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Western Asia

Tourist scams in United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has low crime overall, and the scams described here are mainly shopping pressure, taxi overcharging and phone fraud. Watch for missing change, extra VAT added to a quoted price, off-meter taxi fares and unexpected calls promising money or claiming legal trouble.
  1. 1 ShoppingCommonPressure to buy in shopsStaff may follow you around or keep showing you goods. Carpet sellers may unroll many rugs and spend a long time with you. This can make you feel that you owe them a purchase, but you do not.Abu Dhabi 3Read
  2. 2 ShoppingCommonHigh opening prices in souksA seller may ask more for a souvenir than other shops charge. Bargaining is expected in souks, so accepting the first price can mean paying more than necessary. A high opening price alone does not prove fraud.Dubai 2Read
  3. 3 TaxisOccasionalOff-meter taxi overchargingWhen taxis are scarce, a driver may demand a very high fixed fare instead of using the meter. Some also refuse short journeys through congested areas.Dubai 3Read
  4. 4 TaxisOccasionalTaxi fare changes from dirhams to dollarsA driver quotes a number before the journey. At the destination, they claim the price was in dollars rather than dirhams.Dubai 1Read
  5. 5 TaxisOccasionalExpensive unmarked hotel taxisAn unmarked hotel taxi or limousine may cost much more than a regular taxi. Even vehicles with meters may use rates that differ from official taxi rates.Dubai 2Read
  6. 6 ShoppingOccasionalShort-changing cash customersA trader returns less change than you are owed. The scarcity of small coins may be used as an excuse.Shops and traders accepting cash 2Read
  7. 7 ShoppingOccasionalVAT added to an already quoted priceA shopkeeper quotes or displays a price, then increases it at payment by saying VAT must be added. The displayed price should be the price charged at the till.Abu Dhabi 2Read
  8. 8 Other tricksOccasionalFake lottery winAn unexpected message or automated call claims that you have won a lottery.Abu Dhabi 2Read
  9. 9 Fake officialsOccasionalFake legal-trouble callA message or automated call says you have broken a law or are in legal trouble. The claim is used to frighten you into responding.Abu Dhabi 3Read
  10. 10 Other tricksOccasionalFake gift from a SheikhAn unexpected message or automated call claims that a Sheikh has chosen to give you free money.Abu Dhabi 2Read

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Use an official metered taxi or a recognised booking app such as Uber or Careem.
  • Check for a visible meter before getting in.
  • Confirm the currency and full total before accepting any fixed fare.
  • In Abu Dhabi, official taxis can be booked through the Abu Dhabi Taxi app.

Money

  • Check cash change before leaving the counter.
  • Compare souvenir prices before bargaining.
  • Confirm the final price, including any tax, before paying.
  • Keep receipts for purchases you may need to dispute.

Cards and ATMs

  • Read any ATM fee shown before confirming a withdrawal.
  • Cover your PIN and keep security codes private.
  • Check card alerts and statements for payments you do not recognise.

Your belongings

  • Keep your phone, wallet and travel documents secure.
  • Keep a separate copy of important documents.
  • Check that you have your belongings before leaving a taxi or shop.

Police and officials

  • Verify unexpected claims of legal trouble through an independent official contact.
  • Do not share passwords, PINs or payment codes with unexpected callers.
  • Save suspicious messages and call details if you need to report them.

What travellers say about United Arab Emirates

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams a major concern in the United Arab Emirates?

Crime is low overall. The main problems described here are shopping pressure, taxi overcharging, missing change and fraudulent phone messages or calls.

How can I avoid paying too much for a taxi in Dubai?

Choose an official taxi with a visible meter. Avoid high off-meter quotes, and confirm any fixed fare in dirhams before the journey.

Is a hotel car charged like a regular taxi?

Not always. Unmarked hotel taxis and limousines may charge much more. Even a meter does not guarantee official taxi rates.

Is bargaining expected in souks?

Yes. In Dubai's souks, compare prices and ask for the seller's best price. Mall and Western chain-store prices generally are not negotiable.

Do I have to buy after a seller shows me lots of carpets?

No. Time spent showing goods does not create an obligation to buy. You can thank the seller and leave.

Can a shop add VAT to the displayed price at checkout?

The Abu Dhabi shopping guidance says the displayed price should be the till price. Question a last-minute increase claimed as VAT before paying.

What if a trader says they cannot give me small change?

Check how much you are owed and ask about the missing change before leaving. Using exact change can help avoid this problem.

Should I trust a call about a lottery win or a gift from a Sheikh?

Treat unexpected money offers as suspicious. Do not pay to claim them or share bank details and security codes.

What should I do if an automated call says I broke a law?

End the call and verify the claim through an independently found official contact. Do not make a payment because a caller frightens you.

Who should I contact after fraud or theft?

Report it to the police. Contact your bank immediately if money or card details are affected. Your embassy or consulate can help with a stolen passport. In Dubai, 999 is given for police attention.

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