Abu Dhabi - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No security concerns, this is one of the safest cities you'll ever live in. - Jun 2022
Abu Dhabi is one of the safest places to live in the world. There are so many cameras, that if crimes are committed, they are solved quickly. There are some regional tensions, but nothing has spilled over to the UAE yet. - Feb 2020
No, not really. This is a very safe country. No problems going out at night alone as a woman. - Jun 2019
None, this is a safe place. my kids walk everywhere - Sep 2017
There are occasional notices of extremists threats, but the most pressing pressing security concern is the very agressive drivers. They are crazy dangerous, particularly between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. My blood pressure would soar whenever I made that trip until I learned to just avoid the left lane. There is very limited theft and street violence due to stringent deportation laws. However, if one crosses an Emirati, one should be prepared to take the blame, be it a car accident or accusations of insulting behavior. The stories of arrest for flipping the bird or insulting the government are true. - Jun 2015
While the city is very safe, driving is simply terrible. Emiratis, especially young men, drive like maniacs, and in general it's an unusual day that I don't have at least one terrifying moment during my half-hour commute. I've lived in Cairo and Lagos and prefer the driving there. - May 2013
The traffic is dangerous, but Abu Dhabi is otherwise a safe place to live. - Jul 2012
The UAE has been the least affected country in the region by recent political upheaval - but it's neighbors do include places like Yemen and Saudi, so some unease remains. On a day-to-day basis, Abu Dhabi feels like one of the safest places on earth. Women are subject to harassment (most stares and whistles, especially in the older parts of downtown), especially if dressed at all revealingly. Driving is probably the worst concern - it's simply awful, with near-accidents feeling like something that happens every day. - Aug 2011
I think there are several. Due to guest construction workers, there are probably 3 - 4 men for every woman in the UAE and assault cases on vulnerable women and girls are frequent; they police the roads thru extensive cameras and speed traps and exorbitant traffic fines. A parking ticket is about US$150; a speeding ticket could be US$200 - $500; a red light violation is US$650 or one week in jail or two weeks of car impoundment. It's easy to get a traffic violation and Emiratis routinely speed and pay out thousands of dollars to the UAEG; if you're on a budget, don't come to the UAE as you'll inevitably incur traffic fines; if you're a diplomat, you can't export your car or sell it without paying your fines and your Embassy won't help you. The most dangerous part of the UAE is driving. - Jul 2011
Petty crimes are on the increase, but not enough to be concerned about. Teenagers have no real outlets so tend to walk around in mini-gangs trying to start something. - Nov 2010
I feel very safe here. I jog in the evenings and have never felt threatened. - Jan 2010
Nothing major. - Aug 2009
