While there are no legal penalties for eating with your left hand in Dubai, it is considered impolite and disrespectful to the local customs and traditions. This can lead to social and cultural consequences, such as offending your hosts or fellow diners.
When you are in Dubai, you must be careful while using your hands. You must never ever use your left hand to eat, to greet anyone, to open doors, and to hand over something, especially food items to someone in Dubai.
1. Do not use your left hand. Using your left hand is considered filthy in Arab culture, as it is traditionally used for “body hygiene”.
Always use your right hand to eat and pass food, and NEVER use your left hand.
Kissing in public is not allowed in Dubai, regardless of where it occurs. This applies to all forms of public displays of affection, such as kissing on the lips, on the cheek, or in a private place.
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.
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.
It's perfectly acceptable to wear swimming trunks, bikinis or one piece swimsuits on the beach or by the hotel pool; but it's disrespectful to walk the streets in a bikini or in shorts and a bikini top. Gentlemen may admirably fill out their Speedos but keep them for the beach too.
If you are a Muslim, ensure that you don't eat bacon regardless of the part of the world you are in, including Dubai. That's because this culture considers it illegal, and you may face the law upon going against it. However, that doesn't apply to non-Muslim counterparts.
Yes, you can wear Flip Flops anywhere you go in Dubai. The only time you shouldn't wear them is if you're at a really nice hotel. It's also best not to wear them in the desert because they're very easy to lose in the sand dunes.
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 use flip-flops wherever you go in Dubai. If you're staying at a luxurious hotel you should refrain from wearing them. Additionally, since they are so simple to misplace in the dunes, it is best to avoid wearing them in the desert.
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.
Wearing what you want has never been more fashionable than when visiting Dubai! Short sleeves, strapless, and off the shoulder are all acceptable styles for women to wear there.
“Sending a middle finger emoji on a smartphone or even sending a middle finger picture through email can put you in trouble. It's an insult in the UAE and the law can punish you with either jail of up to three years or a fine of up to Dhs 500,000,” criminal defense lawyer Abdullah Yousef al Nasir told 7DAYS.
Avoid any tees with pictures or slogans that might be considered offensive. Vests and tanks shouldn't be worn in public but are fine for the beach or gym. It's definitely not ok to walk around shirtless in public, and that includes unbuttoning your shirt all the way down to show off your impressive chest hair.
Yes, you can wear a cross necklace in Dubai. People from all walks of life go to Dubai because of its international atmosphere. Due to the many different cultures and religions represented there, it is typical to see people dressed in ways that show their ethnic or religious identity.
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.
Of course, this then leads many expatriates to ask are tattoos allowed in Dubai and the UAE. Having tattoos is perfectly fine and legal. And if you're asking can you show tattoos in Dubai? Yes you can.
So, in any case, you can brush your teeth with tap water in Dubai. But if you feel anything unhygienic, you can buy bottled water to use.
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.
You are free to bring any non-prescription, non-controlled medication into Dubai. This includes medicine such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, travel sickness medication, and Calpol.
Liquor licences are not available to non-residents in the other Emirates, but it is possible for tourists and visitors to buy and drink alcohol in licensed venues, such as hotels, restaurants and clubs.
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.”