The Most Outrageous Laws You Need To Know If You Ever Go To Dubai  

1. Leave your porn at home!

Image Source / Dreamstime.comOk, it’s not 1980 so the chance of you packing a porno in your suitcase is probably pretty slim. That being said, any stag do groups will want to watch out – that funny packing prank you were planning for the groom-to-be might not be so funny when he’s detained in customs... To stay safe, leave any videos, books, magazines or other items of a pornographic nature at home.

2. Don’t be drunk in public

Image Source / Travel DailyWhilst it is possible for tourists to buy booze in venues like hotels, restaurants and clubs, be careful... If you get carried away and end up staggering home, you might be intercepted by the UAE police. Why? It’s a punishable offence under UAE law to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in public. In fact, there have been plenty of cases of British nationals arrested and charged for being drunk and disorderly. Think it’s time to rearrange that stag do!

3. You’ll need a licence to drink at your place

Image Source / Lovin.coOk, I know what you’re thinking - just play it safe and keep the party in your hotel room! Surely nobody can get in trouble for that, right? Wrong. Even the residents of Dubai need a liquor licence in order to buy and drink alcohol in their own home. Tourists can get a temporary liquor licence for 30 days but there’s a catch... In order to get the licence you have to read a code of conduct and will be tested on it to see if you understand the rules around buying and drinking booze.

4. Under 21? No drinking for you!

Image Source / Food and WineA law passed by the Ministry of Tourism prevents hotels from serving alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. You may have been a regular down your local boozer for 3 years in the UK but go to Dubai before your 21st birthday and you’ll be strictly sipping mocktails.

5. DON’T DO DRUGS

Image Source / Gulf TodayIf there’s one law you NEED to follow it’s this: in Dubai drugs are bad. Really, really bad. Zero-tolerance bad. If you’re caught with even a tiny amount of a substance that would see you getting a slap on the wrist at home, you’d be looking at a minimum three-month prison term or a fine of up to AED100,000 (that’s over 200k!). Caught with anything substantial – you could be facing the death penalty. The authorities even count the presence of drugs in the bloodstream as possession. Don’t do drugs kids and definitely don’t do them in Dubai!

6. Avoid foods with poppy seeds

Image Source / HealthlineAmazingly, poppy seeds are the source of opium (the substance found in heroin). If you’re found to be in possession of food with the seeds on/in then you’re technically carrying a very serious drug. I’ll never look at a poppy seed in the same way again!

7. Illegal skincare products

Image Source / Self.comUnbelievably, some skincare products contain ingredients that are illegal drugs in Dubai (like CBD oil). Before you set off to Dubai, make sure that you check all of your products over very carefully before packing and if in doubt, leave them at home.

8. Vaping

Image Source / Big BudsIf you or one of your mates vapes, be extra careful. Just like some skincare products, certain vape oils contain CBD – a banned substance in Dubai. Check and double check what you pack before going.

9. Women need to cover up

Image Source / StuffMen seem to get an easier ride on the clothing front in Dubai. As for women, it’s modesty first and in public places such as shopping malls, cafes and parks clothing should cover the upper arms and legs and no underwear should be on show. I can think of a few friends who might struggle with that one!

10. No bikinis

Image Source / Ninja JournalistIn a lot of foreign countries, it’s common to move between the swimming pool and bar/café with a small cover up or no change at all. Unsurprisingly, this doesn’t go down very well in Dubai where bikinis and revealing swimming attire is strictly for beaches/poolside. Venture too far from either of those in your skimpy swimmers and you may have some questions to answer.

11. No swearing

Image Source / iStockRude gestures and/or swearing are considered ‘obscene acts’ and could lead to you being arrested or deported. This even applies online, so take care when captioning your Insta snaps. Be especially respectful around the police and authorities – they’re the ones keeping an eye on you, after all.

12. No kissing in public

Image Source / PinterestPublic displays of affection such as kissing and intimate cuddling are frowned upon. In fact, there have been many arrests for people seen kissing in public. It may have an incredible sky-line but Dubai might not be the best place for popping the question – imagine getting arrested just after saying yes!

