Jazmin Li
Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major transit hub for travellers across the globe. However, its location in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has raised concerns about the threat of terrorism, especially in light of the country's proximity to conflict zones and its role in the US-led War on Terrorism. The UAE has been linked to terrorist activities, with Dubai implicated in the funding and transit of the 9/11 hijackers, leading to lawsuits against the Dubai Islamic Bank. While the UAE government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism financing and actively counters terrorist organisations, the country faces an increased threat of terrorism, including attacks from rebel groups in neighbouring Yemen. Travellers are advised to remain vigilant and comply with local laws and security measures, especially when transiting through UAE airports, to ensure their safety in a region with dynamic security challenges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety from terrorism | Dubai Airport is considered safe from terrorism, but there is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally, and the UAE has an increased threat of terrorism, including against military bases. |
| Terrorist organizations | The UAE government has designated a list of 83 organizations as terrorist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Hezbollah, Houthis, and the Islamic State. |
| Security measures | All guests at Dubai Airport must pass through customs, and certain items, such as narcotics, are prohibited and may result in fines or imprisonment. |
| Travel advisories | The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises travelers to remain vigilant at all times due to the threat of terrorism. |
| Legal system | The UAE's legal system includes Sharia or Islamic courts working alongside civil and criminal courts, which can make legal issues complex and time-consuming. |
| Transportation | Dubai has a modern and reliable public transportation system, including buses and pink taxis driven by women. |
| Road safety | Road accidents causing fatalities are common in the UAE, and drivers can be reckless. Driving conditions may be hazardous during sandstorms or fog due to limited visibility. |
| Consular assistance | Consular assistance is available from the Australian and Canadian embassies and consulates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. |
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What You'll Learn
Dubai Airport's connection to the 9/11 attacks
Dubai Airport, officially named Dubai International Airport (DXB), has been linked to the 9/11 terrorist attacks that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001.
According to the 9/11 Commission Report, several of the 9/11 hijackers travelled to the US after transiting through Dubai International Airport. Specifically, 17 of the 19 hijackers passed through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the months leading up to the attacks. The report also indicated that the hijackers received funding from investors in the UAE, who raised funds through their UAE-based businesses. In addition, the report raised concerns that the UAE banking system may have been used by the 9/11 hijackers to launder funds.
The Library of Congress Research Division's 2007 report further emphasised Dubai's connection to the attacks:
> "Dubai is strongly linked to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States; more than half of the hijackers flew directly out of Dubai International Airport to the United States".
Despite these connections, it is important to note that no official link was found between the UAE government and the terrorists.
Separately, the Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), a UAE-based bank, has faced multiple lawsuits alleging direct involvement in funding the 9/11 hijackers. However, these lawsuits have been dismissed, and the bank expects complete dismissal from any further proceedings, as the evidence is not sufficient to hold the bank liable for damages.
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Dubai's safety as a holiday destination
Dubai is considered a safe destination for tourists, despite the threat of terrorism. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has not advised against travel to any part of the UAE, including Dubai, but it's important for travellers to remain vigilant and follow local authority advice.
Dubai has been strongly linked to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, with more than half of the hijackers flying directly out of Dubai International Airport. However, no official connection to state-sponsored terrorism has been found between the United Arab Emirates government and the terrorists. The UAE has designated a list of 83 organisations as terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Islamic State. The UAE has also actively participated in US-led counter-terrorism operations against Al-Qaeda in Yemen, earning the nickname "Little Sparta" from US defence officials.
It is important to note that Dubai and the UAE have unique laws and customs that travellers should be aware of. For example, drinking or possessing alcohol in public is illegal, and there are strict laws against drug-related offences, with severe penalties for trafficking, smuggling, using, and possessing illegal drugs. It is also important to respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions, especially during religious events like Ramadan. Other safety precautions include using only licensed taxis or recognised forms of public transport and following standard safety guidelines when crossing roads.
While Dubai is considered safe for tourists, travellers should stay informed about potential changes in travel advice and follow any instructions from local authorities. Keeping up-to-date with news and FCDO updates is crucial, as changes in travel advice can happen swiftly.
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The UAE's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism financing
Dubai Airport, the largest airport in the Arabian Gulf, has been linked to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. According to reports, 17 of the 19 hijackers transited through the United Arab Emirates in the months leading up to the attacks, and more than half of them flew directly out of Dubai International Airport. However, no official connection to state-sponsored terrorism was found between the UAE government and the terrorists.
The UAE has since demonstrated its commitment to combating terrorism financing and restoring stability in the Middle East by implementing a zero-tolerance policy. In a speech delivered by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly, he emphasized the need for zero tolerance towards all those who finance, promote, and support terrorism and extremism. The UAE is party to 15 regional and international agreements to combat terrorism and has enacted legislation to prosecute terrorists, counter terrorist financing, and criminalize acts of religious defamation and hate speech.
