If You Do This in Dubai, You Will Get Arrested
Being one of the most happening cities in the world, Dubai is the place which has something for all. There are many tourist destinations in Dubai that attract thousands of people every year to visit the place. You will find many things to explore in Dubai. Every country has its own unique culture, and you have to be mindful of their practices, traditions, culture, and rituals, which might not be familiar outside Dubai.
If you have planned your Dubai tour, there are a few things you need to be aware of. Dubai City has some unusual laws, which, if tourists are unaware of they might get arrested. So, it is certainly a better idea to gain a detailed insight into the customs and culture of Dubai before visiting the dynamic city.
Here is the list of 13 normal things that you CAN’T do in Dubai unless you want to get into trouble while you are on vacation.
Here we go…
- Doing drugs in Public:
Doing drugs in public is not acceptable in Dubai. It is prohibited to use recreational drugs, and it may lead to some serious consequences if you get caught by Dubai Police. The selling and importation of drugs in Dubai is also strictly forbidden. The minimum time sentence is 4 years in prison. However, in the worst-case scenario, people have been charged with death penalty.
2. Posting sensitive or offensive content about the UAE on social media:
You can post anything you want, but hurting others’ sentiments and culture is not justified. And UAE laws have always been strict about their censorship laws. For instance, you cannot post any kind of religious content that suggests Islamophobia or any political views that may be against the Monarchy or the government.
3. Disrespecting the culture and religion:
This is an unsaid rule everywhere you go, it’s only fair to keep that you should be respectful of their culture, food, and religion. You should respect the Emirati Culture. And any violation or disrespect towards the culture may lead you to jail. So, learning about their culture and abiding by it while you are there is your safest option. And a mannerly thing to do!
4. Alcohol consumption in a non-licensed place or a public place
Drinking alcohol in a non-licensed place or a public area in Dubai is a big NO. If you are caught drunk outside these designated drinking areas, then the cops have the right to take you into custody. As long as you are drinking in hotels, pubs, or restaurants that are licensed, you are safe!
5. Public Displays of Affection
We get it, you are on your vacation or honeymoon. Of course, you would be feeling romantic. But public display of affection is seriously frowned upon and not accepted in Dubai. People of Dubai consider it rude and dismissive of their public decorum. Just make sure you are alone and away from public eyes when you feel like sneaking in a kiss.
6. Photography without consent
You can take photographs anywhere in Dubai, but you must be wary of your clicks and the theme of your photography. As an amateur photographer, you should selectively take photographs in the city. And you can’t take anyone’s picture without his or her permission, Emiratis like their privacy. Do not forget to check the surroundings where there is a restriction on taking photographs.
7. Harassing women
Dubai laws are stricter than any other country when it comes to Women's rights and laws. You might think that you are talking casually, but it can lead to harassment if you don’t keep a boundary. Be cautious and mindful when you are speaking with a woman.
8. Protesting in Public
You cannot gather in large gatherings or protest in public in Dubai. It is illegal to conduct a gathering that aims at showing outrages and any kind of dissatisfaction.
9. Dressing Style:
As you know about the dress code for women in Dubai, you cannot wear a bikini everywhere unless you are at the beach or a pool party. You have to wear sensible and relatively modest clothes. Dubai is a traditional place, and you need to be careful, perhaps take the fashion cues from the Emirati women, they sure do know about fashion with a traditional twist!
10. Mind your language:
Speaking vulgar or using popular slang casually in public with friends or others in Dubai might unintentionally offend them. While you might feel you have no choice but to be polite, it’s important to understand that using vulgar language publicly can lead to fines or other penalties. Furthermore, any speech perceived as being against Islam is strictly prohibited in Dubai.
11. Eating in public places during Ramadan:
In Ramadan, people are fasting for the whole day. In respect to that it is only a kind thing to do to not eat or drink lavishly in public places as it may come off as disrespectful and insensitive. However, you can eat in food courts, restaurants, pubs, hotels, etc. Ramadan is the holy month of Islam, and during Ramadan, you can only eat and drink in places where food and drinks are available.
12. Public dancing and singing:
Well, in many countries, it is common to sing and dance in public places. However, you will definitely be amazed to know that these acts are extremely intolerable in Dubai. Playing loud music in public places is a punishable offence in Dubai.
Wrapping Up
Are you new in the city or planning a Dubai Tour? Well, go ahead. Despite the above restrictions, there are a lot of things to see in Dubai. Tourists from different parts of the world are coming to visit the dream city of Dubai. Some tourists are adventure freaks, some are thrill lovers, and some are going for an absolute retreat. Dubai City has attractions serving all kinds of visitors. Enjoy your Dubai holidays to your fullest while respecting the Emirati culture. There are a lot more things to explore in Dubai. For more updates, check our newsletter.
