Do’s and Don’ts in Dubai Every Tourist Should Know

Dubai stays a melting pot of various cultures and religions, and for probably the most half, there’s house for everybody.

However, regardless of this notion that “anything goes”, it is very important keep in mind that Dubai is situated within the Middle East in a Muslim nation, and the cultural and authorized framework can differ rather a lot from what you is likely to be used to.

As a customer to this nation, attempt to be respectful of cultural sensitivities, and please perceive when it’s not about etiquette, however the regulation. Every 12 months, a small variety of guests will land themselves in sizzling water by ignoring or misunderstanding the principles.

When visiting Dubai, recognising that the tradition and rules could also be totally different to your house nation will go a great distance in avoiding disagreeable conditions.

It can also be price noting that Dubai is considerably extra relaxed, in lots of situations, in comparison with different emirates, so do bear this in thoughts if venturing past Dubai within the United Arab Emirates.

This information will let you already know what to anticipate when visiting Dubai and the way to make sure your time within the metropolis stays problem-free.

Dress Code in Dubai

Do girls must cowl themselves in Dubai? NO

Men and ladies are inspired to comply with the rules of dressing modestly. That being mentioned, girls will not be legally required to cowl legs and arms, and you might be more likely to see girls in various levels of skimpy outfits.

However, as a customer, please attempt to gown respectfully to keep away from offending. Also, bear in mind that there’s a distinction between being at your resort resort or by the pool versus a public house just like the mall or a vacationer attraction.

Do

• Endeavour to cowl your shoulders, cleavage, midriff and thighs in public.
• Wear applicable garments for the state of affairs, ie. bikinis and bathing fits are worn by the pool and on the seaside.
• Keep your legs and arms coated when going to Government buildings and locations of worship – this goes for each women and men.
• For girls, convey a scarf to cowl your hair, if visiting a mosque or temple.
• Do carry a scarf or cover-up, as air-conditioning can really feel virtually arctic in lots of malls and eating places.

Don’t

• Venture to the mall or a restaurant in your swimming costume (women and men); please develop into one thing extra applicable.
• Wear t-shirts with profane language or offensive messages.
• Get upset or aggressive in case you are requested to cowl up.
• Cross-dress. This is forbidden, and you may get arrested.
• Bathe topless or within the nude. This is strictly not allowed.

You can discover our full information on what to put on in Dubai right here

Alcohol in Dubai

Are you allowed to drink alcohol? – YES

The authorized consuming age is 21 years previous in Dubai, and non-Muslims can drink responsibly in designated venues. Legal consuming age differs in different Emirates, and alcohol is totally banned within the Emirate of Sharjah.

Do

• Enjoy alcohol at licenced venues (often accommodations and eating places) or in non-public.
• Feel free to convey a most of 4 litres of alcohol from Duty Free.
• Bring your passport with you, if you want to buy alcohol from any of the licenced liquor shops like African + Eastern or MMI.

Don’t

• Drink alcohol in public locations or interact in drunk and disorderly behaviour in public, it may possibly land you in jail.
• Drink and drive! There is not any tolerance for driving beneath the affect in Dubai. Blood alcohol restrict is zero. Instead, DO ebook Safe Driver or Zofeur – basically a chosen driver that may come to your location and drive you and your car residence safely.

You can discover our full information to consuming alcohol in Dubai right here

Public Displays of Affection in Dubai

Can you present affection in public? YES, however maintain it PG.

Generally, be aware of your interactions with folks of the alternative intercourse. Everyone has totally different consolation ranges, so it’s typically safer to err on the facet of warning.

Do

• Greet a good friend with a hug or a fast peck on the cheek.
• Hold arms in public. This is mostly not seen as a difficulty. You will see folks holding arms; that is particularly frequent among the many South Asian diaspora, and is an indication of friendship.
• Feel free to remain in a resort room as an single couple. Since October 2021, many guidelines have been relaxed, and whereas it was once a prison offence, now you can keep in the identical room or co-habitat with out dealing with authorized points.

Don’t

• Offer to shake arms with a member of the alternative intercourse in the event you don’t know them. In order to not trigger offence, anticipate them to take the initiative.
• Show additional bodily affection in direction of a accomplice, like kissing or hugging, something with sexual undertones. This may very well be seen as indecent behaviour and is in opposition to the regulation.

Ramadan in Dubai

Can I eat through the day throughout Ramadan – YES

Ramadan is a beautiful month in Dubai – a month of respect, reflection, tolerance, and charity. Tourists are generally instructed to keep away from Dubai throughout this time, however it may be an important alternative to get a little bit nearer beneath its pores and skin.

Food consumption was once allowed solely in screened-off areas, however not too long ago, screens have been eliminated, and also you are actually allowed to eat and drink in eating places.

