United Arab Emirates
United Arab EmiratesWhat this score means
- Extreme75 to 100
- Severe and systematic. Device search, interception and detention over online activity are documented rather than theoretical. Reconsider what you carry and what you say.
- High50 to 74
- Substantial and consistently evidenced measures. Device inspection, monitored networks or restricted services should be expected rather than treated as unlikely.
- Caution25 to 49
- Some risk, and manageable with precautions. Measures are evidenced but are narrow, inconsistently applied, or the picture is mixed.
- Low0 to 24
- Ordinary precautions. No systematic device search, network restriction or prosecution of visitors for online speech is evidenced.
Government travel advice is written for one citizenry, so the same country carries a different assessment depending on your passport. Change it in the header.
Showing the baseline, which weights every issuer equally. No government in our corpus publishes travel advice written for you, so this is not addressed to you specifically.
For United Kingdom nationals: 66 (high). This leans on advice written for British nationals, and weights other issuers lower.
For Europe nationals: 66 (high). This leans on advice written for German nationals, and weights other issuers lower.
For United States nationals: 68 (high). This leans on advice written for US nationals, and weights other issuers lower.
For Canada nationals: 67 (high). This leans on advice written for Canadian nationals, and weights other issuers lower.
For Latin America and the Caribbean nationals: 68 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Latin America and the Caribbean, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Latin America and the Caribbean and this destination.For most passports in this region, United Arab Emirates requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 33 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Africa nationals: 68 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Africa, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Africa and this destination.For most passports in this region, United Arab Emirates requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 54 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Middle East nationals: 68 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Middle East, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Middle East and this destination.For most passports in this region, United Arab Emirates requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 17 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For South Asia nationals: 68 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for South Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between South Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, United Arab Emirates requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For East and South East Asia nationals: 68 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for East and South East Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between East and South East Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, United Arab Emirates requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 19 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Oceania nationals: 68 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Oceania, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Oceania and this destination.For most passports in this region, United Arab Emirates requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
Dimensions
Each dimension is scored independently, because the traveller who cares about legal exposure for what they have posted is often not the one carrying client data. Higher means more risk.
Speech and legal exposure
What legal risk attaches to what I have said online, or say while I am there?
good confidence9 independent sources
Why this score (13 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored ARE 1 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Freedom House 2026 scored ARE 0 of 4 on free and independent media.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored ARE 1.63 of 4 on how routinely the government censors political content on social media, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored ARE 0.77 of 4 on how often people are arrested for political content they posted online, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
United Arab Emirates - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-08-29 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for United Arab Emirates: no advisory against travel in force.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-07-24 · written for GBR nationals
United Arab Emirates: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-14 · written for CAN nationals
United Arab Emirates (Vereinigte Arabische Emirate): No travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-09-30 · written for DEU nationals
“By arresting Samuel Peter Oyay without explanation, UAE authorities are once again showing that commentators and journalists face tremendous risks in a country where press freedom is severely restricted,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ Regional Director.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-10-07 · extracted by language model
Comments or behaviours considered defamatory, antisocial, culturally insensitive, or contrary to morality may be punishable by:
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
On 12th March, the Guardian reported that at least 20 people, including a British national, had been charged under UAE cybercrime laws in connection with filming and posting material related to Iranian attacks.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-09-30 · extracted by language model
You must apply for the appropriate permissions to carry out media activity, including the production, transmission or distribution of printed, digital, audio, video or visual information.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-07-24 · written for GBR nationals · extracted by language model
The tourist was detained under a law in the United Arab Emirates that prohibits publishing or sharing material that could disturb public security, according to Detained in Dubai, an organisation that provides legal assistance to individuals in the UAE.
MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-03-12 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- SMEX, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-11-30: aged out after 3 years.
Network threat
How hostile is the network environment to a foreign visitor, from state actors and criminals alike?
good confidence8 independent sources
Why this score (10 sources)
ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, Technical pillar: 20.00 of 20.
