There is a new travel advisory to a destination loved…

There is a new travel advisory to a destination loved by billionaires

Every month and at the end of the year in particular, the U.S. State Department reviews the travel advisories it issues for the 195 countries and nation states recognized by the United Nations.

Similarly to most other governments, the ranking system relies upon four tiers. The first "exercise normal precautions" level means that a nation is just as or even more safe to be in than home, while the fourth "do not travel" rating is usually assigned to authoritarian governments and countries actively at war.

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The Abu Dhabi, UAE skyline is seen at sunrise.
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Travel advisory reflects new 'risks on U.S. citizens and interests'

The advisory level is changed both when the situation on the ground shifts and as part of political deals with a given government.

The latter occurred when China made it easier for Americans to visit by expanding the time and scope of its visa-free transit policy and the United States responded in turn by lowering China's travel advisory rating from three to two.

Home to megalopolises like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates is a very popular destination both for tourists and billionaires looking to profit from the country's zero income tax policy and residency options for ultra-wealthy investors.

At the start of 2024, 48 billionaires were registered as having their primary residence in Dubai, while their combined wealth was estimated at over $210 billion. Dubai alone saw over 16.79 million international tourists in 2024 while Abu Dhabi saw just under five million.

As part of its year-end review, the U.S. State Department retained the level two "exercise increased caution" rating for UAE but issued a new advisory reminding visitors that "tensions have aggravated the risk of attacks on U.S. citizens and interests."

"Residents and visitors generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE, but regional tensions have aggravated the risk of attacks on U.S. citizens and interests," the updated note reads. "Militant groups operating in Yemen have threatened neighboring countries, including the UAE, with missile and drone attacks."

Dubai is very safe but here are some things to keep in mind

The note refers to UAE's geographical proximity to several conflicts currently taking place in the Middle East, such as the Houthi extremist organization that emerged from the war in Yemen during the 1990s and has been threatening Israel with drone attacks in the Gaza war that has engulfed the region since October 2023.

While UAE's location in the Middle East means the risk of escalating conflict is ever-present, it is generally considered to be an extremely safe place to visit — for those looking to spend money in top hotels and fine restaurants, in particular.

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Where more foreigners have run into trouble is with behavior that may not be seen as especially bad at home but is subject to very strict penalties in UAE — public drunkenness, disregard of traffic rules and use of soft drugs, in particular.

"Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior, drug possession, traffic violations, and financial crimes," the updated advisory reads further. "Breaking these rules can lead to arrest and/or an exit ban."

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