13. Eating or drinking on public transport

Image Source / khaleejDon’t ask why but if you’re on any form of public transport (bus, metro, train, even a pedestrian crossing) you can’t eat or drink. If you’re caught, you could receive a small fine. To be honest, I like this one - who likes listening to someone else chomp through their food or sit in a stinky carriage where someone is having eggs!? It’s a very clean city, maybe they just want to keep it that way?

14. No sausages

Image Source / BBCTalking of food, it’s illegal to import any pork products into Dubai. It feels like a pretty unlikely way to break the law but I guess if you bought a Pepperoni or sausage sandwich in the airport and still had it in your hand luggage when you arrived you could be in trouble. Why are they so strict on pork? Dubai is a Muslim country so pork isn’t eaten.

15. Let’s talk about sex...

Image Source / PixelsHooking up with someone is generally fine. Although like everything in Dubai, there’s a catch. You have to be over 18 and they have to be the opposite sex... more on that later. Oh and remember not to get too steamy out in public or you’ll be done by the PDA police!

16. Don’t be caught cheating

Image Source / ChristianAlthough having sex with someone when you’re already in relationship isn’t actually illegal in Dubai, if either spouse catches you they can file a complaint. What would this mean for you and your bit on the side? A jail sentence of a minimum of six months... that cheeky kiss is probably not worth it after all.

17. Maybe baby

Image Source / Around the WorldWith so many people moving to live in Dubai, it’s to be expected that some expat babies will be born there. If you find yourself giving birth just be aware of their strict rules around birth outside of marriage. To get a birth certificate, you need to be married or the birth won’t be registered and your medical insurance might not cover the little one. Shotgun wedding anyone?

18. Homosexual activity is punished

Image Source / YoutubeWhen living in more tolerant places like the UK it’s important to remember that not everywhere is as respectful to same-sex relationships. In Dubai, homosexual sex is illegal and same-sex marriages are not recognised. You can see why many gay people choose to avoid the UAE altogether – why travel to somewhere where you can’t be yourself? For those who do choose to go, the public display of affection law will apply even more strongly.

19. Watch that selfie!

Image Source / SWNS:South West News ServiceYou’ll need to be really careful with what you snap. Photos of government buildings are banned so be sure to check what you’re posing in front of or that innocent selfie could be misinterpreted as a sneaky government gathering mission. Either way, be cautious of just about everything you do here!

20. Don’t photograph strangers

Image Source / AFP/Giuseppe CacaceIf you’re into wildlife photography or taking photos of scenic places you want to be careful too – capture someone in shot without their permission and you might be arrested. Men have been arrested for photographing beaches as their pictures had women in who did not agree.

21. Cameras and binocular licences

Image Source / Dubai Travel PlannerIf you do have a decent camera, you might need a licence for use in the UAE. That’s because, as you’ve seen, the government is very hot on people taking photos of things they shouldn’t and powerful cameras raise suspicion. Binoculars are the same and could be confiscated without a licence. If you’re not sure, check with the UAE Embassy in London.

22. YouTubers beware!

Image Source / YoutubeWhilst the average holiday snapper is probably fine, anyone taking part in more professional video production will need permission in advance. This is granted by the strict Emirati authorities and is likely a lengthy process. What happens if you forget your licence and start filming? You’ll be looking at a hefty fine and even time in prison

23. Fundraising

Image Source / Skydive GeronimoIt might be time to rethink that sponsored skydive. Due to many cases of fraudulent activity, the Dubai authorities have made fundraising really tricky. Any donations must be approved by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). If you fail to do so you’ll be looking at a big fine, possibly having to spend more money than you raised.

24. Don’t criticise the government

Image Source / The VergeWe’ve all heard of the horror stories from North Korea. Well, Dubai might not be quite that extreme but post anything online that pokes fun at the UAE government and you could be in trouble. The scope for breaking these rules is pretty broad: clearly slagging off the government isn’t going to do you any favours but neither is posting culturally insensitive images (keep your outfits modest and no silly poses in front of a statue/policeman, it could be really offensive!).

