familiar with the rules of the different Emirates on whether they can move their car to the side of the road or not until the police arrive. Drivers involved in an accident resulting in injuries may be jailed until the injured persons are released from hospital. Visitors involved in an accident resulting in fatalities should be aware that compensation is regularly awarded to the family of the deceased. Lengthy court proceedings may result from relatively minor accidents.

Off-road driving can be hazardous and should only be undertaken in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide. A travel itinerary should be left with a third party. Travellers should be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food, and a cellular phone.

Only officially marked taxis with meters should be used. It is advisable to avoid shared or service taxis.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Air Travel

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED). Major credit cards and traveller's cheques are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, however, it may be preferable to pay cash as prices could be cheaper. Automated banking machines (ABMs) are widely available.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Flash floods occur in dry river canyons, most frequently in winter. Travellers should take along a sweater or even an all-weather coat during the winter. The hot season is from June to September, when the humidity and heat are at their highest.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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