International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index · observed 2024-12-31
Freedom House scored United Arab Emirates 14 of 25 on obstacles to access in Freedom on the Net, a category covering state control over internet infrastructure and gateways, regulatory and ownership control over service providers, and the independence of the regulator.
Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access · observed 2025-01-01
Cybercrime, malware attacks and online extortion are common in the UAE.
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
近年、SNS等を通じた詐欺被害が多く発生しており、当局が被害防止のための啓発を行っています。
Our translation: In recent years, many cases of fraud through social media and similar means have occurred, and the authorities have been conducting awareness activities to prevent harm.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas travel safety information · observed 2026-10-16 · written for JPN nationals · extracted by language model
The partnership will also focus on information sharing, capacity building, awareness initiatives, and advisory support, enhancing the UAE’s resilience against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
TechAfrica News, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-12-16 · extracted by language model
Every Iranian strike came with a cyberattack, UAE cyber chief says
Euronews, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-09-17 · extracted by language model
UAE Government’s Cybersecurity Council announced that the country’s national cybersecurity systems had successfully detected and thwarted advanced and organised cyberattacks targeting the aviation, energy and education sectors.
Khaleej Times, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-08-10 · extracted by language model
UAE foils cyberattacks targeting vital sectors
The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1 · observed 2026-08-10 · extracted by language model
UAE foils sophisticated cyberattacks targeting critical sectors
The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1 · observed 2026-08-10 · extracted by language model
UAE says it foiled cyberattacks targeting vital sectors
The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1 · observed 2026-08-10 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- The Record feed, observed 2023-12-20: aged out after 3 years.
Surveillance and interception
How comprehensively are communications intercepted, retained, and monitored, and is commercial spyware in use?
good confidence7 independent sources
Why this score (8 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored ARE 1 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored ARE 0.92 of 4 on how comprehensively the government monitors social media and private online communication, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored ARE 0.85 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer. This measures what privacy law permits rather than what monitoring is practised, so it is read here as a constraint on interception rather than a measurement of it.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2025 scored ARE 0.28 of 1 on whether freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy is effectively guaranteed, a measure built from expert assessments of warrantless interception of communications.
World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6 · observed 2025-01-01
Auf die flächendeckende Videoüberwachung im öffentlichen Raum wird besonders hingewiesen.
Our translation: Particular attention is drawn to comprehensive video surveillance in public spaces.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
Rama called the project “extraordinary” and said it is capable of verifying people’s names and any criminal records.
Balkan Insight (BIRN), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-02-03 · extracted by language model
De lokale autoriteiten kunnen uw activiteiten op internet en sociale media controleren.
Our translation: The local authorities can monitor your activities on the internet and social media.
Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Reisadvies · observed 2026-10-16 · written for NLD nationals · extracted by language model
The deployment includes high-definition surveillance cameras, advanced network video recorders, intelligent video analytics, and a fully integrated monitoring platform engineered for low latency, continuous operation, and scalability in a super-tall, mixed-use environment.
TechAfrica News, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-02-11 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- Middle East Eye, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-05-11: aged out after 3 years.
Data jurisdiction
What happens to corporate or client data I carry into the jurisdiction?
moderate confidence1 independent source
Why this score (1 source)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored ARE 0.85 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Encryption and VPN legality
Are VPNs and strong encryption lawful, and can I be required to install an application or hand over keys?
good confidence5 independent sources
Why this score (6 sources)
Global Partners Digital assessed United Arab Emirates as: Some restrictions.
Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies · observed 2019-06-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored ARE 0.13 of 4 on whether the government regulates the internet in a way consistent with international human rights standards, where higher is freer. This does not establish whether encryption or VPN use is lawful. It measures internet regulation in general, and is used as indirect evidence because the only survey that reads encryption law directly was published in 2019.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI confirmed blocking on 64 of 7,653 measurements of anonymity and censorship circumvention tools in ARE over the 90 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 0.84 percent, with 2,467 further results inconclusive.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
The authorities also restrict the use of virtual private networks (VPNs).
