LGBTQ+ Safety Notice — HIGH RISK

Criminalised in all seven emirates; the death penalty is a legal possibility — discretion essential

Local law: Same-sex sexual activity is criminalised across all seven emirates under federal law and, in some, Sharia — penalties include imprisonment and deportation, with the death penalty a legal possibility. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are cosmopolitan but the law is unforgiving.

Safety guidance for visitors →

Do not disclose your orientation to hotel staff, drivers, or guides.
Avoid public displays of affection of any kind.
Do not use LGBTQ+ dating apps — police entrapment via apps is documented. If you must, install a VPN before arrival.
Avoid carrying LGBTQ+ identifiers (flags, books, screenshots) in luggage.
Phone searches at airports can include checks for LGBTQ+ content — delete sensitive chats/photos before crossing borders.
If travelling with a same-sex partner, present yourselves as "friends" or "colleagues"; book separate hotel rooms for safety.
Use Signal or Wire for sensitive messaging — not WhatsApp.
Keep emergency cash (USD/EUR) and two separate payment cards.
Stay at international-chain hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt) — they rarely interrogate guest arrangements.
Register with your embassy on arrival — consular help may be limited.
Share a daily check-in with someone trusted abroad.
Listings on this page are provided for harm reduction and informed travel decisions — not a recommendation to visit.

🆘 Who to contact if in trouble →

Global emergency resources (always available):

Rainbow Railroad — emergency relocation for LGBTQ+ people facing persecution. Confidential intake form.
OutRight International — global LGBTQ+ human rights advocacy and emergency referrals.
ILGA World — global legal-status map and regional contacts.
UNHCR — refugee status if you are persecuted; LGBTQ+ is a recognised ground for protection.

Local / regional contacts:

Rainbow Railroad (relocation help): rainbowrailroad.org/request-help
ILGA World: ilga.org

Embassy emergency lines:

🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov — find your embassy and the 24/7 line
🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/world
🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca — Emergency Watch and Response Centre +1 613 996 8885
🇪🇺 EU: europa.eu — any EU embassy can help EU citizens
🇮🇱 Israel: gov.il/foreign-affairs — Citizen Assistance Centre +972 2 530 3155

If detained: do not sign any document you do not understand. Request your embassy and a lawyer immediately. Do not consent to phone searches without legal advice.

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SALT

Name: SALT
Address: Umm Al Emarat Park - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, AE
Rating: 4.5

Google (4612) 4.5

/ 100

GayOut Score

G4.5

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Umm Al Emarat Park - Abu Dhabi

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About this place SALT

Located within the verdant Umm Al Emarat Park, SALT is a popular dining destination in Abu Dhabi that embraces an inclusive atmosphere. It's a place where everyone can feel welcome, enjoying a relaxed vibe amidst the park's greenery. The venue is known for its approachable pricing, making it an accessible choice for many. Visitors frequently highlight the pleasant ambiance and the quality of the food, contributing to its strong 4.5/5 rating on Google from over 4,600 reviews. It's a great option for travellers seeking a friendly environment to enjoy a meal or a casual get-together in the heart of Abu Dhabi, offering a comfortable experience for all patrons.

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Last updated on 16 August 2026

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