DubaiPest

Independent information site. Not affiliated with Dubai Municipality, any government body or any pest control company. We take no bookings.

ArachnidDubai, UAEChecked 23 October 2026

Scorpions in Dubai

Scorpiones

Free DM service · 24 hours
Size
About 3–10 cm
Moves
Crawls
Bites or stings
Stings
Season
All year
Where you'll see them
Garden, Outdoors
What to do now
  1. Keep children and pets away and do not try to pick it up
  2. Shake out shoes, towels and clothes left outside before using them
  3. Call Dubai Municipality on 800900; if someone is stung, call 999

Bite, sting or poisoning: call 999. Municipality: 800900.

Short answer

  • Found under stones, wood and garden clutter, especially in villas near the desert edge. Shake out shoes left outside and keep gardens tidy.
  • Treated as a poisonous pest: the Municipality's stated response is within 24 hours (Khaleej Times, Nov 2024).

Signs of scorpions

  • Sightings at night near walls and paving
  • Hiding under stones, planters and stored wood

If someone is stung, call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Does Dubai Municipality treat scorpions for free?

Treated as a poisonous pest: the Municipality's stated response is within 24 hours (Khaleej Times, Nov 2024). Read how the free service works.

Flats and villas

HomeWhat's different
FlatScorpions are uncommon in apartment buildings, though ground-floor flats with gardens near open land may see them.
VillaIn villas near the desert edge, scorpions shelter under stones, planters and stored wood, so a tidy garden matters most.

How to keep them out

  • Clear stones, stored wood and garden clutter near the house
  • Seal gaps under doors and around pipes
  • Store shoes indoors or check them before putting them on
  • Use a torch when walking in the garden at night
  • Move planters and stored items away from walls

Guides that cover scorpions

Questions people ask

Does Dubai Municipality deal with scorpions?

Yes. Scorpions are treated as poisonous pests, and the Municipality's stated response is within 24 hours. Call 800900.

What should I do if someone is stung by a scorpion?

Call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department. For a pet, contact a vet straight away.

Where do scorpions hide in a Dubai villa?

They hide under stones, wood, planters and garden clutter, and are usually seen at night near walls and paving.

General information only. If you hire a company, check it is on Dubai Municipality's approved list, and ask for written safety instructions before treatment.

Sources

  1. Dubai: Got mosquitoes in your home? How to apply for free Municipality pest control service (Khaleej Times, Nov 2024)
What to do now