Do and Don’ts in Dubai: The Basics

Dubai rules and regulations? What are the real do and don’ts in Dubai? If you’re used to the laid-back vibe of Western Europe, you might wonder what’s okay in this bustling city. Dubai’s rules change quickly, and the internet is often littered with outdated information. No worries, though—we’re locals here, so we’re always up-to-date with the latest guidelines on do and don’ts in Dubai

 

Do and Don’ts What to Wear

Before our move to Dubai, we did a lot of searching on the internet to uncover any potential pitfalls. Questions like, “Can we wear shorts?” and “Is holding hands in public a no-no?” filled our minds. We even worried about revealing our shoulders and knees! But here’s the thing: in most touristy areas (and that’s most of Dubai), you can wear whatever you like, hold hands, and pretty much do your thing, just like you would in the Western world. In fact, some folks flaunt some seriously revealing outfits, even in the busiest shopping malls. Dubai has come a long way from the days when security guards would give you a stern talking-to for holding hands. For more information you can read this post What to Wear in Dubai.

 

Do and Don’ts in Dubai: In Certain Places

However, when you visit religious sites, government agencies, or attend local events, like weddings, be smart and dress respectfully. Leave the shorts and flip-flops for the beach and touristy places. You can find more on how to dress in Dubai here – What to wear in Dubai.

 

Public Displays of Affection

Now, let’s talk about public displays of affection. Heavy snogging sessions and beachside fumbling? Not recommended – but, let’s be honest, that’s not considered cool anywhere, including Dubai. However, you can do the following: give a friend a hug or a quick kiss when you greet them and hold hands with your partner in public.

If you’re not married, you can stay together in a hotel room or cohabit without any trouble. The rules changed in October 2021, so it’s allowed now. Before that, it used to be against the law, but not anymore!

 

Dubai Rules on Alcohol: Do and Don’ts in Dubai

 

You may be aware of Dubai’s rules regarding alcohol. Yes, Dubai does have rules, but don’t worry! Firstly, you need to be 21 or older. If you’re an expat wanting to buy alcohol from a liquor store, you’ll need to apply for a license, like the one shown above. The good news is that these licenses take just minutes to apply for in the liquor store and are now free. If you’re a tourist, simply show your passport at the counter, and they will sell you the alcohol.

 

Bringing Alcohol into Dubai

Dubai’s duty-free allowances are pretty cool! You can bring in 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 500 grams of tobacco, and either 4 litres of wine or 4 litres of spirits or 48 cans of beer. So, whether you prefer cigars, wine, or spirits and beer, there’s a limit for everyone to enjoy!

 

Finding the Liquor Store

Supermarkets in Dubai don’t sell alcohol, so if you’re in the mood for a tipple, you’ll need to hunt down a liquor store. Now, finding one of these places is like trying to find a needle in a haystack—if the needle were invisible and the haystack were expertly camouflaged. These stores are tucked away in malls, like some sort of secret society. Look out for discreet buildings without windows, bearing names like MMI, African + Eastern, Cellar Saver, or The Cellar Door. They might as well be called ‘Narnia’ for all the visibility they offer! Familiarizing yourself with these do and don’ts in Dubai will certainly make your quest for a beer or a bottle of wine less of an Indiana Jones adventure. Of course, Google will tell you where your nearest one is!

 

 

Do and Don’ts Dubai Alcohol

Most restaurants and venues serve alcohol, but you still will find many ‘dry’ venues. These are the no-alcohol zones, especially in family areas. It’s wise to double-check, ’cause those tempting mocktails might trick you into thinking they’re cocktails! (I fell for it a few times during my early days here).

You’re not allowed to drink on the streets or be drunk and disorderly in public in Dubai. It’s against the law in the UAE. If you’re seen intoxicated and behaving poorly in public, you could get into trouble. If you’ve had too much to drink, it’s better to grab a taxi and head back to your home or hotel. Additionally, behaviours associated with being intoxicated, such as making rude gestures, swearing, and public displays of affection, will also be punished if caught.

Drinking and driving is a strict no-no! Driving under the influence isn’t tolerated in Dubai; the blood alcohol limit is zero! Here’s what you should do instead: call a taxi, or if you have your car with you, arrange for a safe driver, such as Zofeur. They act as your designated driver, coming to your location to drive you and your vehicle home safely. Safe drivers are generally very affordable and often cheaper than a taxi.

 

Dos and Don’ts in Dubai Re: Tipping?

 

In Dubai, tipping isn’t something you’re expected to do, but it’s always appreciated (unlike some other places, you know who you are!). While not mandatory, showing a bit of kindness is a lovely touch, especially considering the top-notch service here. I usually tip 10% in restaurants, give 5 dirhams (that’s about £1, €1, $1) to food delivery and taxi drivers. For beauty and hairdressers, it’s around 25 DHS, and our gardener and car cleaner get about 50 DHS monthly. It’s not a strict rule, but these small acts create a chain reaction—making a difference in the lives of those working hard to support their families back home.

 

Can You Eat Pork in Dubai?

Sure thing! You can eat pork in Dubai, but if you’re craving a bacon butty, you’ll need to visit supermarkets like Spinneys & Waitrose. They usually have a separate section for non-halal products, including pork. Just watch out for doors marked “for Non-Muslims only.”

