Embassy of Colombia in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; address Villa 1, Al Bateen Area, West 39, Plot N. 55, Abu Dhabi; phone +97126580788. Head of…
Head of mission: Mr. Luis Miguel Merlano Hoyos, Ambassador (as of 2022)
Colombia is an appealing destination for visitors from the United Arab Emirates, thanks to its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. With around 2.2 million foreign visitors each year, it is a notable player in the global tourism market. Given that 6.3 million Emiratis travel abroad annually, a segment of this population may find Colombia's diverse tourism offerings attractive.
Colombia presents certain safety concerns for tourists, particularly when compared to the United Arab Emirates. According to the Global Peace Index, Colombia is ranked 143rd out of 160 countries, while the UAE is significantly safer at 52nd. In terms of crime statistics, Colombia has a murder rate of 27.5 per 100,000 people, compared to just 0.5 in the UAE. Additionally, female murder rates are 4.1 in Colombia versus 0.4 in the UAE. The Global Organized Crime Index further highlights the disparity, with Colombia scoring poorly on various crime-related metrics, such as mafia groups (9.5) and cocaine trade (9.5), compared to the UAE's scores, which are generally around 6 or better. While many tourists visit Colombia without incident, it's advisable for travelers from the UAE to exercise caution, stay informed about local conditions, and follow travel advisories.