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
Die Nutzung von VPN (Virtual Private Network) Software steht unter Strafe, wenn die Software im Zusammenhang mit anderen Rechtsverstößen zum Einsatz kam (z.B. Nutzung illegaler Webseiten oder Download urheberrechtlich geschützter Inhalte).
Our translation: Using VPN (Virtual Private Network) software is punishable when the software is used in connection with other legal violations (e.g. using illegal websites or downloading copyright-protected content).
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
Die Nutzung von VPN (Virtual Private Network) Software steht unter Strafe, wenn die Software im Zusammenhang mit anderen Rechtsverstößen zum Einsatz kam (z.B. Nutzung illegaler Webseiten oder Download urheberrechtlich geschützter Inhalte).
Our translation: Using VPN (Virtual Private Network) software is punishable when the software is used in connection with other legal violations (e.g. using illegal websites or downloading copyright-protected content).
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Border device risk
How likely is my device to be searched, imaged, or seized at the border, and can I be compelled to unlock it?
good confidence5 independent sources
No reports were found of devices being searched, imaged or seized at this border, or of travellers being compelled to unlock them. The score below is drawn from general indicators for this country rather than from anything observed about this risk, so it describes an absence of reports rather than evidence that the risk is absent.
What the score rests on (5 indirect sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored ARE 1 of 4 on due process in civil and criminal matters.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
United Arab Emirates - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-08-29 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for United Arab Emirates: no advisory against travel in force.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-07-24 · written for GBR nationals
United Arab Emirates: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-14 · written for CAN nationals
United Arab Emirates (Vereinigte Arabische Emirate): No travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-09-30 · written for DEU nationals
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Connectivity continuity
How likely am I to lose access to the internet, or to the specific tools I depend on?
good confidence7 independent sources
Why this score (8 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored ARE 2.79 of 4 on how often the government shuts down domestic access to the internet, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored ARE 0.25 of 4 on how routinely the government filters internet content in practice, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI recorded 139 confirmed and 10,538 anomalous results across 93,180 web connectivity measurements in ARE over the 30 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 0.15 percent.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
United Arab Emirates - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-08-29 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for United Arab Emirates: no advisory against travel in force.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-07-24 · written for GBR nationals
United Arab Emirates: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-14 · written for CAN nationals
United Arab Emirates (Vereinigte Arabische Emirate): No travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-09-30 · written for DEU nationals
The UAE does not expect proposed restrictions preventing children under the age of 15 from independently holding social media accounts to significantly affect the country's fast-growing creator economy, an official at the National Media Authority said.
Khaleej Times, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-21 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Trend
The overall score is up 7.0 points over 61 days, from 59.9 to 66.9. Most movement is the event overlay decaying rather than anything happening: a news signal loses half its weight every three weeks, so a score drifts back toward its structural baseline on its own. A step that holds is the one worth reading.
Check this yourself
These are not inputs to the score for United Arab Emirates. They are where to look if you want to test what is above against something we did not use.
- OONI ExplorerMeasured tests of website and app blocking, updated continuously by volunteers running probes in country. Not used in our scores: its licence forbids commercial use.
- IODA outage recordThe full outage history behind any continuity events shown above, including the measurement methods that detected them.
- FCDO travel adviceThe UK government view, written for UK nationals.
- US State Department travel advisoriesThe US government view, written for US nationals.
Sources
This assessment draws on 21 sources: Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise; Balkan Insight (BIRN), via a site scoped search; CIVICUS Monitor country updates; Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search; Euronews, via a site scoped search; Freedom House, Freedom in the World; Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access; Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories; Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies; International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index; Khaleej Times, via a site scoped search; Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Reisadvies; Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas travel safety information; MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search; Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data; TechAfrica News, via a site scoped search; The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1; UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice; US Department of State, Travel Advisories; V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project; World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6. Every contributing claim is quoted with its origin and date above. Model version 0.12.0, computed 2026-10-16.
If something here is wrong, say so. Corrections are handled in public, and we correct because the evidence is wrong, not because someone objects.