25. Don’t take photos of car accidents

Image Source / Emirates 24/7Don’t ask me why but taking a photo of an accident in Dubai and posting it online could see you with a fine of up to £600,000! This doesn’t just include cars – plane crashes are prohibited too (although let’s be honest, you’d be very unlucky to see one of those).

26. Having a dirty car

Image Source / Daily ExpressThe local climate means that sandstorms are common. As a result, cars can very quickly get dirty. No big deal? Well, not really. Dubai prides itself on being clean and glamorous and a dirty car is seen to “disfigure the town's image and public health”. Don’t be surprised if you see a car being towed away and a distraught owner left with a fine and no motor.

27. Having a clean car!

Image Source / ZDegreeSo, you can get in trouble for having a dirty car but you can also get in trouble for cleaning your car! How? Well, cars have to be washed ‘correctly’. This means, they have to be taken to a proper car washing facility, approved by the government. There are many labourers looking to earn a bit of extra money for cheap car washes but beware, if you’re caught you’ll have more than a dirty car to deal with.

28. No firearms

Depending on where you live, this may seem like a no-brainer. But as some countries permit the use of weapons it’s worth a reminder that weapons (guns, knives etc), ammunition and any related equipment will all need to be cleared before entering Dubai.

29. Pay your hotel bill

Image Source / Trip101We’ve all been there – getting carried away on holiday and raiding the hotel mini bar, only to be left with a big bill as you check out. Well, whatever you do, remember to pay it in Dubai. The non-payment of bills is considered a financial crime and you could have your card frozen or worse, be arrested. Bail is not often given to non-UAE residents so you may have to stay in jail until the fine has been cleared. You have been warned!

30. Looking to buy?

Image Source / Low ImpactIf these laws haven’t put you off too much, you may even consider moving to Dubai permanently. In which case, you’ll need somewhere to live. The property market in Dubai is very heavily regulated and foreigners have been known to be ripped off or led into breaking laws without knowing it. To prevent yourself from getting in any trouble, seek professional advice if you’re looking to buy out there.

31. You can't use curse words on WhatsApp, either

image source: reddit.com

While you might think swearing out in public in Dubai makes sense in terms of its offense, you might be surprised how strict they are about WhatsApp and social media, too. You can't use any curse words or indecent language in your messages or your social media posts.

32. And you definitely can't use emojis that are more on the 'indecent' side!

image source: reddit.com

This also applies to the emojis you're using online, too! If you thought you could get around this strict rule by not captioning your posts with words and only using emojis, this can still get you into trouble if your emojis are insulting, indecent or suggestive. So you might want to delete that eggplant.

33. Going into someone else's phone

image source: reddit.com

So apparently this is a breach of privacy in Dubai - which makes complete sense if it's a stranger's phone you're trying to crack into. But this rule also extends to people who actually know each other. One woman got fined when she used her husband's phone to send photos to her own phone!

34. You can't take or share photos of flight accidents

image source: reddit.com

If you happen to come across a plane crash or collision during your trip to Dubai - and let's hope not - you don't want to be caught taking photos of anything to do with that, either. In the same way they don't want you taking photos of road accidents, they also don't want any snaps of flight accidents.

35. You can't take photos of important buildings

image source: reddit.com

What's one photo you're definitely going to want when you travel anywhere abroad? The most important building, of course! You're surely going to want to take a photo of the famous palace, or royal residence, or military building. But in Dubai, you can't take photos of any of these.

36. You're not allowed to gossip

image source: reddit.com

Seriously - gossiping is considered as disturbing 'the national peace', and you can get in serious trouble for it. There is a law against spreading rumors or gossiping about people or things on social media. An example of this is when Dubai didn't like people posting photos and videos of bad weather damaging buildings because it was a 'rumor'!

37. Giving the middle finger

image source: reddit.com

You can still get in trouble for swearing in Dubai even if you are not saying any words out loud, or saying anything online. If you flash your middle finger at any time in public - which is seen as a rude gesture in many countries, including Dubai - that's enough to slap you with deportation!

