Look after each other.

Leave room for other people.

Ask before touching someone or joining their personal space. Being friendly, dancing nearby or saying yes earlier does not mean someone agrees now. If they pull away, hesitate or say no, stop. A person who is asleep or unable to make a clear choice cannot consent.

Harassment, intimidation, racist remarks and unwanted attention have no place in the scene we want to build. Respect people across backgrounds, abilities and ways of expressing themselves. That includes the people working the night.

Keep strangers out of your photos and videos. Ask before recording someone and before sharing an identifiable image of them. Follow the venue’s camera rules. Never film a person who is distressed or needs help. UAE visitor guidance also advises against photographing people without permission.

If something feels wrong, get help.

Tell a friend you trust and a member of venue staff. Ask them to stay with you and help you reach a quieter, staffed place if you can move safely. You don’t have to work out the cause before asking for help.

If you think a drink has been tampered with, stop drinking it and seek medical help promptly. Sudden confusion, unusual sleepiness or difficulty walking need attention. If someone collapses, cannot be woken or has trouble breathing, call 998 immediately.

Tell the call handler and medical team what you know, including symptoms, medicines, anything taken and any suspected tampering. Don’t guess or leave out information that could affect treatment. Don’t drive yourself or leave with someone you don’t trust.

Medical background: NHS guidance on suspected spiking. The emergency numbers and services on this page are for the UAE.

Be useful when someone needs you.

Ask what they need. Listen without blaming them or demanding an explanation. If it is safe, stay while another person gets staff. Give them space and keep bystanders from crowding around.

Call 998 for a medical emergency and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Don’t leave an unresponsive person to sleep it off. Don’t give food, drinks or medicine to someone who is not fully alert.

First-aid background: NHS advice on suspected poisoning. Call 998 for an ambulance in the UAE.

If someone is being threatened, get security or call 999. Avoid a confrontation that could put either of you at further risk. Let the person choose a trusted companion where possible.

A few things to sort before the first set.

Check the door policy

Read the organiser’s current age, ID, entry and dress requirements before travelling. Ask the venue directly about step-free access, seating or other support you need. An event listing is not a promise that those facilities exist.

Make room for breaks

For outdoor events and queues, plan for the heat. Drink water regularly and take breaks somewhere cooler. If you feel faint or unwell, tell someone and get help. Dubai Health Authority’s summer guide (PDF) explains heat-related illness.

Bring earplugs, move away from loudspeakers and give your ears time away from loud music. Get professional advice if ringing or hearing problems persist. WHO safe-listening advice.

Keep your drink with you

Don’t accept a drink from a stranger or drink from a glass you left unattended. These precautions cannot prevent every incident. If someone harms you, it is not your fault. UAE travel safety guidance.

Know the local rules

Using or possessing illegal drugs is prohibited in the UAE. Some medicines also have travel restrictions: check the current official requirements before bringing them into the country. Respect local customs and public behaviour rules outside the venue too. Visit Dubai’s practical information.

Plan the journey home

Charge your phone, agree a meeting point with friends and keep enough money for the return trip. Check the last service if you plan to use public transport. Tell your group when you leave.

Use a licensed taxi or a recognised booking service. RTA lists S’hail and Careem as taxi-booking options. Check the car and driver against the booking before getting in. If you’re unwell or too tired to drive, arrange a ride. RTA taxi booking.

You can ask for support afterwards.

If you have been assaulted or suspect spiking, seek medical attention promptly. Ask the clinician about appropriate care and documenting injuries. Keep relevant messages and a private note of what you remember, but don’t delay care to collect evidence.

Reporting procedures and legal protections differ between countries. For advice about your circumstances in the UAE, contact a qualified local lawyer or, if you are visiting, your embassy or consulate. This page cannot promise confidentiality or a particular legal outcome. Read the FCDO’s UAE guidance on sexual assault.

Contacting RaveDubai

For a correction to this guide or a listing, use our contact page. Send the page link and the correction needed. Please don’t send medical records, identity documents or someone else’s personal details.

Our inbox is not an emergency service or a channel for reporting a crime. Contact the relevant services above for incident support.