Dubai may be one of the world’s biggest travel hubs, with around 19 million annual visitors per year and featuring in the top 10 most visited cities in the world, but its laws and customs can differ greatly from big cities in the rest of the world. Travellers with no awareness of local laws and etiquette – and how those may differ from their own lived experience – may unwittingly find themselves in embarrassing situations. This is what you need to know to ensure a smooth trip to the UAE’s most visited emirate.
Be prepared for some of your apps not to work as expected. Voice and video calling apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom (sometimes) are restricted or blocked altogether. While texting is typically possible on these apps, the calling features are disabled, meaning you could rack up expensive bills when calling home. Consider getting a local or esim with an international calling deal for the duration of your stay, or use paid alternatives like Rebtel, BOTIM or ToTok.
2. Avoid excessive displays of affection in public
In Dubai, public displays of affection are not the norm and considered disrespectful to Emirati culture. Tourists have previously got in major trouble for getting too steamy on the beach, so keep it PG in public. However, the law forbidding unmarried couples from sharing a hotel room was changed in 2020, so that’s no longer something to be concerned about if you’re planning a romantic getaway.
3. Be mindful of what’s appropriate if you visit during Ramadan
If you happen to be visiting Dubai in Ramadan, you’ll notice that many cafes and restaurants are still open, but many will have blinds drawn and outside tables are off limits as eating in public is considered to be disrespectful to those fasting. However, it’s considered fine within your hotel or resort. Playing loud music during daylight hours is also best avoided during this time.
4. Alcohol is legal…ish
Non-muslims can drink alcohol in Dubai, but only in licensed venues like hotel bars, restaurants and clubs. But being publicly drunk is a big no-no. The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21 and tourists are allowed to buy four litres (or 24 cans) of alcohol at the airport for personal consumption and drink in licensed venues without a licence. Residents are required to have a licence to drink at home or private parties. Drinking in public places, such as parks, transport or public beaches is strictly forbidden. The UAE has zero tolerance for being visibly drunk in public and for drunk driving.
5. Be aware of dress codes
No, you don’t have to wear a full abaya, but you can’t go to the mall in your bikini either (not that we’d advise that anywhere). While beaches allow swimwear, they do not allow topless bathing. Malls, mosques and government buildings require modest dress, so that means arms and legs covered up. Clubs and bars have different guidelines, but check the dress code at your venue before you arrive.
6. Know what substances are illegal before you travel
The UAE has some unusual banned substances, which would be just fine to travel with to other countries. Before you travel with that everything bagel, be aware that poppy seeds are illegal and are on a list of controlled substances as part of the UAE’s narcotics programme. Derived from poppies (which are used to make opium) these seeds sometimes show up with miniscule amounts of opium alkaloids on test results, so they have been entirely banned.
Many common medications like codeine, tramadol, and even some ADHD or anti-anxiety meds (think Adderall, Xanax, Ritalin) are also controlled substances in the UAE. Get a doctor’s prescription and prior approval from UAE authorities before bringing them in.
7. Censorship laws may change your experience
The UAE censors films for content it finds offensive and this usually includes religious satire, anything mocking or criticising the nation’s rulers, things with sexual content or LGBTQ+ themes. If you go to the cinema, some scenes in movies may be cut from the version shown elsewhere in the world. Amazon Prime, Netflix and Disney+ are available in Dubai but some shows will not be available at all, and some will have been edited.
8. Dubai is not just for the rich
It’s very easy to drop a small fortune on designer fashion, caviar and luxury yacht trips in Dubai, but there’s tons of free stuff to do that won’t cost a dirham. Catch an iconic Dubai Fountain show (currently under renovation but reopening in late September) below the Burj Khalifa or the IMAGINE show at Festival City, a multi-sensory illuminated extravaganza after dark, or meet 10ft sharks in the giant fish tank at Dubai Mall before stepping into a library shaped like a book at the spectacular Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Al Jaddaf.
9. Don't jaywalk
Unlike many European countries, cars have priority in Dubai and crossing the road anywhere other than at a pedestrian crossing is illegal. While you may see many people doing it, it can be a punishable offence and if you're spotted by police or on CCTV you may get a ticket. Dubai’s chaotic traffic-clogged roads can be dangerous too, so find the designated crossing where possible.
10. Don't swear in public or online
Swearing in public – plus posting swear words online and in messages – is a criminal offence in Dubai, which could get you a fine or a visit from the police. The same goes for lewd hand gestures – flipping the bird is illegal, as is the same emoji sent to someone. When it comes to digital content, also be aware that visiting certain websites can be illegal, including those with sexual content, gambling sites, dating sites and those with politically sensitive anti-religious content.
11. Be careful when taking photos
Dubai is an iconic place, with plenty of Instagram worthy scenes to capture, but be aware who and what is in the frame before you snap. Taking photos of people without their permission is not allowed and this is an easy way to anger locals and get a telling off by security. The consequences for taking pics of government buildings or military sites are even more serious – this could be considered a threat to national security.
