Risk / Health Info for United Arab Emirates

Do I need vaccinations for United Arab Emirates?

If you want to ask, ‘What vaccinations do I need for United Arab Emirates?’, talk with a healthcare advisor at Global Travel Clinics. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine will help you to avoid two unpleasant GI illnesses. They are available as a combined shot.

Some groups of travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. These include children, and frequent and long-stay travellers. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Can I get medical treatment in United Arab Emirates?

Hospitals are up to North American standards, but you will not be able to use them if you do not have either travel health insurance or available funds for medical bills. Healthcare can be very expensive.

The emergency number in United Arab Emirates is 999.

What other health risks are there in UAE?

There have been some cases recently of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in United Arab Emirates. This infection has a high mortality rate. It is thought to be contracted from camels, and you should take hygiene measures such as handwashing if you visit a farm, barn or market or touch a camel. Avoid contact with sick animals. Do not drink raw camel milk or urine; and do not eat meat that has not been properly cooked.

Cases of legionnaire’s disease have been seen among travellers returning from Dubai. Travellers with underlying medical conditions should be particularly aware of this respiratory infection. The risk of contracting legionnaire’s disease is greater in poorly maintained hotels and apartments. You are advised to run showers with hot water for a few minutes before getting in: it is believed this will flush out the bacteria that cause legionnaire’s disease. Anyone who finds themselves with flu-like symptoms during their stay in United Arab Emirates or within a fortnight of their return should get medical advice. Legionnaire’s disease can be treated with antibiotics. The Health and Safety Executive has some information about legionnaire's disease.

Malaria in United Arab Emirates

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of United Arab Emirates at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

MERS-CoV in United Arab Emirates

MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory infection with a high mortality rate. It is caused by the coronavirus and is thought to be contracted from infected camels. You should take diligent hygiene measures such as thorough handwashing if you visit a farm, barn or market or touch a camel. Avoid contact with sick animals. Do not drink raw camel milk or urine; and do not eat camel meat that has not been properly cooked. The Government of Canada has issued a travel health advisory about Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in United Arab Emirates.