It is illegal in the UAE to swear or slander someone on an information network, which includes social media or messaging services such as WhatsApp.
Swearing and making rude gestures (including online) are considered obscene acts and offenders can be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public.
Swearing in WhatsApp messages
Under the UAE's cyber crime laws, anyone convicted faces a fine of up to Dhs500,000, a prison sentence, and deportation.
According to Article 373 of the UAE Criminal Code, using the F-word in public is illegal because it “disgraces the honor or the modesty” of a person. The maximum penalty for cursing is one year in jail and a fine of up to 10,000 dirhams. Swearing is frowned upon by local customs and against the law in Dubai.
Posting pictures exhibiting nudity, pornography, and drunkenness is a very serious offence in the UAE, for it goes against Islamic morals and values. According to Article 17, those who transmit such posts “shall be punished by imprisonment and a fine not less than AED 250,000 and not in excess of AED 500,000.”
Internet censorship
The UAE has been listed as "Under Surveillance" by Reporters Without Borders since 2008. Pornographic sites are banned and so is anti-Islamic and anti-government/anti-police material. The United Arab Emirates censors the Internet using Secure Computing's solution.
Yes, you can use Instagram in Dubai. There are plenty of alternatives for WhatsApp that will help you stay connected to your loved ones while you're visiting Dubai.
Swearing in public is completely prohibited in the UAE, with the use of the F-word being a crime, as it “disgraces the honour or the modesty” of a person, according to Article 373 of the UAE Penal Code. Swearing is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine as high as 10,000 dirhams (£2,157).
Swearing, using obscenities, or making rude gestures in public. Using vulgar or obscene language in public, along with making rude gestures, can get you arrested in Dubai.
Gulf Arab states, including Dubai, aren't exactly fond of uncensored content. Now, they have issued warning to Netflix, asking it to pull down content that is violating "Islamic and societal standards."
Up to Dh500,000 fine: UAE authority warns residents against insulting, swearing at others online - News | Khaleej Times.
In Dubai, and by extension the UAE, the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are banned – including WhatsApp. Users are instead directed to paid apps, such as Botim to make internet calls.
WhatsApp, like most free VoIP and messaging services, is blocked in Dubai and The UAE. This can make it difficult to keep in touch with friends and family back home unless you're willing to pay for a government-approved service like C'Me or BOTIM.
Sexting in the UAE is against the law. That also includes nude selfies, as this young couple found out.
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.
These include bomb-making, phreaking (breaching phone security or phone service theft), scams and fraud, terrorism, evading law enforcement, stalking, lock picking, selling pirate material such as commercial software, music, videos or others.
The UAE's law prohibits sale of tobacco and tobacco products to children. Smoking in public transportation, private vehicles and indoor places in the presence of a child is also prohibited.
Which medications can I take into Dubai? You are free to bring any non-prescription, non-controlled medication into Dubai. This includes medicine such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, travel sickness medication, and Calpol.
Assault is considered a violent crime in Dubai. Being accused of assault can result in either a misdemeanor or a felony charge. Either charge will result in jail time, fines, and restitution to the victim, parole and a mark on your criminal record for life.
You can wear shorts in Dubai and even skirts, if they are at knee length and not shorter than that. Just be mindful of the fact that there are a lot of families and children there.
Gum is banned from sale in Dubai, making this a major prohibition. You'll have to carry your gum from abroad to indulge in the habit. However, medicated gum could be available at some drugstores and specialist shops.
Regulations. Islamic law prohibits unmarried couples from living together. The same rule applies to sharing a hotel room. In theory, hotels should also not call you a cab or help you book a tour in which you will be alone with your partner.
Yes, it is illegal to use FaceTime in Dubai as it does not have a license from the TRA.
Unfortunately, the app's video chat is blocked in a number of countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The good news is you can unblock Snapchat video calling in the UAE by using a virtual private network, making your communications safe, secure, private, and accessible from anywhere in the world.