However, most restaurants and food places won’t feature pork on their menus. Obtaining permission to serve pork is quite a hassle, and it limits the restaurant’s clientele as many Muslims have strict dietary rules regarding pork. Hence, you might not find it at your hotel’s breakfast buffet, but if you do, it’ll be clearly labelled and well-separated from other dishes. Nonetheless, there are plenty of restaurants that do serve pork, and you can find a list of the top ones here Top 40 Restaurants serving pork in Dubai.

 

Photography Rules: Do and Don’ts in Dubai

 

When it comes to capturing moments in the UAE, there are some key rules to keep things clicking.

Before snapping a photo of someone, make sure to ask for permission! It’s a matter of courtesy to ask in advance. Many restaurants and tourist spots actually encourage photography; they aim to be Instagram-worthy and featured in your posts and stories. So, don’t worry—most places will be thrilled you’re taking photos and might even go the extra mile to make your picture Instagram-famous! To avoid any potential photo-related issues, it’s best to avoid taking pictures of women or families in public.

And a heads-up: steer clear of military zones, government buildings, or political spots in your photo spree. It’s a legal no-go for security reasons. Stick to snapping the sunsets instead, following all these do and don’ts in Dubai will keep your photography respectful and problem-free.

 

Watch Your Words in Dubai!

Did you know? Swearing in public can land you in some hot water here. Using bad language or rude gestures can get you in trouble with the law. So, keep it clean and polite! No swearing, no flipping the bird, and no loud arguments, please. Dubai is all about that peace, love, and understanding

 

Certificate Attestation

 

Making sure your documents are the real deal in Dubai is a big deal. Dubai’s a hotspot for folks worldwide, whether for work or studies. To ensure your papers from abroad are legit, the government insists on this whole certificate attestation process.

Picture this: You’ve bagged a job in Dubai, but they want proof of your qualifications and work history. That’s where certificate attestation steps in. It’s like a globe-trotting approval marathon, starting with your home country’s authorities, hopping to the UAE embassy, and finally landing at Dubai’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This process double-checks that your papers are genuine, whether it’s for work, studies, or even saying “I do.”

Certificate attestation in Dubai is crucial for various documents, including:

1. Educational Certificates: Degrees, diplomas, school certificates, and academic transcripts need attestation for employment, higher education, licensing, or visas.
2. Professional Certifications: Certificates from professional courses or specialized programs might require attestation for job applications or licenses.
3. Birth and Marriage Certificates: These may need attestation for visas, family sponsorship, or legal reasons.

Getting your documents attested can be a bit of a mind-boggling adventure, so I recommend doing it as soon as you arrive and using a company like we did Attest.ae. They were affordable, reliable, and guided us through the entire process. I suggest shopping around as there are many companies available. Knowing these do and don’ts in Dubai will help streamline your paperwork process.

 

LGBTQ+

In Dubai, there’s a lot of progressiveness, but LGBTQ+ recognition isn’t official. It’s a “don’t ask, don’t tell” situation. While LGBTQ+ individuals are seen and somewhat accepted, it’s advisable not to publicly display the 🏳️‍🌈 flag or cross-dress.

 

Dos and Don’ts in Dubai: Contraception

Before I got here, I heard a myth that birth control pills aren’t allowed in Dubai. But guess what? That’s a complete myth! They’re easy to find and available over the counter at any pharmacy. Pharmacies are everywhere, and no prescription is needed. They usually cost around AED 35 for a month’s pack. It’s wise to have a chat with a doctor first, though. And as for condoms, they’re easily available at supermarkets, petrol stations, and small shops too!

 

Drugs in the UAE: What to Know

In the UAE, using or possessing drugs is a major no-no, just like in other countries where buying, having, using, or selling drugs is strictly prohibited. Despite the UAE’s relaxed approach to alcohol in hotels and bars, it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. You might arrive from a country with more lenient drug laws, so it’s crucial to remember that CBD oil is also illegal in Dubai. This includes skincare products and e-cigarette refills that may contain CBD oil. Additionally, here’s an odd one: poppy seeds are also considered illegal.

 

What Medicines Can I Bring to Dubai?

 

You can bring non-prescription medicines like Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, travel sickness pills, and Calpol without any trouble. For prescription meds, you’ll need a permit from the UAE Ministry of Health and carry your prescription with you. Some medicines, like Diazepam, Xanax, Valium for anxiety, and those containing codeine, are on a special list and need permission.

 

Do and Don’ts in Dubai – Bringing Prescribed Medicines?

For controlled meds, you need approval. Fill a form here – Ministry of Health website, providing your passport details, prescription, and trip info. It takes about three days for a decision. This permit is free, valid for two months, and for one trip only.

 

How Much Medicine Can I Bring With Me?

For controlled meds, it’s up to 30 days’ worth. Non-controlled prescription meds allow up to three months’ worth with your prescription. Dubai residents can bring up to 12 months’ worth. It’s important not to bring excessive amounts, even if it’s not on the special list, as it could cause issues with authorities. Only bring what’s necessary for your trip.

 

Embracing Dubai’s Evolution

Dubai rules keep evolving, and long time residents say it’s getting more and more relaxed. In my experience, as long as you’re polite and understanding, Dubai is quite accommodating. Different folks may have different experiences, but honestly, these rules aren’t a burden. They’ve actually made Dubai one of the safest cities for women, residents and tourists. So, I’m all for following the rules here!

So, go out there and explore Dubai – it’s a fantastic place with a unique blend of cultures, and it’s more laid-back than you might think.

 

You may also be interested in reading –

What to Wear In Dubai

Best Tourist Apps

Aura SkyPool, Is it Worth it?

Desert Safari