What are laws in dubai?
Dubai can be a strict place for you if you will not follow or will break the rules being a tourist. Therefore given below are some important rules for people visiting Dubai for the first time.
It is strictly against the laws of Dubai if you reveal clothes in public or even wear clothes that are less than your knees. UAE is a country that is not democratic, it follows the Islamic and as well as sharia laws, therefore, it is a compulsion on you to wear appropriate clothes, and do not forget to cover your shoulders too.
In the holy and sacred month of Ramadan, there are some rules that must be followed even by tourists, visitors, or people coming from Australia, etc. As Ramadan is a month when Muslims fast therefore it is necessary for the visitor not to eat, chew, or drink water in public. Everyone has to follow the rules otherwise they may have to face some real troubles. During this month nothing should pass through the mouth between sunrise and sunset.
Loud music is completely prohibited in public areas. People coming from western areas consider this thing completely fine and they like to use loud music in public areas. Well, this is not acceptable in Dubai.
All the instructions are based on experiences. Hence it is good for you to online book your ticket for any Enduro tour in Dubai, and pre-book your ticket for Burj Khalifa too, for this will not make you stand in long queues. Burj Khalifa is a monument and a great tourist attraction too. Undoubtedly, it is the tallest building.
People who are visiting Dubai for the very first time must know that swearing is Dubai in not a good act. 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.
Everything is perfectly fine but not the summers. The summers of Dubai are highly crucial. They are very intense and extreme that sometimes become impossible to tolerate. In summer people spend most of their time indoors, or in a shopping place or somewhere having A.C. People who are fond of desert adventures Dubai must know that summers here are very intense.
People from western countries believe that Dubai is full of casinos. This is something completely wrong; there is not a single casino in Dubai. Not even in the whole UAE. So it is better for you to keep this thing in mind before visiting Dubai.
People, who want to visit Dubai just with the intention to shop, must know that shopping in Dubai is expensive. People who Dubai love to go to malls but rarely do they shop. The rates are only inexpensive when there is the sale season. So wait for the sale season and enjoy your visit.
This is the very strict law of Dubai you simply cannot drive while you are drunk. If the police catch you driving while you are drunk, you might have to go to jail. As far as alcohol is concerned you can only have it if you have a license.
In Dubai, Sunday is not a holiday but it is a working day. Instead, Thursday is the weekend in Dubai, because Friday is a holiday. In most countries Sunday is a holiday and Saturday is a weekend but it is not the case in Dubai.
Mentioned above are some of the important rules that an outsider, visitor, or tourist must know before visiting Dubai. Dubai is not likely in other western countries instead it follows sharia rules, therefore the rules and policies are quite different here. These are implied in each and every person. Violation of rules has serious consequences.
Dubai can be a strict place for you if you will not follow or will break the rules being a tourist. Therefore given below are some important rules for people visiting Dubai for the first time.
It is strictly against the laws of Dubai if you reveal clothes in public or even wear clothes that are less than your knees. UAE is a country that is not democratic, it follows the Islamic and as well as sharia laws, therefore, it is a compulsion on you to wear appropriate clothes, and do not forget to cover your shoulders too.
In the holy and sacred month of Ramadan, there are some rules that must be followed even by tourists, visitors, or people coming from Australia, etc. As Ramadan is a month when Muslims fast therefore it is necessary for the visitor not to eat, chew, or drink water in public. Everyone has to follow the rules otherwise they may have to face some real troubles. During this month nothing should pass through the mouth between sunrise and sunset.
Loud music is completely prohibited in public areas. People coming from western areas consider this thing completely fine and they like to use loud music in public areas. Well, this is not acceptable in Dubai.
All the instructions are based on experiences. Hence it is good for you to online book your ticket for any Enduro tour in Dubai, and pre-book your ticket for Burj Khalifa too, for this will not make you stand in long queues. Burj Khalifa is a monument and a great tourist attraction too. Undoubtedly, it is the tallest building.
People who are visiting Dubai for the very first time must know that swearing is Dubai in not a good act. 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.
Everything is perfectly fine but not the summers. The summers of Dubai are highly crucial. They are very intense and extreme that sometimes become impossible to tolerate. In summer people spend most of their time indoors, or in a shopping place or somewhere having A.C. People who are fond of desert adventures Dubai must know that summers here are very intense.
People from western countries believe that Dubai is full of casinos. This is something completely wrong; there is not a single casino in Dubai. Not even in the whole UAE. So it is better for you to keep this thing in mind before visiting Dubai.
People, who want to visit Dubai just with the intention to shop, must know that shopping in Dubai is expensive. People who Dubai love to go to malls but rarely do they shop. The rates are only inexpensive when there is the sale season. So wait for the sale season and enjoy your visit.
This is the very strict law of Dubai you simply cannot drive while you are drunk. If the police catch you driving while you are drunk, you might have to go to jail. As far as alcohol is concerned you can only have it if you have a license.
In Dubai, Sunday is not a holiday but it is a working day. Instead, Thursday is the weekend in Dubai, because Friday is a holiday. In most countries Sunday is a holiday and Saturday is a weekend but it is not the case in Dubai.
- Wear appropriate clothes: .
- Restrictions in the month of Ramadan: .
- Prohibition of loud music: .
- Reserve your tickets for Burj Khalifa: .
- Never Swear: .
- Avoid summers of Dubai: .
- No casino in Dubai: .
