Travel smart to United Arab Emirates with health and immunisation in mind

Why health planning matters for travel

Travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be rewarding for holidays, work, business, or visiting family. Thoughtful health planning helps reduce avoidable illness, supports comfort in a challenging climate, and ensures you are prepared for local health regulations. Most travel health considerations relate to routine immunisation status, food and water hygiene, heat exposure, and medication regulations rather than rare or extreme disease risks. A calm, practical approach allows you to focus on your trip rather than health disruptions.

Common illnesses travellers may encounter

In major cities with busy airports, shopping centres, hotels, and public venues, common respiratory and gastrointestinal infections circulate year-round. Colds, influenza, COVID-19, and viral gastroenteritis account for most travel-related illness. Close contact in indoor, air-conditioned environments increases exposure risk, particularly during peak travel seasons. Most infections are mild, but prevention remains worthwhile.

Immunisation and routine protection

Before travelling, it is important to ensure your routine vaccinations are current. This typically includes protection against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, influenza, and COVID-19.
For many travellers, additional vaccines such as hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended due to potential exposure through food and water. Hepatitis B may be advised for longer stays or situations involving potential blood or bodily fluid exposure.
Yellow fever vaccination is not routinely required unless you are arriving from, or have transited through, a country with yellow fever risk. Immunisation advice should be individualised and discussed with your GP or travel doctor before departure.

Food, water, and everyday hygiene

Food hygiene standards are generally high in hotels and established restaurants. Even so, bottled water is recommended for drinking and brushing teeth, particularly for travellers with sensitive stomachs. Regular hand hygiene and choosing freshly prepared food help reduce gastrointestinal illness and support comfort during travel.

Climate, heat, and hydration

The UAE has an extremely hot and dry climate for much of the year, particularly from late spring to early autumn. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are common preventable issues. Adequate fluid intake, sun protection, light clothing, and limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours support safe and comfortable travel.

Insects, animals, and specific health risks

Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue have been reported, particularly in urban areas. Using insect repellent and protective clothing helps reduce exposure.
Rare cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have occurred in the region. As a precaution, avoid contact with camels and raw camel products. Avoiding contact with stray animals also reduces rabies risk.

Medications, healthcare, and insurance

The UAE has strict regulations on certain medications, including some strong painkillers and psychotropic medicines. All prescription medications should be carried in original packaging with a doctor’s letter, and legality should be checked before travel.
Medical facilities in major cities are modern and well equipped, but treatment often requires upfront payment. Comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for emergency care and evacuation, is essential.

When to speak with your GP before travel

A GP or travel-health appointment four to six weeks before departure allows your immunisation status, medications, health history, and itinerary to be reviewed together. This discussion focuses on preparation rather than restriction and helps you travel confidently and safely.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.