You ought to nonetheless be additional aware of the host tradition throughout Ramadan. Please notice that fasting doesn’t apply to the sick, aged, pregnant girls, menstruating girls or kids. They ought to be at liberty to eat and drink as wanted however ought to present consideration.

Do:

• Be respectful, and in the event you want a sip of water in public, please be discreet.
• Try an Iftar meal (when quick is damaged at sunset) or for the night time owls, strive Suhoor (meal earlier than dawn).
• Note that many meals retailers function with totally different opening hours and serving timings throughout Ramadan. Many retailers and sights might also have totally different opening hours throughout this month, so greatest to examine timings prematurely.
• Try to make much more of an effort to decorate modestly throughout this month.
• Do enterprise to the mall for late-night purchasing. During Ramadan, many retailers are open a lot later to accommodate actions through the non-fasting hours.
• Be aware of the hour main as much as iftar, the breaking of the quick, as that is when tempers may fray.

Don’t

• Eat or drink in public areas exterior of eating places i.e. strolling on the road and so on, until you actually should, or you might be exempt from fasting. Even then, accomplish that with discretion.
• Offer meals or drink to people who find themselves fasting.
• Be shocked if some eating places cease serving alcohol or enjoying music so as to observe Ramadan.
• Pass public judgement on the rights and wrongs of fasting.

You can study extra about Ramadan in Dubai

Pork in Dubai

Can you eat pork in Dubai – YES

Do head to one of many bigger worldwide supermarkets, the place you should buy pork merchandise from the non-halal part (often segregated from the principle store). The door could also be marked “for Non-Muslims only”.

Don’t count on pork in eating places or most meals retailers. Just a few eateries can have obtained a license to serve pork, however these are few and much between.

Drugs in Dubai

Are you allowed to make use of leisure medicine in Dubai? – NO

Do

• Check the record of restricted medicines right here earlier than travelling to Dubai. You might have permission. Apply right here.
• Make positive to not convey merchandise with banned substances equivalent to CBD oil or poppy seeds even whether it is in skincare merchandise or on high of a bun.

Don’t

• Import or use any narcotics or leisure medicine – there’s zero tolerance and punishments are extreme.

Getting from A to Z in Dubai

Are girls allowed to drive? Yes

Anyone with a sound driving licence is technically allowed to drive in Dubai. If you don’t fancy driving your self there’s complete public transport out there within the type of the Metro, monorail and broad community of taxis.

Do

• Make positive to get a global driving allow so as to lease a automobile in Dubai. See extra right here.
• Consider taking the Metro in its place mode of transport. Remember that the final carriage is designated for girls and kids. Men can be requested to maneuver carriage or danger getting a superb.

Don’t

• Use your cell phone whereas driving – that is unlawful, and you may get fined.
• Don’t be shocked in the event you see folks going at larger speeds than the signed pace restrict. There is a 20km buffer on most main roads in Dubai, earlier than a rushing ticket is issued.
• Make impolite hand gestures, as this may land you in actual bother. It isn’t simply offensive but additionally in opposition to the regulation. Explained in additional element right here.

Public and Online Code of Conduct

Can I make statements in public or on-line which can be vital of Dubai and its tradition, or submit on social media with out consent? No

Do

• Ask permission earlier than photographing folks, particularly girls and kids. It is not only good etiquette but additionally a requirement.
• Under Cybercrime Laws, photographing somebody and posting on-line with out their consent is in opposition to the regulation and will carry a hefty superb and even jail time. Read extra right here.
• Refrain from filming or photographing authorities buildings, workplaces or entities, or folks in public roles just like the Police. This is strictly prohibited.
• Only use a drone in Dubai in case you are a resident and have the proper licenses and permissions.

Don’t

• Share pretend information on-line, even on WhatsApp. You might get fined.
• Criticise Dubai, its rulers, or Islam in public or on-line. The legal guidelines are strict on this regard, and you might find yourself in jail.
• Use obscene or insulting language in individual or on-line, as it’s taken very significantly. This is rule which will come as a shock to some guests, and it may possibly typically escalate conditions unnecessarily. Please stay calm and well mannered in any interplay.

The actuality is that not following any of the above suggestions is more likely to obtain just a few raised eyebrows at most. This is partly why guests typically discover the totally different pointers relatively opaque, as they see them not being enforced on many events.

While you might even see folks getting away with not following the rules, please know that if somebody takes offence to your actions and determine to make an official criticism, you might be held accountable in accordance with the regulation.

If you discover that somebody challenges your actions, please keep away from being argumentative;, as an alternative, reply in a respectful and well mannered method. That manner, you might be more likely to be let off with a warning, the place aggression and impolite behaviour might escalate an already delicate state of affairs.

By displaying respect and following the above Do’s and Don’ts, you must have the ability to focus on having fun with your time in Dubai.

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