UAE Health Overview

Health insurance is a must. Though the standard of health care is very high in UAE, costs are exorbitant. Most hotels have a doctor and you can also contact your embassy in an emergency. No special shots are required unless you are coming from an infected country. The tap water in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is safe to drink, though heavily chlorinated. Most local people drink bottled water. In other areas you must boil both water and milk, and avoid dairy products because they have been manufactured from un-pasteurised milk. Fruit should be peeled. Avoid leafy salads and unpeeled raw vegetables.

Cholera, typhoid and polio are risks. Malaria is a hazard in the foothills and mountain valleys of the northern emirates. Rabies is present near the Oman border and you may want to consider vaccination if you are at risk. Carry your own medicine supply because medical services and medicines are very expensive in the UAE. Carry prescriptions with generic names and your own medical kit for minor problems.

Crime is uncommon because of harsh penalties while religious tolerance is the norm in UAE. The people in UAE have a very different role model for women in their country and western women may encounter some social difficulties.Women are expected to behave decorously, dress modestly and retain their composure even when they are at the receiving end of lewd looks or comments.

While driving be careful because the UAE is notorious for fatal accidents at the roundabouts or around traffic circles. Residents tend to drive rashly at frightening speeds. This problem is more acute in Dubai and Sharjah.