As far as crime goes, the UAE is a very safe region. The main danger is bad driving - many drivers don't seem to have a concept of other cars, and courtesy on the road simply does not exist. Although many of the beaches in the country look calm, they often have dangerous rips. If swimming at an unpatrolled beach (no public beaches are patrolled) be very careful. There are regular reports of people drowning, particularly at the beaches in Dubai.