Dubai is a wonderful city to visit and over a million British tourists visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) every year. Most experience a trouble free wonderful holiday in this glorious city. If you are planning a trip to Dubai you must understand that the UAE is a Muslim country with laws and customs that differ quite considerably to those in the UK. As long as you abide by the Dubai rules and do not cause offence especially during the religious holy month of Ramadan you should experience a relaxing and trouble free time in Dubai.
If you do not abide by the rules in Dubai you could face serious penalties including imprisonment for doing something that you did not consider wrong as it is not deemed illegal in the UK. We therefore advise you to read this article carefully to ensure that you are fully aware of the rules in UAE and the countries local laws and customs.
Rules in Dubai
Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks can be served in licensed hotels and clubs. There are liquor licenses for residents who wish to consume alcohol in their private homes. These licenses can only be used in the Emirate in which they were issued, so if you live in Dubai and obtained the license here you would not be able to use it in Abu Dhabi. The legal age of alcohol consumption is 18 in Abu Dhabi and 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. In Sharjah alcohol consumption of any kind is banned.
It is a punishable offence in the UAE to drink or to be drunk in public. You are also more likely to break other rules such as using bad language, making rude gestures and publically displaying affection if you are drunk or under the influence of alcohol. All of these actions are deemed punishable offenses in UAE.
Drink driving is a punishable offense and the penalties for being caught are very severe.
Drugs
The possession of illegal drugs will lead to a minimum jail sentence of four years. If you are planning to take over the counter or prescription drugs with you on holiday please check whether these drugs are allowed into the UAE. Take your prescription note from your doctor and keep the drugs in their issued packaging.
It is a punishable office to have illegal drugs in your blood. In UAE airports the technology and security is extremely advanced and security can detect even residual amounts of drugs. If the airport deems a passenger to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol the individuals could face up to four years in jail.
Smoking
Smoking is banned is public places but you will find plenty of designated smoking areas across Dubai and the rest of the UAE where you can smoke.
Sex
Sex outside of marriage is strictly banned and public displays of affection are also punishable offenses. This includes kissing, holding hands and cuddling. If an unmarried woman gives birth in UAE she may run the risk of imprisonment or refusal to issue a birth certificate.
Importing goods
It is illegal to import pork products, narcotics and pornography. Books, magazines and videos may be censored.
Photography
Do not photograph people especially local women without their consent. You should also not photograph government buildings and military buildings including airports throughout the country.
Dress Code
Swimwear should only be worn to the beach or pool and not anywhere else. Topless sunbathing is strictly forbidden. Women should ensure that they are dressed modestly in public areas and should cover the tops of arms and legs ensuring that no underwear is ever visible.
Behaviour
Swearing, using bad language and making rude gestures is strictly forbidden as is public displays of affection which is included under the sex section above. Dancing in public places is banned and this includes dancing slightly whilst arm in arm with a friend whilst going down the street.
Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan it is strictly forbidden to be seen drinking, eating or smoking in a public place from sunrise to sunset whilst the Muslim locals are fasting.
Bouncing a cheque
It is a serious criminal offence t0 bounce a cheque and you could face imprisonment if you do not have the funds in your account to cover the cheque you have written. You will also be forced to remain within the UAE until you have cleared the debt owed of the cheque.
As long as you abide by these rules you should have a relaxing and trouble free trip to Dubai. Dubai itself has regularly been awarded one of the safest holiday destinations in the world which offers most holidaymakers great peace of mind when planning a trip to this Arab country.
Before you go on holiday use the Compare Currency travel money table to find the best Dubai exchange rate and order your currency online now. Or alternatively you can find out further information about UAE currency here.