38. Using a VPN

image source: reddit.com

VPNs are there to keep you safe and protected, and a lot of tourists use them when traveling if they're browsing on the go. But in Dubai, you could get into trouble for using a VPN, because some people use them to access restricted sites, or with the intention of committing a crime.

39. Taking photos of people's property without their permission

image source: reddit.com

It's kind of hard to take a vacation snap without getting something in there that belongs to someone else, like their bag or car. But one tourist got into trouble when she took a photo of a car in Dubai that was parked across two parking spaces, and posted it on her social media!

40. Hugging in public

image source: reddit.com

The rule of public displays of affection spreads everywhere, but it's enforced in particular in public parks. This doesn't just mean kissing, either - it means hugging too! Imagine flying out to a friend in Dubai who you haven't seen in ages and giving them a big hug - then getting arrested.

41. Or even holding hands!

image source: reddit.com

The public affection rule also counts for holding hands! The problem with this is it's so easily done by couples who are so used to walking hand-in-hand when strolling outside - especially on vacation. It becomes second nature, which means so many people won't even realise they're doing it - then get arrested.

42. Men can't wear sleeveless tops

image source: reddit.com

We know that women get the raw end of the deal when it comes to 'revealing' dressing in Dubai, but men have rules to abide by, too. Apparently sleeveless tops are a no-go for any man in Dubai, which sucks if you're visiting and you can't wear your t-shirt during the hot weather!

43. Cross-dressing is absolutely not allowed

image source: reddit.com

This probably goes without saying based on how strict Dubai is about men's and women's clothing, but cross-dressing is an absolute no-go in this country, apparently. There isn't even compromises like 'it's acceptable as long as you have sleeves'. It's just a solid no!

44. You can't eat during Ramadan

image source: reddit.com

Muslims in Dubai celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, which has strict rules about when they can or can't eat, as well as when they can drink water. But apparently being respectful of local customs isn't enough, because you're not allowed to eat either - even if you're not Muslim and you're just visiting!

45. You can't play music during Ramadan, either

image source: reddit.com

If you were thinking you could listen to your favorite playlist to distract you from the fact you can't eat, think again. Playing loud music, or things like live bands, is strictly forbidden during the month of Ramadan - it's just not allowed. So you'll be fined if you try it!

46. You're allowed to dance - but only if you don't touch anyone

image source: reddit.com

So you might be surprised to learn that dancing is actually allowed in Dubai, seeing as it feels like something 'sexy' that might be prohibited. Well, actually, 'dirty dancing' isn't allowed at all - you can dance, but there's a rule that you can't touch anyone while you do so. So if you want to hug your mate as you bop, or wrap your arms around your partner's neck while you sway - it's a no go.

47. Don't have sex on the beach

image source: reddit.com

And no, we don't mean the cocktail! We can't believe we have to say this, but no, don't have sex on a public beach in Dubai - which some people have actually done, and got in trouble for it. You'll be fined, imprisoned and even deported. Is it really worth the quickie?

48. Speaking of the beach: you can only drink water on it

image source: reddit.com

If you want to relax on the beach, maybe do a bit of sunbathing, you might have thought about drinking a cold beer or cocktail while you're there - but nope. If you want to drink on the beach, it has to be water, and no alcohol. But at least you're not forced to drink the salt water!

49. You can't dance alone during Ramadan

image source: reddit.com

Because of all the rules surrounding playing music during Ramadan, this also makes dancing a risky business during this holy month, too. But to make it weirder, you're not even allowed to dance on your own to music during this month, not even a little sway on your hotel balcony!

50. You can't show your shoulders

image source: reddit.com

At least you don't have to worry about getting painful sunburn for your trip, right? Because you're not allowed to bare your shoulders, either. There are specific bits of skin that need to be covered as a woman, and shoulders are one of them. So even if every other inch is covered but a bit of your shoulder is on display, it's a problem.