Issues in Dubai.

[gtidriver]

Hi all, my wife our son, and I went on holiday to Dubai in 2021, a great holiday we had. The issue I had was coming through security I had an extended search. The very unfriendly security guard was not having it that I had an extension real in my carry-on and also a Victorinox Swiss card in my wallet, both of which were confiscated, he took a photo of my driver's license and I've heard nothing from anybody since then. I'm looking to book our summer holidays and Dubai is on our list. Should I not worry and book, or will I be spending my holiday and beyond when I'm arrested on arrival??

The extension lead is a small wind-up 4 gang circular model and my Brother in law is senior border force here and says that the Swiss card is safe to fly and the security in Dubai was being an arse.

Thank you for your constructive answers.

[jimmyjimjim]

If they'd wanted to arrest you, they'd have done so at the time. Same goes for fines.
You may well have been added to some Dubai-specific watchlist for extra screening and careful baggage/body cavity searching if you come back - so don't carry any medication at all, or an extension lead, or a swiss card.
Does sound like he was being an arse though.

[muscatdxb]

My family and I must have travelled through DXB 300+ times and never been stopped. Unless you are on some kind of list then you’ll be fine.

I’d probably check your extension cables though!

[768]

jimmyjimjim said:

If they'd wanted to arrest you, they'd have done so at the time

This, but knives, even pocket knives, are illegal in the UAE and I think that was changed in the last few years, not sure exactly when but I perhaps after 2021. I believe you can get exemptions, but I'd be very careful.

[gotoPzero]

I think you will be fine. The swiss army card probably went straight in his pocket afterwards.