THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IN DUBAI
Dubai is a fascinating city and, in fact, was recently named one of the Top 10 Travel Destinations by ZZZippy. This futuristic metropolitan city sits in the sandy Arabian Desert on the Persian Gulf. Dubai is a paradise for many tourists because of its towering skyscrapers, lively markets, exotic cuisine, and extreme events. There are countless fun, exciting, and memorable things to do in Dubai. As progressive and forward-thinking as Dubai is, you may be surprised to find that some things openly accepted in most other large cities can be absolutely frowned upon in Dubai. In fact, break these rules, and you may end up embarrassed, paying large fines, being deported, or even worse, being imprisoned.
So, before you visit Dubai, ensure you have a good handle on the Things You Should Never Do In Dubai.
THE LAST COUPLE MAY BLOW YOU AWAY
DUBAI
A unique city that is innovative, exciting, and invigorating. A visit there will bring you unforgettable memories for a lifetime. Unless you break their unusual laws, then you might pay dearly.
Go enjoy, but first, educate yourself by understanding the rules.
THE THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO THERE!
DO NOT DRINK IN PUBLIC
In Dubai, drinking alcohol in public is illegal in most instances. You can drink in licensed venues (hotels, bars, and restaurants ) or in private if you are of age (21 or older). You can also drink alcohol on private balconies, as long as it doesn't disturb others.
What is not legal is to drink in any public areas, parks, beaches, or on the streets. Being intoxicated in public or driving under the influence (of drugs or alcohol) is a criminal offense, and the penalties for breaking any of these laws are severe, including very large fines and possibly imprisonment.
DO NOT EAT IN PUBLIC DURING RAMADAN
While the law is rarely enforced, eating in public during Ramadan is against the law in Dubai. Not only can it result in fines, it can also result in jail time. However, the law is rarely enforced. In fact, eating, drinking, or smoking in public (during fasting hours) is illegal and can result in fines or even a month in jail.
DO NOT DANCE IN PUBLIC
Dancing in public is also illegal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is actually considered indecent and provocative. Dancing in public, like showing affection in public, can result in fines or even more severe penalties. However, it is legal to dance in the privacy of your home, as well as in licensed clubs and hotels.
DO NOT CURSE, SHOUT, OR USE CRUDE HAND GESTURES
Using foul language in public in Dubai is considered a crime; the UAE law prohibits abusive language and considers swearing in public an offense that can result in fines or even imprisonment (depending on the severity of the language). Indecent hand gestures could also be a problem for offenders. Shouting is also considered disrespectful and can carry consequences. This applies to residents as well as tourists.
DO NOT GREET OTHERS WITH YOUR LEFT HAND
Greeting people with your left hand is technically not a crime in Dubai, it is considered very disrespectful and is strongly discouraged as it is viewed as unclean. When you visit Dubai be cautious of which hand you are using and for what. Do not use your left hand to greet anyone, to open doors, to hand things to others (especially food), or to eat with.
DO NOT CRANK UP THE MUSIC
Playing loud music in public is also an offense in Dubai. Dubai has strict noise regulations and prohibits loud music in all public places, including malls. So much for Blue Cheer, Deep Purple, The Who & Kiss
DO NOT TAKE PHOTOS WITHOUT PERMISSION
It used to be legal to photograph others within reasonable community standards. However, following some recent updates, three key UAE laws prohibit the photography, recording, or videoing of an individual without their consent. This is especially true of taking photos of women.
DO NOT DRESS PROVOCATIVELY
There isn't a specific law explicitly stating "inappropriate dress" is a crime in Dubai. However, the country enforces public decency laws that require modest clothing. It is unadvised that people dress too revealingly in public places. Doing so can lead to fines or other potential legal issues if considered extreme or disrespectful to local culture. Dress modestly to avoid hassles.
NO PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Do Not Indulge In Public Displays of Affection. A public display of affection (PDA) is considered a crime in Dubai. Acts that might be considered sweet and innocent in other countries, such as kissing, hugging, and other displays of “passion” in public, are strictly prohibited in Dubai. Holding hands is considered acceptable, but you must be discreet about it. Violation of these rules can lead to fines or even jail time.
DO NOT CARRY OR POSSESS MEDICINES OR DRUGS
Bringing too much medication (or the wrong kind) to Dubai could result in it being confiscated by the authorities. Yes, it could even lead to criminal prosecution and imprisonment. If you visit Dubai, taking only absolutely necessary medication is strongly advised. Obviously, the penalties for illegal drugs are extremely severe.
DO NOT BRING PROHIBITED ITEMS
There are several things that you are not allowed to bring into Dubai, including the following items Alcohol, Batteries, Gambling Equipment, Compressed Gas Cylinders, Crude Ivory & Rhinoceros Horns, E-cigarettes, Fuel & Fuel Cartridges, Weapons & Ammunition, Battery-Powered Wheelchairs, Personal Motorized Vehicles, Radioactive Materials, Three-Layer Fishing Nets, Items banned by the UAE, Radioactive Materials, Goods originating from Israel or Egypt. While this is not a complete list, it gives you a good start. We recommend you consult with authorities before making a trip. Better safe than sorry!
DO NOT DISRESPECT THE ROYAL FAMILY
People have opinions, and in countries like America, you are most likely used to expressing those opinions, even about the government right up to the president. However, when visiting Dubai, you may want to suppress those opinions, especially when they apply to the royal family. It is a serious offense to criticize, mock, or insult the Royal Family, its religion, politics, or even the culture in Dubai. Violators of these laws can be severely penalized.
DO NOT SHARE A ROOM WITH SOMEONE YOU ARE NOT MARRIED TO
Beware that unmarried couples staying together, even in a hotel, is illegal in Dubai. Even if it’s just a convenience, unmarried couples staying together can lead to jail time, fines, and deportation. So, if you’re visiting Dubai with another person and you are not married, make sure you’re staying in different hotels or at least rooms. This is one that Dubai keeps an eye on, and it's easy to check
DO NOT CROSS-DRESS
Since Dubai is opposed to homosexuality, you may want to reconsider cross-dressing. Dressing as your born gender is the rule in Dubai, and violating that rule will almost certainly end with deportation or jail time.
NO HOMOSEXUAL ACTIVITY
Same-sex sexual activity is a crime in Dubai: In fact, both civil and Sharia laws criminalize same-sex sexual activity, including consensual relations. The penalty is at least one year in confinement. Gay men risk deportation, imprisonment, and even the death penalty. In addition, the gender expression of transgender people is also criminalized, and LGBT people are subject to discrimination and violence. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has deemed homosexuality illegal and punishable by imprisonment—in many countries, including Iraq, Kuwait, Egypt, Oman, and Syria. Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar punish homosexuality with the death penalty.
DUBAI
For many people Dubai will be the trip of a lifetime.
Our advice before going is to educate yourself about their laws and familiarize yourself with their rules and culture.
This will improve your chances of having a world-class vacation.
Plus, it's always better to be safe than to be sorry!
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