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.
Couples who are not married cannot engage in any form of public affection. Kissing and hugging in public is not tolerated and couples who are caught could be fined or imprisoned.
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.
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.
Can unmarried couples stay in the same hotel room? According to the law, it's illegal for unmarried couples to stay in the same room during a holiday in Dubai. 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.
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. Homosexuality is against the law in Dubai, so any public romantic gestures in a same-sex relationship could put you at risk.
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.
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.
Live Together With Your Partner In Dubai Legally
According to the Dubai government, it's a legal move to cohabitate.
“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.”
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.
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.”
Narcotic drugs (all kinds, including poppy seeds, cocaine, hashish, heroin, hallucination pills, etc.) Personal motorised vehicles such as hoverboards, Segways and smart or self-balancing wheels are prohibited with or without batteries as checked-in or carry-on baggage.
Following this, unmarried couples may now live in the same accommodation and cohabit without marriage in the UAE. Therefore, you may travel with your girlfriend to Dubai and stay with her in the same hotel room without facing any legal issues pertaining to cohabitation.
Because Emiratis don't date and the idea of dating is considered antithetical to Muslim values, it is strongly advisable that you are very discreet when it comes to public displays of affection or public dating.
In order to use Tinder safely in the UAE, you need to consider the best features of a VPN in this situation. The fantastic social discovery app Tinder was blocked in the UAE a few years ago.
Yes, unreservedly. Dubai is considered among the top 10 safest countries for female solo travellers, so there is no need to hesitate before getting that Dubai visa.
In most of the Europe countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and the United States it is very common to see people holding hands, hugging and kissing in public.
As long as it's out of sight and inaudible to the next door neighbours, Melbournians are entitled to do as they wish. Have any further thoughts on kissing etiquette in Melbourne?
PDA is currently not recognised in Australia so it cannot be formally diagnosed.
Do Not Hug and Kiss in Public (Couple) Thailand is a conservative country, so hugging and kissing in public places is considered impolite in Thai society.