United Arab Emirates : Travel Health

WARNING! This information is out-dated and likely to be inaccurate!

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about United Arab Emirates may be out-of-date. Always research the current health conditions and issues in any region you plan to visit prior to departure.

Infectious Diseases and Medical Concerns for United Arab Emirates

The following medical diseases or health concerns are more common in travel to United Arab Emirates (compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World):

• travelers’ diarrhea
• cholera
• Escherichia coli diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• typhoid fever
• Insect born diseases
• parasitic diseases
• Dengue fever
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis
• onchocerciasis
• plague - risk for travelers is small
• toxoplasmosis
• HIV
• AIDS
• hepatitis B

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for United Arab Emirates

The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in United Arab Emirates compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving

Uncommon or Rare Diseases and Medical Concerns for United Arab Emirates

These medical diseases or health concerns are uncommon or rare in United Arab Emirates:

• yellow fever - no risk although vaccination certificate may be required if coming from an infected area
• malaria - no risk

Vaccinations for Travel to United Arab Emirates

The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to United Arab Emirates to prevent contagious diseases in United Arab Emirates:

• hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
• hepatitis B - If you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
• rabies - if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
• typhoid
• tetanus - booster dose as needed, diphtheria - booster dose as needed, measles - booster dose as needed,, polio

Preventions or Health Precautions for Travel to United Arab Emirates

Any health risk of travel to United Arab Emirates may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting United Arab Emirates:

• high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
• mosquito bite prevention
• insect bite protection
• avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
• eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
• to prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
• always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• don’t eat food purchased from street vendors
• don’t drink beverages with ice
• don’t share needles with anyone
• don’t handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
• don’t swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer
• use sunblock and take sunglasses and a hat

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to United Arab Emirates

The following may be issues relevant to travel to United Arab Emirates:

• high level medical care is available in major cities
• adequate medical care is available throughout the rest of the country but is not to the standards of industrialized countries
• foreigners applying for residency or work permits will be tested for HIV with the exception of those under 18 years of age
• there may be consular warnings against travel to the country
• check latest advice for updates