Gulf Arab states, including Dubai, aren't exactly fond of uncensored content. Now, they have issued warning to Netflix, asking it to pull down content that is violating "Islamic and societal standards."
Netflix as a streaming service is not blocked in the UAE, but the US Netflix content is really limited.
The United Arab Emirates censors the Internet using Secure Computing's solution. The country's ISPs Etisalat and du (telco) ban pornography, politically sensitive material and anything against the perceived moral values of the UAE. All or most VoIP services are blocked.
The United Arab Emirates' Media Regulatory Office has announced that new movies will be released in cinemas there without any censorship.
How Is American Netflix Different from One in UAE? Dubai is serviced by UAE Netflix, which includes about 500 movies and less than 200 shows, while the US Netflix has over 1200 shows and more than 4,000 films.
Can I use a VPN to stream Netflix in the UAE? Yes. In fact, most UAE ex-pats use VPNs with servers in their home country to continue watching their favorite entertainment programs. Using a VPN to stream Netflix in the UAE is not against the country's law either.
Networks have different licensing agreements in certain regions of the world, making some shows and movies available on Netflix in one country, but not in another. Netflix determines which content library to show you based on the geographic region associated with your IP address.
You should dress modestly when out in public. Women should avoid strappy tops and miniskirts, covering their arms and legs when exploring the city. Men should cover their knees and shoulders, with long shorts and t-shirts considered acceptable. It's also important to note that cross-dressing is illegal in Dubai.
Nudity is strictly forbidden. Swimwear is not not allowed in public places. However, it can be worn in pools and beaches. Out of respect of Islamic tradition, female travellers will be required to wear abayas or head coverings when visiting mosques.
Swearing and making rude gestures (including online) are considered obscene acts and offenders can be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public.
Sexting in the UAE is against the law. That also includes nude selfies, as this young couple found out.
Anything which contains pornography, Anti Islamic content, anything that criticize its political establishment is blocked in Dubai.
WhatsApp, like most free VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), video calls, and messaging services, is blocked in Dubai and The UAE. This can make it difficult to keep in touch with friends and family back home unless you're willing to pay for a government-approved service like C'Me or BOTIM.
As of 2022, Netflix is streaming in over 190 countries, not including China, Crimea, North Korea, Russia or Syria.
Yes, you will need a UAE Amazon Prime membership to avail shipping and other exclusive Prime benefits. You can keep your other Prime memberships to access benefits available in other Amazon locations. All new Amazon Prime members in UAE are eligible to try all Prime benefits free for 30 days.
Can women wear shorts in Dubai? Yes, women can wear shorts in Dubai as long as they are not too short. You can wear them at beaches or malls but you should avoid them at local markets and souks.
Men can wear shorts, pants, shirts, or T-shirts. Women can wear dresses, skirts, shorts, and T-shirts, blouses, tops… The dress code is somewhat stricter at shopping malls, local areas, and mosques, and also during Ramadan. When in doubt, cover your knees and shoulders.
Having tattoos is perfectly fine and legal. And if you're asking can you show tattoos in Dubai? Yes you can. Saying that, however, if you have a tattoo that is considered offensive and against the values of the UAE, you may face trouble.
In general, most 'normal' clothing is tolerated, provided it is not too outrageous. Women do not have to cover their head, face and hair with a scarf or something similar in public, although Muslim women, particularly Gulf Arabs, do cover their hair, face and head with a scarf for cultural and religious reasons.
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.
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.
Netflix is available in over 190 countries around the world. Each country has its own catalog of original and licensed TV shows and movies. The country on your account can't be changed unless you move to a new one. If you have moved recently, see Moving with Netflix for details.
Netflix has to separately buy rights to content in Canada and USA, so if they don't think it's worth their money to buy the same content in both countries then they'll just choose to buy rights in the more profitable jurisdiction.
Netflix blocks VPNs because they allow viewers to bypass geo-blocks. And these geographical restrictions are put in place because the platform needs to adhere to strict licensing agreements.