- Shopping is expensive:
In 2023, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 22 March and finish on 21 April. See Travelling during Ramadan
You can read more about living in the UAE here.
Importing pork products and pornography into the UAE is illegal. Videos, books, and magazines may be subject to scrutiny and may be censored.
There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences. The penalties for trafficking, smuggling and the possession of drugs (including residual amounts) are severe. Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty. Possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs can lead to a minimum three-month prison term or a fine of between AED 20,000 and AED100,000. The Emirati authorities count the presence of drugs in the blood stream as possession. Some herbal highs, like Spice, are illegal in the UAE. Possessing and concealing money from drugs related offences, and performing transactions using money from drug-related offences are also crimes, which could lead to imprisonment and a fine.
Many people stop off in UAE airports on their way to other destinations. UAE airports have excellent technology and security, so transiting passengers carrying even residual amounts of drugs may be arrested.
Some skincare products and E-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in the UAE such as CBD oil. If found in possession of such products, they will be confiscated and you may face criminal charges. A list of narcotic, psychotropic and controlled drugs where this rule applies, allowed quantities and documents to present can be found on the UAE Ministry of Health website.
UAE Residents can drink alcohol at home and in licensed venues. Liquor licences are still required for Residents in Dubai but are no longer required for Residents in Abu Dhabi and other Emirates (save for Emirate of Sharjah) to purchase alcohol for personal consumption.
In Dubai, tourists are able to obtain a temporary liquor licence for the duration of a month from the two official liquor distributors in Dubai. Tourists will be provided with a code of conduct document and will be asked to confirm they understand rules and regulations in relation to purchasing, transporting and consuming liquor in Dubai. This licence is only for use in the Emirate where it is issued.
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. However, you should be aware that it is a punishable offence under UAE law to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in public. British nationals have been arrested and charged under this law, often in cases where they have come to the attention of the police for a related offence, such as disorderly or offensive behaviour.
Generally, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, but a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving alcohol to those under the age of 21. In Dubai and all other emirates besides Sharjah, the drinking age is 21. Drinking alcohol in Sharjah is illegal.
Women should dress modestly when in public areas like shopping malls. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible. Swimming attire should be worn only on beaches or at swimming pools.
Cross-dressing is illegal.
It is normal practice for hotels to take a photocopy of your passport or Emirates ID. You can’t stay in a hotel if you’re under 18 years old and not accompanied by an adult.
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.
If you become pregnant and give birth to a child in the UAE outside marriage, to obtain a local birth certificate both you and your partner will need to ensure that you either get married or you and/or your partner must singly or jointly acknowledge the child and provide identification papers and travel documents in accordance with the laws of your country considering the applicable laws of that nation. If you become pregnant outside of marriage, you may not be covered by your medical insurance, and you should consult with your medical insurance provider before giving birth in the UAE.
Consensual sexual relationships between a male and female outside marriage where both are over the age of 18 years, including extra-marital sexual relationships, is generally permitted under UAE law. However, in the case of an extra-marital consensual sexual relationship, if either person’s spouse or parent/guardian files a criminal complaint, then both parties of an extra-marital consensual relationship shall be liable to a jail sentence for a period not less than six months.
If either person in a sexual relationship is under the age of 18 years, he/she is deemed a minor, and the other person over the age of 18 will be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a minor. If both people are under 18 years of age they will both be prosecuted but punishment is likely to be limited to a caution, parental supervision, judicial supervision, professional training or psychiatric treatment.
All homosexual sex is illegal and same-sex marriages are not recognised.
The UAE is in many respects a tolerant society and private life is respected, although there have been some reports of individuals being punished for homosexual activity, particularly where there is any public element, or the behaviour has caused offence. This applies both to expatriate residents and to tourists. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Photography of certain government buildings and military installations isn’t allowed. Don’t photograph people without their permission. Men have been arrested for photographing women on beaches. Hobbies like bird watching and plane spotting, may be misunderstood - particularly near military sites, government buildings and airports.
Posting material (including videos and photographs) online that is critical of the UAE government, companies or individuals, or related to incidents in the UAE, or appearing to abuse/ridicule/criticise the country or its authorities, or that is culturally insensitive, may be considered a crime punishable under UAE law. There have been cases of individuals being detained, prosecuted and/or convicted for posting this type of material.
If you wish to carry out media activity related to the production, transmission and/or distribution of printed, digital, audio, video and/or visual information, you will be required to obtain the appropriate permission from the Emirati authorities in advance. Failure to do so could result in imprisonment and a substantial fine.
Further information about media activity and how to obtain the necessary permits can be accessed by registering on the National Media Council website.
If you’re considering undertaking or promoting fundraising or other acts of charity in (or while passing through) the UAE, bear in mind that these activities, including where conducted online and via social media, are heavily regulated. You should be fully aware of the legal requirements and seek professional advice as necessary. Non-compliance can incur criminal penalties, including heavy fines and/or imprisonment.
If you want to buy property in the UAE, you should seek appropriate professional advice, as you would in the UK. A list of lawyers for Abu Dhabi and Dubai is available on the British Embassy website.
Financial crimes, including fraud and the non-payment of bills (including hotel bills) can often result in imprisonment and/or a fine. Bank accounts and other assets can also be frozen.
Bail is generally not available to non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for financial crimes. Those convicted will not generally be released from jail until the debt is paid or waived and they may even remain in jail after a debt has been paid if there is an outstanding sentence to be served.
