Your Essential Etiquette Guide To What Not To Do In Dubai

From dressing appropriately to respecting local customs, this essential etiquette guide will help you navigate Dubai with ease.

ByChaitali Patel Published: Dec 10, 2024 08:00 AM HKT6 min read

Your Essential Etiquette Guide To What Not To Do In Dubai — Dubai Skyline | Image credit: Abbas Mohammed/Pexels

Voted the top tourist destination in the world, Dubai is having its moment in the sun. Everyone wants to be here and make their unique memories. In a city that welcomes people from all across the world, tolerance is highly valued. On a long stay or short visit, keep these rules in mind to ensure you enjoy what the city has to offer without disrespecting its residents in any way. While these rules are not cast in stone, it’s best to follow them as far as possible.

Things not to do in Dubai

Public display of affection is frowned upon

As tempting as it may be to get yourself clicked against the city’s skyline while passionately kissing your partner, it’s best to avoid doing that in the UAE. While an airport hug or peck won’t get you into trouble, a more outward public display of affection is frowned upon and may lead to consequences.

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Refrain from swearing in public

No swearing in public — Representational image credit: Loozrboy/Flickr

This might not seem like a big deal but it can get you into big trouble. It’s best to avoid using cuss words in public and this includes gestures. While this may seem a tad harsh, it does ensure that public fights and flare-ups rarely happen in Dubai.

Drinking in public places is unlawful unless you’re doing so within a licensed space

While buying alcohol at Duty-Free stores is super easy, hold off that urge to open a beer can and take a swig while sitting on one of Dubai’s many fantastic beaches. Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited in public spaces unless done so in an area that has required permits.

The UAE places a lot of importance on tolerance, so be mindful of that

Home to people from over 200 countries, it’s best to leave your differences behind before you come to the UAE. Tolerance for different religions, customs, dress and languages is highly valued here. Personal political and religious ideologies should not be discussed in public.

Be conscious of others who may be fasting around you during Ramadan

Ramadan celebration in Dubai — Representational Image Credit: Alfredo/Flickr

Over the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and while restaurants serve food and drinks, be mindful of those observing the fast around you. When in doubt, it’s best to politely ask if it’s okay to eat or drink in public. Children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and the elderly are exempt from this.

You cannot disrespect rulers in the UAE

The ruler of Dubai — Representational Image Credit: World Economic Forum/Flickr

In the UAE, it’s unlawful to disrespect the rulers in any way, be it through words or actions. This could get you into serious trouble and may even lead to your expulsion from the country.

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Dress modestly

Dubai is known for its high life and glamour. Here, you will see people wearing whatever they wish but some unwritten rules need to be adhered to. Emiratis mostly wear traditional clothes that cover their bodies entirely. While you don’t have to cover up fully, dress according to where you are: beach attire on the beach is fine but not elsewhere. Covering shoulders, knees and the midriff is expected when walking into a government office. Carrying a scarf might be helpful should you have to cover up.

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Only a few mosques allow non-Muslim women to enter

Women praying in Mosque — Representational image credit: Thirdman/Pexels

Most mosques have a separate prayer section for women who wish to pray. For those who want to enter a mosque, it’s best to check if non-Muslim women are welcome to enter.

When interacting with Emiratis, shake their hand only if they offer theirs

Shaking of hands — Representational image credit: Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

There are strict codes of conduct regarding male and female interaction. When interacting with locals, it’s advisable to shake their hands only if they offer theirs. To be on the safer side, it’s best to greet with words and gestures that don’t involve physical contact.

Consumption of drugs can get you into serious trouble

Drugs of all kinds are banned in the UAE. Carrying them on you in person or consuming them is strictly prohibited and can have dire consequences.

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(Feature Image Credit: Abbas Mohammed/Pexels)

Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is public display of affection allowed in Dubai?

It's best to avoid public display of affection in the UAE

Is it okay to use offensive language or gestures in Dubai?

No, using offensive language and gestures goes against the law in Dubai.

What are the drinking and alcohol consumption rules in Dubai?

Alcohol can be consumed only in places that have required permits to do so.

What are the rules related to photography in Dubai?

It's advisable to ask Emiratis permission before you click their photos. In general, it's considered courteous to seek permission before clicking anyone's photo.

What are the religious rules to be aware of while visiting Dubai?

Disrespecting any religion is not permitted. People are welcome to follow their religion but being tolerant of others is mandatory.