Thinking of travelling to the land of fun and gold? Being aware of the 10 Things Not to Do in Dubai makes you a contender for an even better vacation. It is a city that combines the ultra-modern luxury with deep-seated traditions and some rather particular laws. If you don’t want to risk a fine or running afoul of the law in general, it’s best to respect local customs.
Don’t Make These Mistakes in Dubai
Dubai has rules. Breaking them costs you. Breaking them ruins your trip. Breaking them creates real problems. These ten things will get you in trouble. Learn them before you go. Avoid them while you are there.
1. Don’t Show Public Displays of Affection
Want to plan aromatic time in the desert with your love? In Dubai, remember that public displays of affection are only ok behind closed doors.
- No hand-holding, kissing or hugging your partner while walking in public places.
- You can be given a big fine if the police catch you nuzzling in public.
2. Don’t Drink Alcohol Outside Licensed Places
Are you craving a cool drink on hot summer nights in Dubai? Of course, you can drink, but you should be very careful. Very narrow guidelines exist on where drinks can be served and where they are permitted to be consumed.
- Don’t tootle around the streets or public beaches while holding an open bottle of alcohol.
- Drinking in unlawfully treated public spaces can lead to on-the-spot and very large fines.
3. Don’t Take Photos of People Without Permission
Did you see a breathtaking local scene that you never want to forget? You don’t take a picture of a local without permission, and it might be the world’s greatest photo.
- Do not photograph government buildings, military installations or sensitive areas of any airport.
- You can also be legally detained for taking photographs of a police officer or the vehicle he or she is in.
4. Don’t Use Offensive Language or Gestures
Have you ever been mad when walking on a crowded street? You’ll need to keep calm; however, swearing or using rude gestures is illegal in Dubai.
- Avoid using bad words and shouting in any public shopping place.
- Don’t make rude hand movements because you’re unknown about traffic.
5. Don’t Dress Inappropriately in Public Areas
What to pack for your sunny escape? Dubai is very cosmopolitan, but it is still appropriate to dress modestly and have your shoulders and knees covered.
- Tone down your dress when visiting shopping malls, government buildings and in older areas of the city.
- Do not slip into something short, sheer or revealing a great deal of skin.
6. Don’t Eat or Drink in Public During Ramadan
Are you coming during the holy month, when locals fast from sundown to sunup? You really have to be careful with people who are fasting in a religious way.
- For the villa nights, most hotels also have screening-off dining areas where guests can eat in total privacy.
- Public chewing of gum is prohibited during Ramadan fasting hours. This rule pays homage to the spiritual journey of the native personality.
7. Don’t Assume Taxis Can Stop Anywhere
How easy is it to catch taxis in Dubai? All right, taxis are queued up down the block a ways, but they can’t stop on a dime when traffic is in full force.
- Find reserved taxi stands at malls, hotels, and in the exits of large metro stations.
- Do not allow a taxi to stop where the halt will obstruct traffic.
8. Don’t Carry Prohibited Items
Have you screened your luggage for illegal items in the UAE? You really have to be very careful about everything you are carrying into the country.
- Do not bring CBD oil or anything with even a little bit of hemp.
- All personal medications should be supported by a genuine and original prescription from your physician.
9. Don’t Ignore Traffic Rules
Are you interested in visiting a number of sites downtown and at the marina on foot? As ever, you really should be using pedestrian crossings and obeying those lights.
- For your safety, do not cross the street unless you have a green pedestrian signal.
- Stay alert, as there is no use of a phone while crossing roads.
10. Don’t Disrespect Local Culture or Religion
Do you want to be a traveler who’s truly embraced by the locals? Religious obligations, wherever you are visiting Dubai, it is utmost priority to respect the religion of Islam.
- Only go into mosques during open hours and always remember the dress code.
- Stop playing loud music in public spaces when the muezzin calls us to pray five times a day.
FAQs
- [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Is a marriage certificate required for two people to share a hotel room?” opened=”closed”] Couples are not required to present a marriage certificate for room stays in Dubai.[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle]
- [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Where should tourists wear their swimsuits to avoid legal issues and cultural disrespect? opened=”closed”] Swimwear is permitted only in hotel pools and select beaches within the city. [/otw_shortcode_content_toggle]
- [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Is one allowed to drink water publicly and openly in the fasting hours of Holy Ramadan? opened=”closed”] Make an effort not to eat or drink anything publicly as a sign of solidarity with those who are fasting from dawn until dusk. [/otw_shortcode_content_toggle]
- [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Are visitors allowed to bring prescriptions written by doctors for their personal vitamins and daily medications? opened=”closed”] Always have a current medical prescription for any personal pills to breeze through customs safely. [/otw_shortcode_content_toggle]
- [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Is it legal to take photos of government buildings or local people in public? opened=”closed”] Don’t take pictures of government establishments or strangers, unless they give their express personal approval. [/otw_shortcode_content_toggle]