Censorship in the UAE is generally of subjects related to pornography, gambling, alcohol (or liquor), material which is offensive to Islam, material which is offensive to other religions, material which is critical of the UAE government and/or ruling families, and material which is critical of the UAE.
While unlicensed Voice-over-Internet-Protocol services like WhatsApp, Skype and Viber are not supported in the UAE, due to security and cybercrime concerns, there are several alternative voice and video calling apps that residents can use.
If you are in Dubai, you will sadly not be able to make any WhatsApp calls to people using the app, since those functions have been limited by the government of Dubai. You can, however, access Whatsapp's texting feature, and share video messages or audio texts with your contacts.
The UAE, home to the oil-rich capital of Abu Dhabi and the freewheeling financial hub of Dubai, long has blocked internet calling apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime, presumably due to security concerns and to protect the revenues of its monopoly state-run telecommunication companies.
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, 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.
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.
Here are some taboos we think anyone relocating to the UAE should be aware of: Nobody should ever see the soles of your feet or shoes. Beware of how you sit – especially when crossing one leg over the other. Revealing the underside of your foot to someone is viewed as a rude and disrespectful gesture.
The United Arab Emirates has an advanced surveillance system, which includes all online modes as well as real life monitoring of public spaces. Media outlets in the country are either owned by the state or must abide by its image and rules in order to operate.
Yes, you can use Instagram in Dubai.
The general rule regarding dressing in public in Dubai is to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and your knees. It's best to refrain from wearing clothing that is too tight or too revealing for both men and women.
If you want to carry liquids, aerosols or gels in your hand baggage, here's what you need to know: - Items should be packed inside one clear, re-sealable plastic bag, within your hand baggage. - Each item can't be more than 100ml and the total can't exceed one litre.
While there is no official dress code as such, modesty is appreciated and it is advisable to dress conservatively when in public places. The culture and customs of Dubai are based on Islamic traditions and practices.
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 ...
What happens if you chew gum in Dubai? One must be aware that chewing gum in Dubai Metro or the platform and Dubai buses isn't allowed and you can be fined if caught. Spitting in a public place can cost Dh1,000 in fine.
Swearing on WhatsApp
Swearing is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine as high as 10,000 dirhams (£2,157). Flashing your middle finger, which is considered an “indecent gesture” that breaches “a victim's pride, privacy and/or modesty”, will result in deportation.
Do not swear in public or use offensive gestures. Giving someone the finger or even just sticking out your tongue might be considered rude at home but can get you jailed in Dubai. This is particularly worth remembering when driving, since even a frustrated flap of the hands could potentially land you in trouble.
Voice of Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications such as Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are blocked in the UAE. The use of such applications without a legal right is an offence and is punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine.
Unfortunately, a number of countries, including the United Arab Emirates, have blocked the app's video chat feature (UAE). The good news is that you can use a virtual private network to unblock Snapchat video calling in the UAE, making your communications safe, stable, private, and available from anywhere in the world.
Why Are Voice Calls, Video Calls and VOIP Services Banned? As mentioned earlier, the UAE government has banned WhatsApp calling and other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls because of privacy and national security reasons.
Yes, you can wear Flip Flops anywhere you go in Dubai. What is this? The only time you shouldn't wear them is if you're at a really nice hotel. It's also best not to wear them in the desert because they're very easy to lose in the sand dunes.