Guidelines for Expats who visit Dubai
Why to read this article ?
The UAE Ministry of Interior’s ‘999’ magazine recently published research that stated 72 per cent of expats in the UAE lack knowledge of local customs and traditions
To get a basic understanding of local culture
To avoid enduring court trials, facing social embarrassment and suffering a long list of inconveniences –simply due to not knowing the rules
If you understand Dubai laws, rules, and regulations (United Arab Emirates) laws and appreciate the cultural differences, you can tap into an exceptional lifestyle in Dubai and avoid any issues with Dubai’s legal authorities
The regular way of life for expats living in Dubai is a combination of hard work counterbalanced with plenty of sunshine, exceptional facilities, and amenities, with enough freedom and money to enjoy a very high standard of living.
Dubai is a Muslim state. It is strict in its moral and ethical code, it has very different laws to those we have in the UK, Europe, America, other Asian countries and if you want to live and work in the UAE you need to tread particularly carefully when it comes to staying on the right side of those regulations.
If you respect Emiratis, they will respect you, and you will find them warm and welcoming
According to the article, results in “Many expats enduring court trials, facing social embarrassment and suffering a long list of inconveniences –simply due to not knowing the rules.”
Ignorance of the country’s moral boundaries is resulting in an increase in incidents of expats falling foul of the law.
1. Public Transport
- Eating and drinking are prohibited on all forms of public transport. This also includes the stations. On-the-spot fines will be issued if you’re caught eating.
- No ticketing system for Metro and bus services.
- You need to by an electronic card TRA from a Metro Station or Bus Station to pay the Metro fares and Bus fares.
- There are electronic machines fixed in buses when you get in need to keep the card on it and when you are getting down put the car again then you will see how much you have been charged and how much balance available in your card.
- In the metro station when you enter into the station platform and leaving out , there are machines fixed which controls your access to Metro Station and exit . You need to keep the transport electronic card to open the gates .From that machines your fares will be calculated and reduced .
2. No kissing, no touching
- Holding hands may be OK, but kissing and petting is not. Expect a tap on your shoulder, or a correcting finger reminding you to abide by the local customs, deeming this behavior inappropriate.
- Expect a tap on your shoulder, or a correcting finger reminding you to abide by the local customs, deeming this behavior inappropriate.
3. No swearing/making indecent gestures
- “No swearing and no indecent gesturing” is the warning in many tourist guidebooks as it has occurred in the past that unaware foreign visitors or residents have been fined or imprisoned for expressing themselves in a way that is not be appreciated in the UAE.
- Giving the finger, pulling out your tongue and even a somewhat aggressive hand move are all considered indecent.
- Moving your thumb up and down hoping to catch a hitch hike is not done and pointing at something or someone is considered impolite.
4. Taking pictures of others without permission
- Any person being captured on camera in any public space in the UAE can bring the photographer to court.
- Especially women and families are sensitive towards the issue.
5. Respect to any religion
6. Sharing private space with opposite sex
Strictly speaking, sharing a private space with a member of the opposite sex when not related by family ties or marriage is forbidden. Private space would be a house, room, hotel room and even car.
However, certain behavior is tolerated. Hotel reservations are easily made for unmarried couples wanting to share a room and there are many cases of single men and women sharing a villa, apartment and even a room
7. Indecent clothing
In public places, guidelines say shorts and skirts not to indecently expose parts of the body, be transparent, or display obscene or offensive pictures and slogans. Ladies dress modestly when in public areas like shopping malls. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible. Cross-dressing is illegal.
On beaches rules are more lenient; swimwear is accepted but should be appropriate. Top-less sunbathing or the wearing of a thong is not allowed.
8. Importing goods
Importing pork products and pornography into the UAE is illegal. Videos, books, and magazines may be subject to scrutiny and may be censored.
9. Drugs
There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences. The penalties for trafficking, smuggling and the possession of drugs (including residual amounts) are severe. Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty.
