In reality, this is not strictly enforced and it's unlikely you'll be challenged on it. Many unmarried couples visit Dubai every year without issue. This is especially true in Dubai's mega luxury hotels, which mainly cater to foreigners.
It is pertinent to note that cohabitation of unmarried couples is not a crime anymore in the UAE if there are no objections by their legal guardians. Therefore, if you are living with your girlfriend in the UAE, it may not be considered a crime, and there may be no imprisonment or penalties for cohabitation.
As from November last year, the laws have been relaxed so unmarried people can co-habit.
Based on the aforementioned amendments of year 2000 in the law, the provision of 'indecent assault' has since been removed. Following this, unmarried couples may now live in the same accommodation and cohabit without marriage in the UAE.
Many unmarried couples visit Dubai every year without issue. This is especially true in Dubai's mega luxury hotels, which mainly cater to foreigners.
Sexual relationships or unmarried couples cohabiting is illegal in Dubai. Cohabiting, including in hotels, is also illegal, however most hotels in Dubai do not enforce an 'only married couples' rule. The luxury hotels which mostly cater to foreigners are especially relaxed.
The Dubai Tourism Bureau states: “Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that recognises that marriage does not define all relationships and as such does not discriminate against singles or unmarried couples visiting the emirate.”
Public displays of affection are not welcome in Dubai, though you can hold hands with your heterosexual partner. Kissing and cuddling in public areas can be seen as obscene acts and it is against Dubai's laws for a minor (anyone under 18) to be in a sexual relationship.
Live Together With Your Partner In Dubai Legally
According to the Dubai government, it's a legal move to cohabitate.
The new federal law, which was introduced by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, under decree number 10-2022 regulating the registry of birth and death in the UAE, recognises the rights of single mother to register their children without the requirement of a father or a marriage certificate.
Can unmarried couples stay in hotels in Abu Dhabi? Unmarried couples can stay in a hotel but in separate rooms. It is illegal to stay in the same room as a member of the opposite sex if you are not married. However, hotels do not ask if you are married.
“Holding hands for a married couple is tolerated but kissing and petting are considered an offence to public decency,” it adds. “Public displays of affection, as well as sexual harassment or randomly addressing women in public places, is liable to be punished by imprisonment or deportation.”
16/22 NEVER DO: KISS IN PUBLIC
It does not matter if one party kisses the other on the lips, on the cheek, or in a private place that would get them locked upon any part of the world; kissing is forbidden in public places in Dubai.
The code says that only straight couples who are married are allowed to hold hands in public. Even in the case of married couples, the practice is tolerated, but not encouraged. In theory, you can hold hands in public in Dubai, however, you risk offending the locals and going against their cultural customs.
Polygamy is allowed as per the UAE's law. A Muslim male may have four wives, provided he offers equal sustenance and equal treatment to all. Here are the key legal requirements for Muslim marriages: Marriage contract needs to be registered in a Sharia court in the UAE.
In Dubai, dating is common and you can see men and women on dates in the malls or in restaurants. In Saudi, however, there are laws forbidding a woman from standing next to a man. If you live in the Kingdom, dating is forbidden in public for both locals and expats.
Kissing and embracing in public
The Executive Council has published a code of conduct that lays down acceptable conduct in Dubai. According to the code couples, both married and unmarried, cannot show affection in public places. Kissing and embracing out in the open is strictly forbidden.
Around new areas such as Dubai Marina or Downtown it is not such an issue and men and women can wear shorts and sleeveless or strappy tops. If you are in some of the older areas like Deira or Bur Dubai then a little more respect should be shown and wearing a t-shirt and slightly longer pants is recommended.
There are certain things you can't do in Dubai and PDA is one of them. In Dubai, holding hands, hugging, and kissing in public is considered socially unacceptable and if caught indulging in such acts, you might land up in jail.
Sexting in the UAE is against the law. That also includes nude selfies, as this young couple found out.
It's strictly forbidden for anyone to eat, drink, chew gum and even smoke in public places during those hours as it is seen as extremely disrespectful and can get the eater in trouble. This rule does not apply to small children and pregnant women.
Can you drink alcohol in Dubai? If you're 21 or over, expat or holidaymaker, you can legally drink alcohol in Dubai. However, you will need to purchase alcohol from a licensed premises, such as a shop, and enjoyed in the privacy of your own accommodation.
No law in the country denies an unmarried couple a stay in a hotel. However, checking-in a couple is at the discretion of the hotel owners / managers.
There is no law that can stop unmarried couples from staying together, though, the hotels and guest rooms don't allow them to stay happy. Hotels and guests houses have every right to ask for your identity proof, but they shouldn't be stopping you from staying in the hotel.