Dubai has been a dream destination for everyone. From all the fun places to adventurous places and the increasing job market, the reasons are not limited to why people pick Dubai as the most preferred location in the UAE.
Dubai is a primary destination spot for a whole lot of reasons. From offering many opportunities to aspirants from different academic or professional backgrounds to tourist spots for tourists from all over the world. There are tens of thousands of reasons why Dubai is considered to be a hot-favorite location for people.
However, it is pivotal to understand that despite all the lavishness, luxury, and lush desires, there are tons of things that you must not attempt at all costs when in Dubai. Furthermore, if it is your first time in Dubai, it is gravely important not to visit Dubai without learning about these 10 do’s and don’t’s or you might need a legal consultant to deal with legal actions against you.
10 Things Know When Visiting Dubai
Dubai is undoubtedly a dream location for many. However, it is essential to note that the laws and regulations and pretty strict in the UAE with strict implementation and impositions of fines that could happen at any moment if you violate any law. Therefore, if you are a tourist or on a
1. Dressing Diffidently
Not many people are actually aware of this, but adhering to dressing standards in Dubai is a requisite. It is important to follow the dressing etiquette for both males and females.
When you are out in a public place, it is essential to follow the dressing guidelines as UAE is an Islamic country and following rules is necessary for everyone. There are exceptions and liberty for dressing if you are in your hotel, resort that you can wear swimsuits, etc. But in general, wearing such dresses means inviting unprecedented consequences to yourself.
2. Maintain Respect for Local Traditions
Maintaining respect for local tradition is an obligation for everyone. No matter where you are, you must always respect local customs and be courteous to values, culture, and values. Despite all the liberal practices in Dubai, the Islamic tradition is always at the center; therefore, religious events, festivals, cultural values, and customs are always crucial for everyone. So, respecting all the religious events and dealing with your mind and heart is a requisite. And failing to do so is considered to be a severe offense.
3. Publically Drinking is Banned
Drinking or consuming alcohol or alcoholic beverages is allowed in restaurants, pubs, clubs, and cafes. Publically consumption is banned no matter what. It is considered a criminal offense to consume alcohol in public and is punishable with fines and jail terms, in some instances only. Believe me, it wouldn’t be even the last thing you wish for.
Drinking only at the permitted places is legal because they have the licenses to run the operations and serve alcohol. But driving intoxicated is another ‘NO’. Thus, if you have taken a few drinks, booking a cab and getting back to your hotel without creating any fuss is advised.
4. Photography in the Allowed Places
Clicking random photographs of places, outdoor advertisements, or people is prohibited unless it is a photography-accessible area. Seeking consent to click pictures is something of pivotal importance in Dubai. Moreover, you are also not allowed to take pictures of foreigners or locals without having permission from them, and doing so would bring trouble to you. It is generally a bad practice that would ruin your visit or even result in deportation.
5. Using VPN is Banned
Using VPN connections to bypass the security checks and proceed to prohibited websites would result in severe consequences. The government and authorities in the UAE have a strict no-tolerant policy over this, and they would let no one take advantage of this. Only some organizations or institutions have permission to use VPN, and that too has been limited to the only legal use of it for business activities and not for personal gains. Remember, if you are found using a VPN connection to bypass security, the fine range from AED 500,000 to AED 2 million. Moreover, if the use of a VPN is made for committing any serious and offensive crime, the punishments would be doubled, along with deportation with a lifetime ban on the individual.
6. Respect the Month of Ramadan
If you are visiting in the Holy Month of Ramada, you must abide by some of the principles and courtesies, such as dressing conservatively and following all the other standard SOPs that are set and followed in an Islamic country. For example, you should not eat or drink publically and respect others who are fasting during the hours.
7. Extra Caution for LGBTQ
UAE is an Islamic country where Islamic values and norms are always reflected in all of its practices. Despite being open and liberal to many extents, the country has strict regulations for the implementation of Islamic practices and teachings in all ways.
So, with this being in focus, it is essential to pay closer attention to people belonging or openly chanting about LGBTQ. If you belong to this group, publically practicing your individual values is not considered legal in Dubai or any other Emirate of the UAE. Same-sex offenders are dealt with severe punishments resulting in imprisonment, hefty fines, and deportation.
8. Swearing is Illegal
Swearing is illegal in the UAE. Several words, which might be expected in many countries, are considered illegal in Dubai or other Emirates. In fact, they are considered offensive and have regulations to deal with them. Many instances make it clear that swearing or abusing in public places is nothing but disgraceful or defamatory for a person’s honor or modesty.
Moreover, in Article 373 of the Penal Code of UAE, swearing is a punishable offense that is punished by up to a year in prison and a fine as high as AED 10,000. Furthermore, flashing a middle finger is also an indecent gesture that breaches anyone’s respect and pride and also is punished by deportation, fine, and imprisonment. Moreover, making false accusations and then swearing to prove them right is also a deadly crime in Dubai.
9. Insulting Islam
As said before, Islam is the official religion in the UAE, which makes it important and obligatory for everyone to respect Islam and its values regardless of any opinion or belief. Disrespecting Islam would be the least you will do in UAE; therefore, many of it will be dealt with as blasphemy, and one needs to face the strict values and regulations.
10. Using Left Hand
Though this seems less important, using your left hand is an obvious odd in Muslim culture as it is considered unclean for body and hygiene levels. Greeting people or making gestures with the left hand is considered to be offensive in an Islamic country, and one shouldn’t be caught eating with the left hand.
The Final Words
So, if you are a potential visitor planning on visiting Dubai any time soon, these are some of the points that you must have to look out for as without doing prior research might get you into trouble and would ruin your vacation plan.
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Mai Alfalasi Advocates & Legal Consultancy
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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