Some skincare products and E-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in the UAE such as CBD oil. If found in possession of such products, they will be confiscated and you may face criminal charges. A list of narcotic, psychotropic and controlled drugs where this rule applies, allowed quantities and documents to present can be found on the UAE Ministry of Health website.
10. Alcohol
UAE Residents can drink alcohol at home and in licensed venues. Liquor licences are still required for Residents in Dubai but are no longer required for Residents in Abu Dhabi and other Emirates (save for Emirate of Sharjah) to purchase alcohol for personal consumption.
11. Hotel
It is normal practice for hotels to take a photocopy of your passport or Emirates ID. You can’t stay in a hotel if you’re under 18 years old and not accompanied by an adult.
12. Sexual relationships outside marriage
Consensual sexual relationships between a male and female outside marriage where both are over the age of 18 years, including extra-marital sexual relationships, is generally permitted under UAE law. However, in the case of an extra-marital consensual sexual relationship, if either person’s spouse or parent/guardian files a criminal complaint, then both parties of an extra-marital consensual relationship shall be liable to a jail sentence for a period not less than six months.
If either person in a sexual relationship is under the age of 18 years, he/she is deemed a minor, and the other person over the age of 18 will be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a minor. If both people are under 18 years of age they will both be prosecuted but punishment is likely to be limited to a caution, parental supervision, judicial supervision, professional training or psychiatric treatment.
12. Sexual relationships outside marriage
Consensual sexual relationships between a male and female outside marriage where both are over the age of 18 years, including extra-marital sexual relationships, is generally permitted under UAE law. However, in the case of an extra-marital consensual sexual relationship, if either person’s spouse or parent/guardian files a criminal complaint, then both parties of an extra-marital consensual relationship shall be liable to a jail sentence for a period not less than six months.
If either person in a sexual relationship is under the age of 18 years, he/she is deemed a minor, and the other person over the age of 18 will be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a minor. If both people are under 18 years of age they will both be prosecuted but punishment is likely to be limited to a caution, parental supervision, judicial supervision, professional training or psychiatric treatment.
Same-sex relationships
All homosexual sex is illegal and same-sex marriages are not recognized.
13. Photography/media
Photography of certain government buildings and military installations isn’t allowed. Don’t photograph people without their permission. Men have been arrested for photographing women on beaches. Hobbies like bird watching and plane spotting, may be misunderstood – particularly near military sites, government buildings and airports.
Posting material (including videos and photographs) online that is critical of the UAE government, companies or individuals, or related to incidents in the UAE, or appearing to abuse/ridicule/criticise the country or its authorities, or that is culturally insensitive, may be considered a crime punishable under UAE law. There have been cases of individuals being detained, prosecuted and/or convicted for posting this type of material.
If you wish to carry out media activity related to the production, transmission and/or distribution of printed, digital, audio, video and/or visual information, you will be required to obtain the appropriate permission from the Emirati authorities in advance. Failure to do so could result in imprisonment and a substantial fine.
Further information about media activity and how to obtain the necessary permits can be accessed by registering on the National Media Council website.
14. Travelling during Ramadan
During this time, observant Muslims not only abstain from food, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk, but in general practice restrain from all activities or behavior that are not compatible with Islamic values.
You should be aware that levels of observance of Ramadan will vary in different countries and cultures but most Muslims will conform to some extent with the requirements of the fast – that they fast between dawn and sunset.
Avoid eating, drinking, chewing gum or smoking in public during the daytime (including in your car) – many people will understand that you aren’t under the same obligation to fast but will appreciate your awareness. Pregnant, nursing women and young children are exempt from the provisions, but discretion should be exercised
Some restaurants will close or operate amended opening hours during Ramadan Restaurants that cater to tourists may open as usual but hotels will sometimes use screens to keep western diners sectioned off from Islamic guests
Take extra care about your clothing during the holy month. Ensure you dress modestly as standards may be policed even more carefully than usual
Business hours may become shorter in the day
Loud music and dancing is considered disrespectful during Ramadan. Please do not play music or dance in public areas.
15. Job Search
The UAE is one of the most attractive countries for foreigners to work and live in. Top reasons include tax-free salary, high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, political
