What are the bans in Dubai?

What are the do's and don'ts in Dubai?

When in Dubai, it is worth paying special attention to the rules that apply in public spaces. Here are the most important things to avoid:

1. Public displays of affection: Gestures such as kissing or hugging in public places may be considered inappropriate. In shopping centers or on public transportation, this type of behavior may result in a warning from security personnel. In extreme cases, violating the rules of conduct can lead to a fine or even legal consequences.

2. Alcohol consumption: Alcohol may only be consumed in licensed establishments such as hotels, bars and selected restaurants. Drinking alcohol in public places such as beaches, parks or streets is prohibited. It is also worth remembering that drunk driving is severely punished and even the smallest amount of alcohol in the blood can lead to serious legal consequences.

3. Possession and use of drugs: Dubai has extremely strict laws regarding the possession of even small amounts of drugs. This can result in a hefty fine or even years in prison. The regulations also apply to some prescription drugs – before traveling, it is worth making sure that the medicines you are bringing into the country are not on the list of prohibited substances.
Not sure which medicines you can take to Dubai? Check out the article “List of drugs banned in Dubai.”

4. Taking unauthorized photos: Taking photos of people without their explicit consent, especially women, can be seen as an invasion of privacy and can have serious legal consequences. You should also avoid taking photos of government buildings, military facilities, and critical infrastructure such as airports and police stations.

5. Insulting Islam and its symbols: religion plays an extremely important role in Dubai, therefore any comments, gestures or actions considered offensive to Islam, its symbols, the Prophet Muhammad or the holy books can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment. You should be especially careful in conversations as well as in posts on social media.

6. Foul gestures and swearing: Avoid any form of aggression or vulgarity in both speech and gestures. The use of foul language, rude gestures, or even arguments in public places can result in a fine or, in more serious cases, deportation.

7. Behavior on the beach: When visiting the beach, it is important to follow the dress code and behavior rules. Topless sunbathing, revealing swimwear, or noisy behavior can be frowned upon by both locals and security personnel.

What kind of clothing is not allowed in Dubai?

Even though Dubai is a modern and cosmopolitan city, there are still certain dress codes that should be followed to avoid misunderstandings or unpleasant situations. Although in many places, especially in tourist areas, these rules are quite liberal, in more traditional areas or public institutions, the dress code should be adapted to local customs.

• Dress code for women: Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing such as short skirts, figure-hugging dresses or low-cut tops. In shopping malls and offices, it is preferable to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. On beaches and in hotel pools, swimwear is acceptable, but topless sunbathing is strictly prohibited.
• Dress code for men – Men should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts or going shirtless in public, except on beaches and in swimming pools. In shopping malls, restaurants and offices, long pants or smart shorts and short-sleeved shirts are recommended.
• Dress code in places of worship – when visiting mosques and other places of worship, you must adhere to strict dress codes. Women are required to cover their heads with a scarf and wear long sleeves and trousers or ankle-length dresses. Men should wear long trousers and a shirt or blouse that covers their shoulders. Please note that some mosques provide headscarves and long robes for tourists who are not dressed appropriately.
• Avoid offensive prints – clothing with controversial, vulgar or offensive prints may be considered inappropriate and, in extreme cases, even a violation of the law. This applies especially to content that insults Islam, the royal family or is generally considered to be offensive. If you wear such clothing, you may be asked to change it or even face legal consequences.
• Not only does adapting your clothing to local standards avoid problems, it also shows respect for the culture and traditions of Dubai.

What are the penalties for breaking the law in Dubai?

Dubai has strict laws and the penalties for various offenses can be very severe. Depending on the type of offense or crime, the consequences can include fines, arrest, deportation, and even prison sentences. It is worth remembering that even unintentional violations of the law can lead to serious consequences, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with local regulations before traveling.

• Fines and penalties – you can be heavily fined for minor offenses such as using profanity in public, making obscene gestures, littering, or even eating and drinking on the subway. Similarly, drinking alcohol in places where it is not allowed, such as on the street or on the beach, can result in a fine and, in the case of drunk behavior, even arrest. Financial penalties are also imposed for violating traffic laws, such as crossing the street in a prohibited place or speeding.
• Arrest and deportation – more serious offenses such as drug possession or homosexuality can result in arrest and, in many cases, deportation. Dubai has very strict laws regarding narcotics – even trace amounts of drugs in your system can lead to detention. Furthermore, same-sex couples are strictly prohibited from publicly showing affection.
• Prison sentences – In extreme cases, you can be sentenced to prison, especially for drug-related offenses, insulting Islam, spreading content considered immoral or violating rules of morality. Publicly insulting religion, criticizing the government or making offensive posts on social media can lead to many years in prison.

Alcohol in Dubai

Where can alcohol be consumed? Alcohol can only be consumed in licensed establishments such as bars, restaurants and hotels with the appropriate permits. It is not allowed to drink alcohol in public places such as beaches, parks or streets, and even carrying alcohol in a visible place can result in a fine. Furthermore, intoxicated behavior in public, even if the alcohol was legally consumed, can lead to arrest.

• Buying alcohol for private individuals – Non-Muslims can buy alcohol in special, licensed shops such as African + Eastern and MMI. These shops require residents to have a special license to purchase alcohol, but tourists can make purchases by showing their passport. Alternatively, alcohol can be purchased in the duty-free zones at Dubai Airport upon arrival, which is a popular solution among travelers.
• Transport and storage of alcohol – Alcohol should be transported in a sealed container and stored in private places such as a hotel room or rented apartment. Drunken driving, in particular, is severely punished and can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment.
• Penalties for violations – Drinking alcohol in unauthorized places, being drunk in public, or selling alcohol without a license can result in fines, imprisonment, and in extreme cases, deportation. Even posting photos or videos with alcohol on social media can be considered a violation of public decency.

Questions and answers

1. Is it acceptable to show affection in public in Dubai?

Showing affection in public, such as kissing or hugging, is not advisable in Dubai and may be perceived as inappropriate behavior. In more conservative places, such as shopping centers or public transportation, such gestures may be frowned upon by residents.

2. Can I smoke e-cigarettes in Dubai?

Yes, e-cigarettes are allowed in Dubai, but they are strictly regulated. They are not allowed in public places such as shopping malls, government offices or public transportation, and you may be fined if you break the rules. In addition, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the current customs regulations before traveling, as there may be restrictions on importing larger quantities of liquids for e-cigarettes.

3. What are the most important prohibitions in Dubai?

Dubai has strict prohibitions on alcohol consumption in public places, public displays of affection, and the possession and use of drugs, which carry heavy penalties and even deportation. It is also forbidden to insult Islam or the authorities or to use vulgar gestures and language in public places. Furthermore, restrictions also apply to clothing – overly revealing outfits may be met with negative social reactions or punishment.

4. Can I drink alcohol in Dubai?

Alcohol can be purchased in Dubai, but its consumption is only allowed in licensed establishments such as hotels, restaurants and bars. Drinking alcohol in public places such as beaches or streets is prohibited and punishable by law.