Dubai Laws Dubai has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption, dress, sexual conduct, and social behaviors in general that are important for visitors to take note of. Some of these laws include only drinking alcohol in your home and at licensed venues.
Dubai is a country where the laws are Islamic and these laws are very sensitive in nature. Therefore watch your language before you say something. It is not necessary that what you consider fine in your country would also be fine in Dubai. So never swear in Dubai, especially in Public.
Con: Strict laws relating to religious practices
Dubai is a Muslim country, therefore some of the rules and laws can seem strict to those used to a more western lifestyle. Some of the things you shouldn't do in Dubai include public displays of affection, dressing inappropriately or being visibly drunk in public.
“Holding hands for a married couple is tolerated but kissing and petting are considered an offence to public decency,” it adds. “Public displays of affection, as well as sexual harassment or randomly addressing women in public places, is liable to be punished by imprisonment or deportation.”
Heterosexual couples who were not married were not allowed to live under the same roof. This law was based on Emirati culture and the Muslim religion, which forbids sexual relations outside marriage. However, Dubai remains one of the most tolerant cities in the United Arab Emirates and has revised its law.
Unmarried couples in Dubai
Sexual relationships or unmarried couples cohabiting is illegal in Dubai. Cohabiting, including in hotels, is also illegal, however most hotels in Dubai do not enforce an 'only married couples' rule. The luxury hotels which mostly cater to foreigners are especially relaxed.
According to the law, it's illegal for unmarried couples to stay in the same room during a holiday in Dubai. In reality, this is not strictly enforced and it's unlikely you'll be challenged on it. Many unmarried couples visit Dubai every year without issue.
You can wear shorts in Dubai and even skirts, if they are at knee length and not shorter than that. Just be mindful of the fact that there are a lot of families and children there.
Sexting in the UAE is against the law. That also includes nude selfies, as this young couple found out.
It is illegal for muslims to cohabit before marriage. It is therefore against the law in Dubai to share a room if you are not married, HOWEVER, it is one of the laws that a blind eye is turned to for the tourist trade and therefore it will not be an issue - no one will ask yoiu they will just assume you are.
Gum is banned from sale in Dubai, making this a major prohibition. You'll have to carry your gum from abroad to indulge in the habit. However, medicated gum could be available at some drugstores and specialist shops.
If you intend to live and work in the country, you will need a long-term visa. Those looking to work in the UAE will need a work permit, often referred to as a labor (sic) card. Before you can apply for a work permit, you will need the following: An entry employment visa.
The UAE's law prohibits sale of tobacco and tobacco products to children. Smoking in public transportation, private vehicles and indoor places in the presence of a child is also prohibited.
Public displays of affection (PDA) are illegal in Dubai and may be punished with imprisonment or deportation. These laws include kissing, hugging, holding hands, etc.
It's 100% OK to carry condoms. In fact, you will find them everywhere in Dubai (Pharmacies, supermarkets, etc.). In case you are wondering (and I think you are since you asked this question), condoms are not a problem for both the Islamic and the Arabian cultures.
The death penalty can be applied in the United Arab Emirates as a capital punishment for crimes endangering the society's safety. It is rarely carried out, however, as a panel of three judges must agree on the decision of a sentence to death and the death penalty may not be executed until it is confirmed by the U.A.E.
In Dubai, holding hands, hugging, and kissing in public is considered socially unacceptable and if caught indulging in such acts, you might land up in jail.
Unmarried couples are not allowed to share a hotel room or bed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is because of the country's strict Islamic laws and cultural norms.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country that is known for its strict rules and regulations. The country is composed of seven emirates, one of them being Dubai. As per the UAE's laws, using VoIP services such as FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber is illegal in the country.
The general rule regarding dressing in public in Dubai is to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and your knees. It's best to refrain from wearing clothing that is too tight or too revealing for both men and women.
Most public places in Dubai will accommodate decent ripped jeans. For example, you can wear them in the desert, old Dubai, public transport, and shopping malls. However, if they are extremely ripped, avoid wearing the jeans in such places. Wear such in hotels, party brunches, beach clubs, and bars.
If you plan on visiting either, remember to wear loose-fitting and conservative clothing, so avoid shorts and keep ankles covered. Women should also cover their head and arms before entering. You can bring a shawl of your own, but some mosques also let visitors borrow abayas.
So, is Dubai really that expensive? Dubai isn't actually much more expensive than London, New York, and other big cities. However, Dubai's not a very walkable city. Jaywalking is illegal, and crossings are few and far between.
The Dubai Tourism Bureau states: “Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that recognises that marriage does not define all relationships and as such does not discriminate against singles or unmarried couples visiting the emirate.”
According to the law in Dubai, it is illegal for an unmarried couple to stay together in a hotel room. This is due to the Islamic beliefs of the country, which forbid unmarried couples from engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage.