Is Dubai Safe in January 2026?

Budget desert safari operators advertise very low base prices online, then pressure tourists during the trip to pay for photography packages, alcoholic beverages, extra food, and entertainment that were implied to be included. The final bill can be double the advertised price.

How to avoid: Book only with DTCM-licensed operators and request a full written breakdown of inclusions before booking. Read TripAdvisor reviews specifically mentioning hidden charges, and pay by card for a clear transaction record.

Fraudsters advertise short-term holiday apartments in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah on Instagram and via WhatsApp, using stolen photographs of real luxury units. They request full payment or a large deposit via bank transfer before handing over keys, then become unreachable on arrival day. Unlike the villa deposit scam targeting long-stay rentals, this scheme targets tourists booking 2–7 night stays and uses peer-to-peer messaging apps to avoid traceable booking platforms.

How to avoid: Book short-term apartments exclusively through established platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or licensed UAE property managers. Never transfer money via bank transfer or cryptocurrency to an individual advertising on Instagram or WhatsApp. Verify the listing exists on a regulated platform before paying anything.

Unlicensed taxi touts outside Dubai Airport terminal doors offer rides to hotels for fixed prices. These are typically 2–3x metered taxi fares. The legitimate taxi queue is inside the terminal at the designated bay.

How to avoid: Use only RTA metered taxis from the official taxi bay at arrivals. Alternatively, use the Dubai Metro (Red Line from Airport Terminal 1 or 3). Uber and Careem are also reliable options that show prices before booking.

Vendors in the Gold Souk and street markets sell items claimed to be 22-karat gold or genuine oud perfume at a special tourist price. The gold is often gold-plated brass and the perfume is a synthetic substitute. Fast transactions and distractions prevent close inspection.

How to avoid: Buy gold only from licensed shops displaying official daily price boards. Check hallmarks carefully. For perfume, use established perfume houses with a reputation to protect. Avoid any deal dramatically below market value.

Street-level money changers outside official exchange shops offer better-than-market rates for cash. They use sleight of hand, deliberate miscounting, or counterfeit notes to shortchange tourists. Transactions are impossible to dispute once completed.

How to avoid: Exchange currency only at licensed exchange houses such as Al Ansari or UAE Exchange, or withdraw from bank ATMs. Never exchange money with individuals on the street regardless of the rate offered.