Visitor Awareness

Remember that courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people.

Regarding your stay here, do note that the following are considered illegal in Dubai:  possession or use of drugs, co-habitation, sex outside marriage, having a baby out of wed-lock, adultery and homosexuality.

Firstly avoid bringing banned goods into Dubai.

Dress Code
You are expected to dress modestly and women should avoid low-cut tops, short skirts and bare arms. Men and women should not walk around in swim-wear or bikinis, unless they are at the beach or poolside.

Driving in Dubai
Swearing & making rude gestures and all forms of road rage can lead to heavy penalties including a jail sentence. Breaking the traffic law carries serious consequences. For example, you can be imprisoned for running through a red-light, your car can be impounded and you will receive black points on your license.

Alcohol
Non-Muslims are permitted alcohol at hotel bars, licensed premises or at home (with a license). However drinking and driving or appearing in public drunk is not permitted.

Other Religions
Even though Islam is the official religion, as per the UAE Constitution, Dubai respects and tolerates other religions and has many churches and temples.

Tips on Social Etiquette
Public displays of affection are not permitted. You can be arrested and jailed as per the law. Avoid taking photographs of mosques, military installations or other people, especially Arab women.

Standing up for new guests and especially older, higher-ranking people is important. Typically, elderly people are greeted first. Men also are expected to stand when a woman enters.

When a man meets an Emirati woman, do not offer to shake her hand, unless she extends her hand towards you first.

Most men shake hands to greet and bid farewell to each other.
After shaking hands or greeting, it is customary to enquire into each other’s health. Do not jump into business immediately, but spend a little time to get to know each other. Accept refreshments only with your right hand, which should also be used for eating and drinking.

Do not offer any alcoholic refreshments or food with pork to your Muslim guest.
Avoid showing the soles of your feet, or pointing your foot at anyone. Crossing your legs and sitting in front of an important guest or official is also deemed rude.

Information kindly provided by Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing