DOs and DON’Ts in Dubai (or in the UAE)

JM Kayne

5 years ago

It’s been a long while since I first landed the UAE and in 2018 we’ve moved to Dubai.

I’m sharing a few basic dos and don’ts here in Dubai and for the all other emirates (overall UAE)

Do dress modestly, particularly in conservative areas and public places.
Swimwear is acceptable, but make sure you are in the appropriate place such as the beach and the swimming pool. Do cover-up in other public places.
Don’t do Cross-dressing, this can lead to jail.
Shorts and T-shirts are accepted but if you will visit a mosque or church, please wear a modest one, no sleeveless and above the knee skirts. Women will usually be required to wear a headscarf when entering mosques.

No drinking alcohol in public. Being drunk is unacceptable and may result in a fine, jail time or worse.
No Drunk driving, it has zero tolerance in the UAE.
Taking photos in the beautiful places in Dubai is ok except for mosques and government buildings. When taking a selfie, ensure that no one behind you will be captures especially women. Take permission if it is ok for other people to be taken photos with.
PDA or Public displays of affection should be minimal – holding hands is acceptable but kissing and hugging in public is not.
Respect each and every one, no noise and obscene acts should be done.
When riding the metro make sure that you are in the right cabin especially for men. This will cause a 200/- AED fine. No eating and drinking inside the metro.

Don’t use “finger pointing” especially in public and in addressing the people. Any obscene hand gestures in public may land you in prison.

Males and females may sometimes be escorted to different sections.
When greeting a member of the opposite sex who is Muslim, it is important not to offer to shake hands unless they extend their hand first – both men and women (more commonly women) may prefer not to shake hands with the opposite sex due to religious reasons. Keep a distance at least one meter away.
It is customary to accept food and drink with your right hand; this is also the hand you should eat with.
If you are hosting Muslim guests, do not offer them alcoholic beverages or pork.

Fund-raising for charity and other ways of collecting money must be done the NGOs and government agencies only.
During Ramadan, non-fasting residents or visitors are expected to follow certain etiquette rules which can be seen here.
The following are also considered illegal: use or possession of drugs, cohabitation, sex outside of marriage, having a baby out of wedlock, adultery and homosexuality.

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