To find out if Dubai is dangerous, here's a guide to the neighborhoods to avoid and the best neighborhood to stay.

In fact, when I looked for a hotel in Dubai myself, I had a lot of difficulty spotting the areas to avoid and finding the ideal area as a tourist.

However, to choose a well-located accommodation to visit and enjoy the beach, you first need to know the different districts of Dubai and their characteristics:

• Is it dangerous to go to Dubai?
• What insecurity for tourists?
• Are there neighborhoods to avoid in Dubai?
• What is the best neighborhood to stay in Dubai?
• Which hotel in Dubai to visit the city on foot?

I am therefore sharing below a comparative study with the map of Dubai neighborhoods to locate the neighborhoods to avoid and the best neighborhoods to stay in.

Is it dangerous to go to Dubai?

NO: Dubai is not a dangerous city at all. Dubai is even one of the safest cities in the world.

Indeed, if we study the Numbeo ranking of the most dangerous cities in the world, we see that Dubai is ranked among the least criminal with a very low crime index of only 16,34.

It is therefore much less dangerous than cities like London , Rome , Paris or Marseille.

What insecurity in Dubai?

According to the Numbeo ranking, Dubai is the 7th safest city in the world out of 427 ranked cities. It comes in just behind Doha , Taipei , Quebec City , Zurich, Abu Dhabi , and Sharjah.

Nevertheless, the reliability of this type of classification is very relative because it is established according to the opinions and feelings of Internet users and therefore remains quite subjective.

Furthermore, crime statistics are reported as averages. However, in Dubai, as in all major cities, crime is concentrated in only certain areas. See the article " Violent brawl leaves three dead in Dubai " on the news site actu.com.

This is why, apart from a few areas to avoid in Dubai (as in all capitals), the city is not at all dangerous.

Safety in Dubai for tourists

Throughout the United Arab Emirates, and therefore of course in its capital, Dubai, tourists are safe. France Diplomatie advises maintaining normal vigilance throughout the country, with the exception of Grand Tomb, Little Tomb, and Abu Musa islands.

In Dubai, police officers regularly patrol and monitor all of Dubai's sights and landmarks.

The police have also deployed a network of drones that detect all offenses and infractions. It has been observed that these infractions are primarily failure to wear masks and traffic violations. See the article published on May 29, 2021, in Lepetitjournal.com: " 4,400 infractions detected by the police thanks to drones ."

Map of Dubai neighborhoods

Dubai is geographically divided into 2 parts: Old Dubai and New Dubai.

There are many neighborhoods in Dubai and not all of them are officially listed. They are added to the 13 districts of the city which are as follows:

• Business bay
• Dubai City center
• Dubai World Central
• DSO & International City
• Dubailand
• Jebel ali
• Jumeirahs
• Mushrif Park
• Palm deira
• Sheikh Zayed Road
• The palm jumeirah
• The World
• World Aid City

I am not going to review them all but simply tell you in this article only the worst and the best areas of Dubai.

To make your search easier, here's a Google Maps link to help you locate the different neighborhoods of Dubai: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1FxEbUshjVF75q1PA

Neighborhoods to avoid in Dubai

Far from being dangerous neighborhoods, the 2 neighborhoods below should simply be avoided for a tourist stay in Dubai: Deira and Sonapur

Deira district in decline in Dubai

Deira is the oldest district in Dubai. More authentic than the city's ultra-modern areas, it is also one of the poorest. It is mainly populated by workers from abroad (Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China). See the location of this district

Admittedly, this district has a tourist interest because of its history and its many souks but it is not the best district to choose a hotel there.

Sonapur poor district of Dubai

Located 13 km from the international airport, Sonapur isn't really a neighborhood but rather a camp resembling a shantytown. See the location of this area

Indeed, Sonapur camp brings together more than 150 poor workers who cannot afford to live in central Dubai. They live there in shacks in precarious conditions that contrast with the wealth and luxury of the immense towers of Dubai.

Best neighborhoods to stay in Dubai

It's hard to name the best district in Dubai because it depends on your tastes and desires.

Here are therefore the best districts of Dubai classified according to the desires of each one (family stay, seaside stay, tourist stay, shopping weekend…).

Areas of Dubai where to stay with family

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a pleasant area where you can enjoy magnificent views of the marina and the city. See location of this area

This area is ideal for relaxing with the family while enjoying the many restaurants, cafes, shops and its equipped beaches.

Al Safa

Adjacent to the Jumeirah beach resort area, Al Safa is an ideal neighborhood for a family holiday. See location of this neighborhood

Residential and peaceful, we find the Safa Park with its picnic areas, its balloon playgrounds and its karting circuit. In this area, you can take a family walk to Al Wasl Square or along the Dubai Maritime Canal. This canal is bordered by numerous pedestrian paths and cycle tracks which will make the joy of beautiful ballads with the children.

Neighborhood to stay in Dubai for a seaside holiday

The Jumeirah district is very popular because it's located on the seafront, with beaches lined with restaurants and attractive shops. It's an ideal area for a seaside holiday as everything is within walking distance. See the location of this district

As a bonus, for those who wish to visit, its location is close to the Satwa district, the historic Al Fahidi district and the business centers. You can also visit the white stone mosque of Jumeirah and the famous Madinat souk!

Umm Suqueim

This neighborhood is also very pleasant as it borders the Jumeirah district. See location of this neighborhood

Umm Suqeim is a district renowned for its surf beaches and its iconic Burj Al Arab hotel (shaped like a sail). Its Wild Wadi water park is a major draw for families.

Neighborhood to stay in Dubai for a crazy stay

For an unforgettable stay, Palm Jumeirah is the island that best symbolizes Dubai. See location of this area

It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Dubai. It is about a set of artificial islands which form on the sea a palm tree with 17 branches.

Best area to visit Dubai

Downtown Dubai is the city center of Dubai. This district is renowned for having some of the most beautiful and tallest towers in Dubai. It's home to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, the Dubai Opera, and the Dubai Mall (the world's largest shopping mall).

This is the most beautiful area of ​​the city, home to Dubai's celebrities and wealthy families. See the location of this neighborhood.

Affordable area to stay in Dubai

The Al Barsha district is an area where housing is slightly less expensive. This fairly central area offers many hotels with excellent value for money. See location of this district

It is a quiet area where you will find the large Mall of the Emirates, international restaurants as well as attractions like indoor ski slopes.

Well served by public transport, this area is a good option for those on a budget.

Dubai district Jessica Thibault

We will end with a bling bling note which does not denote in Dubai!

Indeed, Dubai is becoming the new trendy destination for influencers and other reality TV candidates. The phenomenon was highly publicized with Jessica Thibault who settled in a chic and residential area to live there.

From what I've read online, this neighborhood is brand new, located on the edge of the world's largest Crystal Lagoon. It houses nearly 600 luxury villas inhabited by celebrities from all over the world.