Kissing and holding hands in public is deemed “inappropriate behavior,” so keep it clean while you're out and about. Any sexual relation between non-married couples is also illegal. It is an offense to use rude language or aggressive hand gestures, including while driving.
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.
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.
Death penalty shall be imposed if the murder is committed with premeditation and deliberation, or if associated with or connected to another crime, or if the murder is committed against any of the ascendants of the criminal, or against a public official or a person assigned to a public service, during or by reason of ...
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.
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.
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).
What should tourists wear in Dubai? When visiting Dubai as a tourist, you will be glad to know that the dress code in tourist places and hotels isn't very strict. Men can wear shorts, pants, shirts, or t-shirts. Women can wear dresses, skirts, shorts, and t-shirts, blouses, tops…
Article 9 of Domestic violence law defines domestic violence as any act of physical, psychological, sexual or material abuse. The individual committing such crimes can be punished with imprisonment for a period of a maximum of 6 months and/or a penalty of AED 5,000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is Dubai safe for solo female travelers? Yes, Dubai is definitely safe for solo female travelers, and it is the perfect destination for solo female digital nomads!
Other Behaviour Standards in Dubai & UAE
No overt displays of affection and embracing (but don't be surprised to see men walking along holding hands!) A peck on your husband's cheek is acceptable, holding hands, and, of course, you can embrace your children but just be modest in public.
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.
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.
Liquids in hand luggage FAQs
Aerosols and roll on deodorants are classed as liquids, so any containers larger than 100 ml will need to go in your luggage in the hold. Containers smaller than 100 ml are accepted if in a clear plastic bag.
Sexting in the UAE is against the law. That also includes nude selfies, as this young couple found out.
The UAE penal code states that if an unmarried couple is convicted of engaging in consensual sex outside of marriage or cohabitation is taking place, that couple will most likely be punished with one year of jail time and deportation.
Unmarried couples in Dubai
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.
Heterosexual couples who were not married were not allowed to live under the same roof. This law was based on Emirati culture and the Muslim religion, which forbids sexual relations outside marriage. However, Dubai remains one of the most tolerant cities in the United Arab Emirates and has revised its law.