Sheikh Abdullah's policy recommendations included taking collective action to identify and hold accountable countries that support and finance terrorism. He specifically mentioned the UAE's measures with its allies Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt to stop Qatar's support for extremism and terrorism. The UAE and its partners have implemented sanctions on Qatar, including boycotts and bans on air travel, shipping, media, finance, and energy.
In addition to its regional partnerships, the UAE has a strong alliance with the United States on countering terrorism financing. The UAE enacted a law in 2018 to align with international standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. In 2021, the UAE established the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing to lead the implementation of its whole-of-government strategy, working closely with regional and global entities, including the United States. The UAE's efforts extend beyond legislation and diplomacy, with its armed forces playing an active role in the US-led War on Terrorism, earning the nickname "Little Sparta" from US defense officials.
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The UAE's list of designated terrorist organisations
Dubai International Airport has been strongly linked to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. According to the 9/11 Commission Report, 17 of the 19 hijackers transited through the UAE in the months leading up to the attacks, and more than half of them flew directly out of Dubai International Airport. Despite this, no official connection between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government and the terrorists has been found.
The UAE has taken steps to counter the threat of terrorism and affirm its policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism financing. Following the implementation of UAE Federal Law No. 7 in November 2014, the Cabinet of the UAE designated a list of 83 organizations and entities as terrorist groups. This list includes:
- Muslim Brotherhood
- Al-Qaeda
- Taliban
- Hezbollah
- Houthis
- Islamic State
The UAE has also been involved in joint counter-terrorism operations with the United States, targeting Al-Qaeda in Yemen. In addition, the UAE advises its citizens to avoid traveling to Lebanon due to the increasing influence of Hezbollah in the Lebanese government.
- The European Union has two lists of designated terrorist organizations, one copied from the United Nations and the other autonomous.
- The United States Department of State maintains a list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), designated by the Secretary of State under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
- The Australian Government maintains a list of terrorist organizations under the Security Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2002.
- The Government of Kazakhstan publishes a list of terrorist organizations banned by courts.
- The National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing of Israel maintains a list of "Terrorists Organizations and Unauthorized Associations".
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Dubai's customs and prohibited items
Dubai Airport has implemented various security measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff. While there is no guarantee that an airport is completely safe from terrorism, Dubai Airport authorities are vigilant in their efforts to mitigate potential risks.
Now, regarding Dubai's customs regulations and prohibited items, it is essential to adhere to the following guidelines:
Customs Regulations:
- All passengers arriving at Dubai Airport must pass through customs, and it is advisable to declare any uncertain goods upon arrival.
- Passengers carrying cash or financial instruments exceeding AED 60,000 must declare them to customs authorities.
- Gifts should not exceed AED 3,000 in value, and the total cash and financial instruments should not be more than AED 60,000.
- Alcoholic beverages are allowed, but the total quantity should not exceed 4 litres.
- For tobacco products, the limits are 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 500 grams of tobacco.
Prohibited Items:
- Narcotics and controlled substances, including cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogenic pills.
- Medications that are restricted in the UAE, unless a valid prescription is provided.
- Explosives, personal motorised vehicles (e.g., hoverboards, Segways), e-cigarettes, and drones without a permit.
- Lithium batteries, lighters, and flammable containers.
- Food prepared or cooked at home, seeds, raw plants, fruits, vegetables, and other unpackaged edibles.
- Gambling tools, crude ivory or rhinoceros horns, products from boycotted countries, and items that go against Islamic beliefs.
- Counterfeit money, original sculptures, engravings, and publications that violate Islamic sentiments.
- Three layers of fishing nets, used tyres, and items polluted by nuclear or radiation exposure.
It is essential to check the official websites of Dubai Customs and the UAE Ministry of Health for the most up-to-date information on prohibited items and medications before travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
While Dubai Airport is considered safe, it is worth noting that 17 out of 19 hijackers involved in the 9/11 attacks transited through the UAE in the months before the incident. The UAE government has a list of groups it considers terrorist organisations, and association with such groups can lead to arrest or denial of entry. The country has also been listed as a place used by investors to raise funds for militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The UAE has affirmed a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism financing. The country's armed forces play an active role in the US-led War on Terrorism and have been nicknamed "Little Sparta" by US defence officials. The UAE has also conducted joint counter-terrorism operations with the US against Al-Qaeda in Yemen.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has stated that there is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally, affecting UK interests and British nationals. Travellers are advised to remain vigilant at all times.
Report any suspicious activity to airport security or the police. It is also important to follow the advice of local authorities in the event of a security incident.
Yes, it is important to be aware of local laws and customs when travelling through Dubai Airport. For example, certain items, such as narcotics, are prohibited and may result in fines or imprisonment. It is also illegal for non-residents to drive without an International Driving Permit (IDP).
