Dubai, UAE, bans websites falling into categories like pornography, gambling, terrorism, fraud, hate speech, and anything deemed to insult public morals, national security, or the ruling order, with specific sites blocked by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) for ISPs like Etisalat and Du, including certain VoIP services like Skype calls and VPN sites used for bypassing filters.
Banned Items
All kinds of Narcotic drugs (Hashish, Cocaine, Heroin, Poppy Seeds, Hallucination Pills, etc..). Goods intended to be imported from boycotted countries. Crude Ivory and Rhinoceros horn. Gambling tools and machineries.
The UAE government employs a combination of technology and legislation to enforce internet restrictions. Many popular websites and services, such as Skype and WhatsApp calls, are blocked or heavily regulated, and content that is considered politically, culturally, or morally sensitive is restricted.
Can police track VPNs in the UAE? Law enforcement can potentially track your VPN usage if they suspect that you are engaging in illegal activities.
The United Arab Emirates has an advanced surveillance system, which includes all online modes as well as real life monitoring of public spaces.
WhatsApp isn't officially banned in Dubai, but the voice and video calling features are banned in Dubai and, by extension, in the UAE. This measure has been undertaken by the TDRA for security and regulatory reasons.
Public displays of affection are discouraged in Dubai, even between married couples. Handholding or innocent affection is fine but keep the passionate kisses and heavy petting behind closed doors when you are here to avoid trouble.
Yes, $100 a day is enough in Dubai if you're a budget traveler focusing on free activities, local eateries, and public transport, but it won't cover luxury experiences like fine dining, expensive attractions, or high-end hotels, requiring smart choices like staying in hostels or budget areas (Bur Dubai, Deira). Expect to spend more if you plan on activities like helicopter tours or upscale brunches, but you can enjoy beaches, souks, and metro rides within this budget by prioritizing.
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol services, are where you make a phone call via the internet. Throughout Dubai, the UAE government has ensured such calls cannot be made to help protect national security. This means that other similar services like FaceTime are also unavailable.
One of the symbols that best represents Dubai is the 3-finger hand gesture, coined in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al. Maktoum. The meaning behind the three fingers is “Winning - Victory - Love”, understood as work ethic, success and love for the nation.
🍬🚫 💡This strict rule is part of Dubai's efforts to keep the city clean and maintain its polished image. While it may seem unusual, the city is known for its impressive cleanliness and order, and the gum ban is just one of the many ways they maintain their high standards.
The 3000 AED requirement in Dubai is often misunderstood. There is NO mandatory requirement to carry exactly 3000 AED cash when entering Dubai as a tourist. However, UAE immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds (typically AED 3000-5000 or equivalent) to cover your stay.
A deeper look into the top 15 blocked websites
All firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapons or items that could be used as weapons such as knives, swords, or self-defence sprays are strictly prohibited from entering Dubai. Meats that were not cut using Halal practices, including certain exotic meats or wild game, are strictly prohibited from entering Dubai.
It is legal to use a VPN in the UAE for legitimate purposes, both personal and commercial. However, if someone is involved in illegitimate activities and uses network masking devices and software, including but not limited to VPNs, they will be subjected to severe penalties of imprisonment, a fine, or both.
To illustrate, let's say you earn AED 20,000 per month. Using the 50-30-20 rule, you'd allocate AED 10,000 to needs, AED 6,000 to wants, and AED 4,000 to savings or debt. Everyone's situation is different, so this rule may not fit your spending habits.
Dubai's strictest laws focus on respect for Islamic culture, government, and public order, heavily penalizing public displays of affection (PDA), public drunkenness, drug offenses (even trace amounts), disrespecting religion/royalty, and cyberbullying/online criticism, with severe penalties like fines, jail, and deportation, emphasizing modesty, consent in photos, and strict adherence to rules around alcohol and medications.
While 3000 AED is NOT a good salary in Dubai, the minimum 'good salary' depends on lifestyle. For basic, modest living in Dubai: Single person needs minimum AED 6,000-8,000 monthly for shared accommodation and simple lifestyle. For basic comfort with private studio, minimum AED 10,000-12,000 is needed.
Yes, you can wear a cross in Dubai. But, it's important to understand the cultural context. Small cross jewelry is usually okay, but large crosses or religious clothes might stand out. Always think about where you are when wearing religious symbols.
What Not to Do in Dubai: Essential Travel Rules
Public displays of affection should be minimal; holding hands is acceptable but kissing and hugging in the public is not. Noise disruptions, bad language, making obscene gestures and showing disrespect in any way to the UAE, its leaders or religion are all forbidden and may land you in legal trouble and deportation.
Legal Consequences
Offenders may face fines ranging from AED 250,000 to AED 500,000 and even imprisonment depending on the severity. In some cases, deportation orders may also be issued against expatriates.
The most reliable video calling apps in UAE include BOTIM, Zoom, GoChat, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. These apps work without VPN restrictions, offering secure video calls in Dubai and across UAE. To use them, ensure you have an active VoIP package from Etisalat or Du.
You can get facetime to work in the UAE if you use Du's network. Works over both, 3g/lte and wifi. If you're on Etisalat's network, it will NOT work without a VPN. -Facetime works perfectly on all Mac computers in the uae either on Du's network OR through using a VPN on Etisalat.