In fact, the biggest risk to your safety in Dubai is unknowingly violating a local law. Dubai has strict rules regarding alcohol consumption, clothing, sexual behavior and social behavior in general. Not being aware of a rule is not an excuse to break it, so make sure you know at least the most common violations before you leave. While alcohol and dress rules are less strict for expats, extramarital sex is strictly prohibited in Dubai. It doesn`t matter if you`re an expat or on vacation – it`s a serious offense, so you need to be careful about where you`re staying and who you`re staying at. There are stories about a British couple who were arrested for allegedly having sex in their own hotel room. Although Harron was released from prison, he was not allowed to leave Dubai and accepted high legal bills. His horrified parents urged other tourists to avoid the city. This seems pointless, given that nearly 10 million travelers visited the emirate last year without any problems. However, it`s wise to keep a few things in mind before booking your ticket. Believe it or not, dancing in public is considered provocative and if you want to avoid serious fines, be sure to dance in licensed clubs or in the four walls of your room. Even listening to loud music in Dubai is prohibited in public and can result in a severe penalty if guilty. Well, don`t wait for the other things on this list about what not to do in Dubai as a tourist, and try to stay within your limits so as not to break the law.
Dubai authorities are unable to search for gay tourists to arrest them, even though same-sex relationships are illegal. Campaign group Detained in Dubai says there is a „vibrant underground gay scene” in Dubai, but it advises discretion. „While you should never hide who they are, the only way to travel safely to the UAE is if you are gay,” he says. The truth is that many of these laws are broken every day and no one cares; Bars sell you an alcoholic beverage even if you don`t have a permit, hotels give rooms to couples without applying for a wedding license, and travelers take selfies that other people have in the background. This is usually not a problem until it is. A plainclothes police officer nearby or a disgruntled person who reports that you can quickly turn your harmless mistake into a criminal offense. The UAE is a tolerant society in many ways and privacy is respected, although there are reports of people being punished for homosexual and/or sexual activities outside of marriage, especially if there is a public element or if the behavior has caused an offense. This applies to both expatriate residents and tourists. Read our page of information and tips for the LGBT community before you travel. The UAE has some of the strictest LGBTQ+ rights laws in the world, and just because Dubai is a large cosmopolitan city doesn`t mean it`s more progressive than other parts of the country. All types of homosexual acts are illegal and punishable by fines, imprisonment, deportation, flogging or death, although the most extreme consequences generally apply only to Muslim defendants and in connection with other crimes.
like adultery. In fact, any type of romantic relationship outside of marriage is illegal, so heterosexual travelers should also be careful. Due to laws about sex outside of marriage, you and your partner could face a prison sentence and/or deportation if you become pregnant outside of marriage. Doctors may require proof of marriage during prenatal examinations. A single woman born in the UNITED Arab Emirates may also have difficulty registering the birth of the child in the United Arab Emirates and could be arrested, detained or deported. To obtain a birth certificate from the UAE authorities, you must present a marriage certificate and the authorities can compare the date of marriage with the estimated date of conception. The biggest risk for foreigners traveling to Dubai and the UAE in general is unknowingly violating one of the country`s strict laws. Dubai punishes actions that many Western travelers would never imagine illegal, including drinking alcohol without permission, holding hands, sharing a room with someone of the opposite sex as a spouse, photographing other people, offensive language or gestures, and unauthorized social media posts, for example. For expats who are considering moving to Dubai or other parts of the UAE, check out these 5 laws you need to know before you go. Dubai, a glorious metropolis built on the sandy desert of Arabia on the Persian Gulf, is a paradise for tourists. It is also known as the city of superlatives because of its towering skyscrapers, old-world charm, beautiful markets and extreme temperatures.
It is also home to the tallest tower in the world, the largest artificial archipelago of islands, the tallest hotel, the largest „performing” fountain in the world, etc., which attracts people from all over the world all year round. So, if Dubai is your next vacation destination, keep in mind those things you shouldn`t do in Dubai to avoid getting into trouble during your vacation. Yes! Perhaps Dubai has a very low crime rate due to its strict laws and is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East. The UAE has an extremely strict anti-drug policy, which means that one of the things not to bring to Dubai is the prescription of drugs and illegal drugs. No, even your anti-anxiety medications are not allowed! Airports are always on high alert and if you break the rule and get caught, you can expect up to four years in prison. Not a nice scene during the holidays, so check the official website of the United Arab Emirates to look for drugs that are allowed and those that cannot be taken with you. And if there is a medication that you need to take with you, do not forget to carry its prescription as well. Liquor licenses are not available for non-residents in other emirates, but it is possible for tourists and visitors to buy and drink alcohol in authorized places such as hotels, restaurants and clubs.
However, you should know that it is a criminal offense under UAE law to drink alcohol in public or to be under the influence of alcohol. British nationals have been arrested and charged under this Act, often in cases where they have brought the police to the attention of a related offence such as disorderly or offensive behaviour. Although alcohol is readily available in licensed restaurants and pubs, being drunk in public is a crime. As a tourist in Dubai, the last thing you need is to be deported or put in jail because you are drunk in public. If you end up drinking a little more drinks than expected, get into a taxi and go home without causing any uproar. Also keep in mind that you can only buy alcohol in Dubai if you have a license. Tourists must therefore rely on approved bars and restaurants for their drink. Before you visit Dubai, there are a few things you should never take for granted. You must have heard how strict Dubai`s politics is or many other terrible stories.
But the image is not as it seems. Dubai is a place of fun and delight for tourists, especially when it comes to desert adventures in Dubai. Dubai can be a strict place for you if you don`t follow or break the rules as a tourist. Therefore, here are some important rules for people visiting Dubai for the first time.