Dubai is one fantastic city on the Persian Gulf, though perhaps not as pulsating and alive as it feels. It also turns out to be one of the most laid-back, cosmopolitan, and tolerant places in the Middle East. You’ll quite often be surprised by the restrictions or modulations that you have to make on your behavior to ensure a hassle-free stay in Dubai. What may be good and proper in your home country may not be seen in the same light in Dubai. The breaking or ignoring the local laws may lead to severe consequences. You need not have to be frightened; you should just move along and follow the overall policies and regulations in Dubai so that you can have a time to remember in the desert.
We have very carefully chosen some of the things that would help you have a wonderful experience in Dubai. Do’s and Don’ts in Dubai Here:
Don’t drink in public
This means alcohol is only allowed for the citizens who are non-Muslims, and consumption is also limited to the persons who have an alcohol license, apart from working in licensed bars, restaurants, bars, private spaces, clubs, or at home.
The tourists and visitors will not be allowed to purchase the alcoholic beverages sold in stores and supermarkets because it would only be made available for the residence bearing the license to buy alcohol. However, this license does not allow the residence committing any alcohol-related crime or offence. Secondly, alcohol can only be permitted by those who have crossed 21 years old. One can be arrested for the illegal possession of alcohol. Alcohol nowhere is sold in Sharjah.
Driving
There is complete zero-tolerance policy towards drunken driving cases in the UAE. People can arrest you or seize your car even if you have trace amounts of alcohol in your body. So, if you wish to drink, you should take a cab or metro. Dubai offers some excellent deals on renting cars, which incidentally include chauffeur services if you decide to come with your buddies, to indulge in some drinking, and then do not feel like driving yourself back.
The crime of speeding, tailgating, lane jumping, racing, as well as speaking or texting on mobiles while driving is believed to exist. You are always under the watchful eye of the speed cameras mounted on all the motorways and roads. The seat belt is another law compulsory while driving. Jaywalking is unlawful and there have been many campaigns against jaywalking. Heavy fines are charged on the offenders sometimes.
Drug consumption or possession
Consumption or possession of drugs even in minute quantities is a punishable offence. One could get imprisoned or even deported for such an offense. Do check with your embassy for the forbidden medicines which are barred in the UAE. Also, you should possess only doctor-prescribed medicines. Trying to purchase them over the counter is considered as a serious crime.
Smoking
One has to be 18 years or more to smoke here in UAE. Smoking is prohibited in offices, malls, and government buildings. There are many assigned places assigned for smokers to enjoy a fag. These include bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Traditions and cultures
The primary culture of the UAE is based on Islamic tradition and values. These have been carried from generation to generation and serve a significant foundation of any Emirati family. The Emirati are very friendly and courteous enough towards tourists and visitors. Sometimes they are very lenient to the visitors in the country, but one has to respect and follow their culture and values.
Dress code
Emirati people are pretty traditional in what they wear, and sometimes they get offended if people are not properly dressed or if they violate the rules of their Islamic customs. To be a tourist in Dubai requires knowledge of what to wear and how to look there for a stress-free vacation. Even the clothes must not be transparent and expose body parts or convey objectionable slogans or images.
All tattoos are required to be covered that would be offending to the Islamic culture. The nature of topless sunbathing, or indeed any nudity is strictly forbidden. Both male and female are required to wear an attiring which covers their shoulders and knees. Women are forced to wear a headscarf in the religious mosques of Dubai.
Social and community ethics
About 150 nationalities had relocated to UAE at the end of the century. Every street used to have people talking different tongues and cultures. So, you need to understand you are in a place sandwiched between communities and values. Although the UAE culture and laws are designed to make sure that the people are respectful towards nationality and faith of each other. Do keep respect for all traditions by refraining from improper conduct and behavior. Heavy fines, imprisonment, and sometimes deportation are done for the offenders.
Do’s and Don’ts Important points to remember
Do not go dancing publicly. It is considered provocative and indecent
Even though Dubai is almost crime free, one should not compromise on their personal safety.
Strict laws against homosexuals
- Cross dressing also is illegal
- One must not randomly communicate with women or click their photographs in Dubai
- Viewing or possessing pornographic material or content is illegal
- Public affection is not encouraged for unmarried couples. Unmarried couples can hold hands in public
- Be respectful to the Muslims and the other religions practiced in Dubai. At times you will have to give up and change places especially at prayer time in public areas because of the Muslims prayer times.
You can really have great fun in this Persian Gulf city without offending anyone or breaking any local laws. Dubai welcomes millions of tourists from all over the world every year, and you will probably find no more polite, hospitable, and sincere audience anywhere else in the world. Travel to the UAE and uncover deep, rich history and traditions of the Middle East hidden in this modern cosmopolitan city.
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