Dubai is a frivolous and a fun playground of the Persian Gulf, however,
never consider it the Middle East Vegas. While this eclectic metropolis
is among the most accommodating, liberal, relaxed, tolerating,
permissive and non-judgmental multi-ethnic destination in the entire
Middle Eastern region; you are obliged to be vigilant about your
behavior to a considerable extent. This is necessary to avoid cultural,
religious and personal conflicts; for the fact that what is legal in
your home country, may be considered inappropriate, illegal and
unacceptable here, due to legislative, cultural and religious
individualities.Dubai is an idyllic hotspot for holidays, vacations and shopping;
however, your fun time can be tainted, because of your unwitting
behavior and it may lead to somber consequences such as fines, penalties
and imprisonment (in severe cases). In fact, several foreigner visitors
have been sent to jail for their unintentional behaviors that actually
resulted in committing an offense under state law. Nevertheless, you
don’t need to be panicked or put off your plans. You can have a real fun
time just by adhering to some simple related to guidelines cultural and
religious sensitivities.
1. Don’t Sell, Consume or Carry Drugs
This is one of the most important aspect to muse, as all types of
drugs are prohibited in UAE; even a little quantity may lead to
imprisonment. Involvement found in sell, purchase, transiting or
consumption of drugs could lead to four years imprisonment. Furthermore,
it should be kept in mind that not all types of prescribed drugs and
medicines can be carried or purchased in Dubai, and several items that
we might consume for a trivial cure could be in actual illegal in Dubai.
So, check your luggage to ensure you have covered things not to do in
Dubai
2. Avoid Alcoholic Drinking in Public
In the Muslim world, Dubai is one of the most permissive state,
particularly when it is about boozing. In Dubai, you are required to
respect the laws and rules being unconditionally discreet and not
crossing the defined lines; else you could be in serious trouble. You
may buy alcohol only from licensed shops if you’re a non-Muslim.
Additionally, always carry your purchase in an opaque bag that does not
display the contents. Alcoholic consumption is merely allowed in
designated areas such as bars, licensed restaurants, clubs and hotels or
inside the home. Likewise, drink & drive are strictly prohibited;
so be very careful as Dubai maintain a zero tolerance policy regarding
alcohol consumption. We have listed bars in Dubai nightllife activities where you can consume alcohol.
3. Avoid Homosexuality, Affection, & Sex Out of Marriage
Public affection is strictly forbidden in Dubai; even simple shrugs
like kissing, hugging, and cuddling may lead to severe fines and
imprisonment. This means that undertaking such acts in public are looked
down upon. By legislation in Dubai, sex before marriage is also
illegal. However, this does not mean that you have to be married while
visiting Dubai; but you have to be very cautious in observing state
laws. Likewise, homosexuality is illegal too, and may lead to severe
sanctions.
4. Don’t Dress Inaptly
As mentioned above, Dubai is an Islamic region and it upholds strict
regulation regarding dress patterns, which are relatively conservative
than western countries. For instance national women prefer covering
their heads and wear absolutely non-revealing dresses or Hijab.
Therefore, when commuting in public places such as malls, restaurants,
streets, etc. try to dress up respectfully while specifically avoiding
super fitted, transparent and revealing dresses.
Dubai highly discourages nudity and consequently topless swimming is
absolutely banned over beaches, however appropriate swim suit is allowed
but only at beaches and swimming pools. Likewise, men can also do not
divulge their bodies, even if they are jogging or wandering around. They
have to wear T-Shirt all the time, and on beaches they are obliged to
wear shorts that are of considerable length, else it will be taken in
wrongful meaning. Furthermore, wearing T-shirts with offensive and
disrespectful slogan is also debarred.
5. Don’t Drink or Eat Publically In Ramadan
Be aware if you are travelling to Dubai during Ramadan particularly,
as it is prohibited to eat at public places from dawn to dusk. Since
Muslims fast in Ramadan, it is strictly illegal to eat or drink in front
of Muslims before sunset in public places. If you are a non-observer
then eat or drink at your private place or in hotels or restaurants
where eating or drinking is allowed by the authorities.
Likewise, don’t play out the music loud or dance during Ramadan
(Note: this is prohibited normally too). Conversely, evenings in Ramadan
are highly festive and you may find an extravagant food menu in Iftar
(a meal that is symbolically marked to unfasten).
6. Don’t Disregard Womenfolk
Local society and culture of UAE is very reserved and secluded in
general. Addressing females at random publically are strictly glowered
down. Additionally, sexual harassment and disrespect of women is handled
stringently. Furthermore, open friendliness with women, constant public
staring and prolonged eye-contact is also considered offensive.
7. Don’t Swear or Make Insolent Gestures
Swearing, cursing and making insolent gestures are considered to be
very offensive. Cursing vulgarities or indecent gestures such as showing
the middle finger to someone in Dubai are illegal. Doing so might lead
to penalties such as fine, hail or being deported specifically depending
over the degree of authority whom you offended.
8. Don’t Insult Rulers and Religion
The entire United Arab Emirates has a tribal based system in which
leaders are considered extremely respected within the society.
Therefore, any type of insulting comments or criticizing remarks against
leaders, flag or country are against the law and treated as an offense.
While in Dubai, try not to make any comment on the rulers of Dubai.
9. Don’t Take Photos Without Permission
In Dubai taking pictures of anyone and particularly of locals without
their willingness and permission is illegal and the law imposes fines
and custody sanctions on the act. Therefore, be cautious while taking
photos and it is better to ask before, particularly from the
inhabitants.
10. Don’t Smoke in Non-Designated Zones
Although there are lots of Hookah bars, Shisha lounges and restaurant
in Dubai where you can have Shisha publically, however smoking in
shopping malls, shops and government building are strictly prohibited
and may lead to fines and penalties. Therefore, avoid lighting a
cigarette in a public place.
Source; Dubai Travel Guide
