Swearing, using obscenities, or making rude gestures in public. Using vulgar or obscene language in public, along with making rude gestures, can get you arrested in Dubai.
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.
“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.”
Stoning. The United Arab Emirates has sentenced several people to death by stoning. In 2010, stoning to death was prescribed as the default method of execution for adultery, and it remained a legal punishment under the UAE's interpretation of Sharia in 2021. In general, the sentence is not carried out.
Dubai is heavily monitored, so violent crime directed at tourists is rare. Most tourist-directed crime in Dubai is likely to be petty stuff like pickpocketing, scams, or sexual harassment.
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.
Generally, According to Article 443 of the UAE Penal Code, any person who commits a crime of theft will be punishable with imprisonment of at least 6 months or fine, unless it is being punished under other provisions for theft.
An aggravated assault is categorized as a 'felony' as opposed to a simple 'misdemeanor'. Felonies constitute serious crimes with stringent punishment and fines, which may include longer prison sentences, fines and even life imprisonment.
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.
It is now possible living as a Dubai couple without being married. However, the law is only valid for heterosexual couples.
Tourists are permitted to drink in licensed restaurants, hotels and bars attached to licensed hotels. It is unacceptable and punishable to drink in public places—even beaches. Dubai is incredibly strict about public drunkenness and has zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
Swearing in WhatsApp messages
Not only is it a criminal offence to drop an F-bomb in public, but it's also against the law to use abusive language in WhatsApp messages – and that includes the 'middle finger' emoji.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Food and drink
Drinking alcohol and eating pork is forbidden for Muslims. However, alcohol in Dubai is legal for non-UAE nationals and non-Muslims to consume so long as they are over the age of 21 and have a permit to do so.
Criminals who escaped a hudud punishment could still receive a ta'zir sentence. In the 21st century, hudud, including amputation of limbs, is part of the legal systems of Brunei, Iran, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Assault is considered a violent crime in Dubai. Being accused of assault can result in either a misdemeanor or a felony charge. Either charge will result in jail time, fines, and restitution to the victim, parole and a mark on your criminal record for life.
Penalties for Drinking and Driving in Dubai
According to Article No. 49 of the Traffic Law, drinking and driving can lead to a minimum fine of AED 25,000 and imprisonment. In addition to this, your driving license might get suspended for anywhere between three months to two years.
Holders of regular (non-diplomatic) Australian passports can enter the UAE without obtaining a visa in advance. Australians may obtain a free multiple-entry Visit Visa of 30 days' validity (with an additional 10-day grace period) on arrival at any UAE international land, air or sea port.
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.
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.