Part 1 of 5 Rules Tourists Must Follow in Dubai, UAE
Welcome to Dubai for Visitors, your complete guide to seeing Dubai and the UAE the right way.
If this is your first time in Dubai, you’re in for a treat. There are world-class attractions, luxury, culture, beaches, desert safaris, and more.
Before you start exploring, though, you should know that tourists in Dubai have to follow certain rules and laws. The city is modern and welcoming to tourists, but it is still based on local culture and UAE law.
In this first part of our series, we’ll talk about the most important rule every tourist needs to know before going to Dubai.
Dubai, the shining jewel of the United Arab Emirates, draws millions of tourists each year with its beautiful buildings, high-end shopping malls, clean beaches, and lively cultural experiences. But Dubai is also very much influenced by Islamic traditions and local customs, which affect its laws and social norms.
Tourists should know and follow these rules not only to avoid getting in trouble with the law, but also to show respect for a culture that welcomes millions of visitors each year. Here are the five most important rules to remember while you’re in Dubai. Each one is explained in detail so you can have the best time possible while staying safe and respectful.
1. Wear modest clothes to show respect.
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city with a lot of different people, but it is still conservative when it comes to clothing, especially in public.
What does it mean to dress modestly in Dubai?
This usually means that women should wear clothes that cover their shoulders, knees, and chest. It’s not okay to wear sleeveless tops, short skirts, or revealing dresses in shopping malls, public parks, markets, or places of worship. Men should not go shirtless in public and they should not wear sleeveless shirts or very short shorts outside of beaches or pools.
Where Are Dress Codes Strictly Followed?
In government buildings, shopping malls, and places of worship, the dress code is very important. Women who go to mosques often have to cover their hair and may have to wear an abaya, which is a full-length robe that is sometimes given to them. It’s fine to wear a swimsuit at the beach or pool, but you should cover up when you leave.
What is the point of this?
Wearing modest clothes shows respect for local customs and keeps you from getting unwanted attention or getting into a fight. Security staff may give you a warning if you break the dress code, and in rare cases, you may have to pay a fine or leave the premises.
Advice for Visitors
- Always have a light shawl or scarf with you to cover up when you need to.
- Pick clothes that are light and loose so you can stay cool and comfortable in the heat while still being modest.
- Look at what locals and other tourists are wearing if you’re not sure.
- Follow the laws about how to act in public.
People in Dubai are very strict about how they act in public. Things that are normal in other places might be seen as rude or even against the law here.
2. Respect Public Behavior Laws
Showing love in public
For married couples, holding hands is usually fine, but kissing, hugging, and other public displays of affection are not. The police may give you a warning or even punish you with the law for this kind of behavior.
Bad Behavior
The law also punishes people who swear, make rude hand signs, or use offensive language. In fact, tourists have been fined or even arrested for acting this way in the past.
What happens if you misbehave
If tourists break these laws, they could be fined, held, or even sent back to their home country. Dubai is friendly to foreigners, but it wants everyone to follow its rules.
Advice for Tourists
- Even in places that seem relaxed, don’t show affection in public.
- Watch what you say and do.
- Dont Curse or Shout in Public
- Teach kids these rules before you get there so they don’t break them by accident.
3. Drinking Alcohol: Know the Rules
Dubai’s view on alcohol is very different from that of many Western countries. Alcohol is available, but there are strict rules about how much people can drink.
Where Can You Have a Drink?
You can only drink alcohol in bars, hotels, and private clubs that have a license. Tourists can’t drink in public places like parks, beaches, or the street. You also can’t have alcohol in your car unless it’s in a sealed container and you’re taking it home from the store.
Being drunk in public
Being drunk or acting out in public is a crime that can get you arrested, fined, or sent to jail. If people think you’re drunk in public, you could face serious consequences even if you’ve only had a little to drink.
Buying Alcohol
Tourists can buy alcohol in places that are allowed to sell it. People who live there need a special license to buy alcohol from stores. Never try to buy or drink alcohol if you are under 21, because it is against the law to drink alcohol when you are underage.
Advice for Tourists
- Drink only in places that have a license.
- Make sure you have a safe way to get to and from places where you are drinking.
- Muslims are not allowed to purchase alcohol, even if you are a tourist, due to islamic culture
- Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, so never try to drive after drinking.
4. Photography Etiquette: Always Ask Before You Snap
The beautiful skyline and unique buildings in Dubai make it a photographer’s dream, but there are rules about what and who you can take pictures of.
Privacy and People
Taking pictures of people without their permission is against the law, especially women and families. People who break this law can be fined or even sent to jail.
Sites that are sensitive
Taking pictures of government buildings, military bases, airports, and some bridges is against the law. There are clear signs in many places that say you can’t take pictures. Always follow these signs.
Online Social Media
Posting pictures of people or sites that aren’t yours on social media can make things worse and even lead to legal action.
Advice for Tourists
- Before taking pictures of people, always ask them first.
- Don’t take pictures in places that are sensitive, especially government buildings/restricted places
- Before you take pictures, look for signs that say you can’t.
- If someone doesn’t want to be photographed, be polite.
5. Follow religious rules, especially during Ramadan.
Dubai is a city with a lot of Muslims, and their religious practices affect daily life, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
What is Ramadan?
Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. During this time, no one is allowed to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day, not even tourists.
What does this mean for tourists?
Most restaurants and cafes are closed during the day, but some may have screens to serve non-Muslims in private. If you have to eat or drink during the day, it’s important to be polite and quiet.
Other Religious Practices
During Ramadan, loud music, dancing, and parties are also not allowed. Also, tourists should never play loud music or act in a way that bothers people near mosques.
Advice for Tourists
- During Ramadan, don’t eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day.
- Find out when prayers are said, as some services may stop or close for a short time during these times.
- During religious holidays, dress more modestly to show respect for the peaceful atmosphere.
In conclusion
Dubai is one of the most exciting places in the world because it has a unique mix of modern luxury and traditional culture.
Tourists can have a smooth, fun, and respectful visit to this amazing city by following these five basic rules: dressing modestly, following the rules for public behavior, following the rules for alcohol, following the rules for photography, and following the rules for religious practices.
Following these customs shows respect for your hosts and makes your trip to Dubai more enjoyable by letting you fully enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Have a great time in the UAE and travel safely!
