Back to Dubai Intelligence Brief View OPSEC & Personal Safety hub

Dubai OPSEC & Personal Safety Update

As of Feb 15, 2026, 12:07 AM

This opsec & personal safety update for Dubai covers the last 48 hours of cited sources compiled in the Genesis Signals report. Country risk level is medium, with Terrorism as the top risk driver. The report logs 3 incidents across crime, terrorism, traffic, and health in the last 48 hours. Cited sources include Gulf Today — Russia poisoned Navalny with dart frog toxin, European nations say (2026-02-14), Gulf Today — Vaccine scepticism is now in a new phase (2026-02-14), Lovin Dubai — Dubai Just Shared Their Cutest Love Stories On Valentine’s Day! (2026-02-14), and Gulf Today — MSF suspends some Gaza hospital work over presence of gunmen (2026-02-14). Recommended actions include Enroll in your embassy/consulate alert system (STEP) and follow official US Mission updates for the UAE. and Monitor airline communications and NOTAMs before travel; expect possible airspace/flight adjustments.. Situational notes from the report: Feb 15: U.S. Department of State reissued advisory: elevated risk of terrorism and missile/drone attacks in the UAE; potential targeting of tourist and transport hubs. and Feb 15: UAE begins fourth phase of airspace overhaul to refine route structures and sectorisation; may lead to new procedures and coordination affecting flights through Dubai corridors..

Topic resources

Dubai travel advisory
travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/united-arab-emirates.html
Emergency contacts
General: 999 / 998 / 997 | Police: 999 | Ambulance: 998 | Fire: 997

Operational guidance

Communications

Register with your embassy/consulate alerts (STEP) and save local mission social media/website links for real-time guidance.

Planning

Keep travel documents and emergency contacts accessible (digital and paper copies); have a simple contingency plan for missed flights or security alerts.

Situational awareness

Monitor airline notifications and local news; avoid demonstrations, crowds, and any area where security operations are reported.

Situation-specific guidance

Security posture
Limit time in high-profile tourist hubs or events that could be potential targets and maintain flexible plans in case authorities issue advisories.

FAQ

What is the country risk level for Dubai?

Country risk level is medium, with Terrorism as the top risk driver.

How many incidents were recorded in the last 48 hours?

3 incidents were recorded across categories in the last 48 hours.

Where can travelers find official guidance for Dubai?

Review the official travel advisory source referenced in the report: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/united-arab-emirates.html.

More topics for Dubai

Crime Terrorism Traffic & Transit Health & Medical Supplies & Services

Back to report

Back to Dubai Intelligence Brief

Snapshot

Country risk levelmedium

Advisory-derived, not city-specific.

Open official advisory

Top driverTerrorism

Total incidents3

CoverageFULL

Traveler essentials

Get an eSIMActivate mobile data in minutes. Avoid roaming fees.

Travel advisory

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

U.S. State Department

Last updated February 14, 2026 7:07 PM ET

Who is affected

Travelers, residents, and on-the-ground teams in Dubai.

What to do now

Check official updates daily, confirm routes, and keep emergency contacts handy.

Key takeaways

Reissued to reflect current security conditions.
Exercise increased caution in the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of terrorism and missile or drone attacks.
Country Summary: Residents and visitors generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE. However, elevated regional tensions have aggravated the risk of aerial and other terror attacks across the region. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) recommending caution for U.S. air carriers and commercial operators operating in the Middle East, including the UAE. For more information, U.S. citizens who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .
Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior, drug possession, traffic violations, and financial crimes. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest and/or an exit ban. U.S. citizens should review the Department of State’s Country Information Page for the UAE to learn about local laws, special circumstances, and additional information about travel to the United Arab Emirates. media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.

Read full advisory

Reissued to reflect current security conditions. Exercise increased caution in the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of terrorism and missile or drone attacks. Country Summary: Residents and visitors generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE. However, elevated regional tensions have aggravated the risk of aerial and other terror attacks across the region. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) recommending caution for U.S. air carriers and commercial operators operating in the Middle East, including the UAE. For more information, U.S. citizens who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices . Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior, drug possession, traffic violations, and financial crimes. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest and/or an exit ban. U.S. citizens should review the Department of State’s Country Information Page for the UAE to learn about local laws, special circumstances, and additional information about travel to the United Arab Emirates. media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter . • Follow the U.S. Mission to the UAE on Facebook , Instagram , and X , and visit the Mission website . • Review the Country Security Report for the United Arab Emirates. • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Visit source

Cited sources

Gulf Today — Russia poisoned Navalny with dart frog toxin, European nations say (2026-02-14)
Gulf Today — Vaccine scepticism is now in a new phase (2026-02-14)
Lovin Dubai — Dubai Just Shared Their Cutest Love Stories On Valentine’s Day! (2026-02-14)
Gulf Today — MSF suspends some Gaza hospital work over presence of gunmen (2026-02-14)
Gulf Today — Iran regime change could be 'best thing', says Trump (2026-02-14)
The Arabian Post — Mexico probes mining firm over worker kidnappings (2026-02-14)
The Arabian Post — HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge 2025 Achieves a Record 40% Surge in Participation (2026-02-13)
The Arabian Post — Cyclone Gezani shreds Madagascar and threatens Mozambique (2026-02-13)