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.
Swearing and making rude gestures (including online) are considered obscene acts and offenders can be jailed or deported.
Swearing on WhatsApp
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 at others, hurling insults, or damaging one's reputation on online platforms is an offence that can get one penalised for Dh250,000 to Dh500,000, the authority said.
In the UAE, there is no formal commitment to free speech. It is not permitted to be in any way critical of the government, government officials, police and the royal families. Any attempt to also form a union in public and protest against any issue, will be met with severe action.
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. Many foreigners have already suffered the consequences.
Absolutely. English is the most commonly spoken language in Dubai. With a high number of expats, most of whom speak English as a native or second language, you'll find it easy to make your way around. From road signs and menus to phone directories and public transport, English is always an option.
Article 373
Imprisonment up to one year or a fine not exceeding twenty thousand dirhams will be imposed on individuals who, by any means of publicity, insult another person without any specified reason to cause harm on their dignity or honor.
Using derogatory language or any form of verbal abuse, irrespective of a person's nationality is a criminal offense under UAE law, as well as under Sharia law. A person's reputation can be critically destroyed when they are accused of committing an immoral activity.
Not only is it a criminal offence to drop an F-bomb in public, but it's also against the law to use abusive language in WhatsApp messages – and that includes the 'middle finger' emoji. Under the UAE's cyber crime laws, anyone convicted faces a fine of up to Dhs500,000, a prison sentence, and deportation.
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.
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.
In November 2020, the government introduced some changes. Now, not only unmarried couples but also unrelated friends can live together. The UAE media noted that, in fact, even before that many unmarried expats were living in Dubai without being prosecuted by the authorities for breaking the rules.
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.
Swearing in public is completely prohibited in the UAE, with the use of the F-word being a crime, as it "disgraces the honor 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.
The Public Prosecution highlighted Article 14 (2) of the law, which states: “It shall be prohibited to exercise sexual harassment, bullying or any verbal, physical or mental violence against the worker by his employer, manager or co-workers.”
Discriminatory harassment: it is based on race, age, gender, religion, and disability. Physical harassment: any behavior that involves physical attacks.
Verbal abuse is a criminal offence in both UAE and Sharia law, but the purpose of the law is to punish verbal abuse that causes real harm.
“In 2011, the Dubai Court of Cassation ruled that foreigners who flaunt their middle finger to others must be deported from the UAE for 'committing indecent acts' as per articles 121 and 358 of the Penal Code. This shows the conflicting battle between the traditional viewpoints and the evident modernity in the UAE.
According to the UAE law using derogatory language or any form of verbal abuse, irrespective of a person's nationality, is a criminal offence. The 'F' word that you may use with ease in your home country can get you in legal trouble in the UAE. Article 373 of the Penal Code No.
Hello / Goodbye
While in Dubai, the most common greetings visitors will come across are marhaba (hello) and maasalaamah (goodbye or with peace).
Shukran (pronounced shook-ran)
If you want to say 'Thank you' or 'Thanks' in Arabic, Shukran is the word you want to use.
Dubai isn't actually much more expensive than London, New York, and other big cities. However, Dubai's not a very walkable city. Jaywalking is illegal, and crossings are few and far between. Taxi prices aren't too expensive but taking them often can add up.