United Arab Emirates
Travel Destination – United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a dynamic Middle Eastern destination known for futuristic cities, luxury travel experiences, and ancient desert traditions. Visitors can explore Dubai’s skyline and shopping districts, Abu Dhabi’s cultural institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, or venture into vast desert landscapes for dune safaris and traditional Bedouin experiences.
The UAE is also a major international transit hub and business destination, with excellent infrastructure, high-quality healthcare in urban areas, and world-class accommodation. Despite its modern systems, travellers should be aware that laws, climate, and health considerations can differ significantly from Australia. Careful preparation helps ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
A pre-travel consultation with a doctor experienced in travel medicine is recommended before travelling to the UAE. A travel doctor can review your medical history, confirm that routine vaccinations are up to date, and provide advice tailored to your itinerary.
Scheduling your appointment appointment six to eight weeks before departure allows time for vaccinations or boosters if required. However a last-minute consultation remains valuable for travel health planning, medication management, and other safety advice.
Insect avoidance
The risk of mosquito-borne disease in the UAE is low compared with many tropical regions. However, mosquitoes can still be present, particularly during warmer months and in urban or irrigated areas. Ticks can also transmit Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever.
Travellers should take basic precautions in situations where insects may be encountered, including using insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and staying in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodation where possible.
Food and water hygiene
Food safety standards in the UAE are generally high, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres. To reduce the risk of gastroenteritis and other gastrointestinal illness, wash or sanitise hands before eating, choose food that is freshly prepared, and avoid food that has been left standing at room temperature. When eating from street vendors or outside major cities, eat freshly cooked food, served hot.
Tap water in major cities is desalinated and treated, and bottled water is readily available. When outside major cities, check the safety of drinking water and ice made from it.
Rabies prevention
Unlike Australia, the rabies virus can be present in dogs and other animals in the UAE. Whilst rabies is uncommon in the UAE, travellers should avoid contact with animals, including stray or unfamiliar pets.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is generally not required for most travellers but may be considered for those with occupational or recreational exposure to animals and those visiting remote areas. Any bite or scratch requires urgent assessment by a medical professional as the disease is often fatal when symptoms develop.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for United Arab Emirates?
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver spread through contaminated food or water. While the overall risk in the UAE is lower than in many developing regions, vaccination is commonly recommended for travellers who are not already immune. Many Australians have not completed the full two-dose course, and vaccination provides long-term protection.
Typhoid
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Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi bacteria and spread through contaminated food or water. Vaccination is recommended for most travellers, particularly for those staying longer, visiting friends and relatives, or travelling to areas with more limited infrastructure.
Hepatitis B
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The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids and can lead to chronic liver disease. Risks include unprotected sex, unsterile medical or dental procedures, tattooing, and piercing. Hepatitis B vaccination is part of Australia’s routine schedule, but some people may not be fully immunised. Hepatitis B vaccination may be recommended for travellers to the UAE who are not immune, depending on their length of stay and other risk factors. A travel doctor can confirm immunity and advise whether vaccination is needed.
Yellow Fever
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Yellow fever is not present in the UAE, however proof of vaccination is required for travellers from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including layovers over 12 hours. Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever, headache, and muscle aches. In severe cases, there can be liver and kidney failure with a fatality rate of up to 30–60%. It's a good idea to discuss your itinerary with a travel doctor as requirements can change.
Mpox
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Mpox (formerly called monkeypox) is a virus that spreads through close physical contact, including contact with lesions, body fluids, or contaminated materials. Mpox causes flu-like symptoms, rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes and exhaustion. Vaccination is not required for most travellers but may be recommended for individuals at higher risk. A travel doctor can provide personalised advice based on current guidance and individual risk factors.
Routine vaccinations
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Before travelling, ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, influenza, COVID-19, and pertussis. These infections are uncommon in Australia due to routine vaccination, but international travel increases exposure risk, particularly in crowded settings such as airports and events.
United Arab Emirates
Other health risks in United Arab Emirates
Heat related illness
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Extreme heat is one of the most significant health risks in the UAE, particularly from May to September when temperatures can exceed 45°C. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop rapidly, especially in travellers unaccustomed to desert climates.
To reduce risk, limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, wear loose, light-coloured clothing, use sun protection, and drink fluids frequently. Alcohol and caffeine can worsen dehydration. Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, or collapse occur.
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis, sometimes referred to as traveller’s diarrhoea, can occur in the United Arab Emirates, although it is less common than in many international destinations due to generally high food safety and hygiene standards.
Illness is usually mild and short-lived, often caused by changes in diet, unfamiliar foods, or exposure to new bacteria rather than poor sanitation. Symptoms may include loose stools, abdominal cramps, nausea, and occasional vomiting, and typically resolve within a few days without complications.
Treatment aims to maintain adequate hydration, particularly in the UAE’s hot climate where fluid loss can worsen dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions are recommended to replace fluid and electrolytes. Most travellers recover with rest, fluids, and a light diet. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms are severe, atypical, or persist beyond several days. Antibiotics are reserved for those with severe disease or other risk factors.
Rabies
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Unlike Australia, the rabies virus can be present in dogs and other animals in the UAE. Whilst rabies is uncommon in the UAE, travellers should avoid contact with animals, including stray or unfamiliar pets.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is generally not required for most travellers but may be considered for those with occupational or recreational exposure to animals and those who will be visiting remote areas. Any bite or scratch requires urgent assessment by a medical professional as the disease is often fatal when symptoms develop.
Respiratory conditions
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Tuberculosis (TB) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) are present in the UAE, though risk for most short-term travellers is low. Symptoms can include respiratory issues such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. Travellers should practise good hand and respiratory hygiene, avoid camels and unpasteurised camel products, and seek medical care if fever, cough, or breathing problems develop.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
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The security situation in UAE can fluctuate. It's a good idea to refer to the Australian Government's Smartraveller website during the early planning stages of your trip, and closer to departure for updates.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Long-haul flights to and from the UAE increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), clots in the deep veins, usually the legs. Slow blood flow increases the risk of DVT as it allows clots to form. Therefore, key preventative measures include regular movement during flights, leg stretches, and staying hydrated. Below-knee compression stockings may be considered if travellers have additional risk factors.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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Travel in the United Arab Emirates is generally smooth and comfortable, supported by excellent transport, accommodation, and medical services in major cities. Road infrastructure is modern, but traffic accidents remain a common cause of injury. Driving speeds can be high, and road rules are strictly enforced. Use licensed taxis or reputable ride services where possible, wear seatbelts at all times, and avoid riding motorcycles unless experienced and properly equipped.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation is strongly recommended. Whether visiting bustling city centres, attending large events, or exploring desert environments, staying informed, hydrated, and culturally aware will help ensure a safe and rewarding experience in the UAE.