Dubai Lawbreaking: Consequences And Ramifications

Dubai is a city with strict law enforcement, and even minor violations can lead to serious consequences. The legal system of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a blend of Islamic Sharia Law and civil law, and Dubai adheres closely to Sharia Law. As a result, there are several laws that expatriates and tourists should be aware of to avoid fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

Public displays of affection are forbidden

Dubai is a Muslim nation and has local laws that observe Islamic principles and practices. As a result, public displays of affection are forbidden.

The Executive Council has published a code of conduct that outlines acceptable behaviour in Dubai. According to the code, couples, both married and unmarried, cannot show affection in public places. Kissing and embracing in public are strictly forbidden. While a married couple holding hands is tolerated, displaying affection in the open is generally not. This rule stands for married couples in the emirate, who must avoid affection in public.

There have been cases of expatriates being sued for displaying affection in public. In 2010, Charlotte Adams spent a month in jail after kissing her partner on the cheek, which was described as a "peck on the cheek". In another case, an unmarried Indian couple was sentenced to a year in prison after being caught hugging and kissing in a taxi.

Dubai police do not actively seek out couples displaying affection in shopping malls, bars, and other public spaces. However, they are obligated to take action when a complaint is filed.

Kissing in public places like the airport or the beach is generally tolerated, as long as it does not become lengthy or sexual. However, French kissing is not considered safe. Kissing in hotels should also be done in moderation, as a lengthy kiss may lead to trouble if other people are present and disapprove.

The UAE Government guidelines classify kissing as "inappropriate behaviour", echoing the Islamic conducts of this widely popular holiday hotspot.

Alcohol consumption is heavily restricted

Firstly, drinking in public is forbidden. This includes drinking on beaches and in parks. Being drunk in public is also illegal and can result in a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to 100,000 AED. To avoid this, it is recommended that you take a taxi or an Uber to your next destination after drinking.

Dubai has a zero-tolerance approach to drinking and driving. Even a small trace of alcohol in your bloodstream can lead to jail time.

The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21. It is illegal to offer alcohol to anyone under 21, even in a private home or hotel room. Drinking underage can result in a prison sentence and a fine of up to 100,000 AED.

To buy alcohol in a store, residents and tourists need a licence. However, tourists can avoid this by buying alcohol at Duty-Free in the airport and taking it back to their hotel. To obtain a licence, you must be over 21 and earn more than 3,000 AED a month. Licences are free and are linked to your passport or Emirates ID for 12 months (30 days for tourists). There is a limit to how much alcohol you can buy in a month, based on your salary, but these allowances are said to be generous.

Dubai has two official alcohol distributors: African & Eastern (A & E) and Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI). There are stores across the city, and alcohol can also be purchased at the airport.

It is important to be discreet when drinking in Dubai. When posting on social media, it is best to be vague and refer to alcohol generically. Posting drunken photos that offend the UAE's Islamic values can lead to legal problems.

Dress codes are conservative

Dress Codes in Dubai

Dubai is a Muslim country that adheres closely to Sharia (traditional Islamic religious) law. As such, it is important to respect the local culture and dress modestly. While Dubai is the most liberal city in the United Arab Emirates, it is still relatively conservative compared to Western countries.

Dress Code Guidelines for Women

Women are expected to dress modestly in Dubai and avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothing. In general, it is recommended to cover the shoulders and knees in public areas. Here are some specific guidelines for different locations:

• Malls and Restaurants: Most malls, restaurants, and hotels in Dubai ask customers to dress modestly and cover their knees and shoulders. However, the dress code is not always strictly enforced, and you will see people wearing a variety of clothing styles.
• Beaches and Swimming Pools: Any type of beachwear is allowed, from bikinis to full-cover Islamic swimsuits. The only rule on Dubai beaches and at swimming pools is no nudity.
• Religious Sites and Old Town: In the old part of Dubai, where traditional markets like the Spice Souk or Gold Souk are located, it is advisable to dress more conservatively. Covered arms and legs are recommended for both men and women. Women may also need to cover their hair when visiting mosques.
• Clubs and Nightlife: Nightlife in Dubai tends to be more glamorous and dressy. While there is no strict dress code, it is common to see women wearing cut-out dresses, bodycon dresses, blazer dresses, and men wearing dress shirts and pants.
• Desert Safaris: It is important to dress comfortably for desert safaris, as it can be very hot. Loose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended.
• Dubai Airport: There isn't a strict dress code at the airport, but it is best to avoid wearing revealing clothing. Women can wear long dresses, tops, shirts, pants, hoodies, and sweaters, while men can wear shorts, t-shirts, shirts, hoodies, sweaters, pants, and jeans.

Dress Code Guidelines for Men

Men's dress codes in Dubai are generally more relaxed than those for women. However, it is still important to dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing. Here are some specific guidelines for different locations:

• Malls and Restaurants: Men should wear long trousers and closed shoes in most upmarket restaurants.
• Beaches and Swimming Pools: Men can wear any type of swimsuit, except for white-colored bottoms, which become transparent when wet.
• Religious Sites and Old Town: In the old part of Dubai and at religious sites, men should wear long pants and cover their shoulders.
• Clubs and Nightlife: Men are expected to dress smart casual or glam for clubs. Dress shirts and pants are common, and sports trainers are usually not allowed.
• Desert Safaris: Men can wear shirts, t-shirts, shorts, and any type of pants for desert safaris. It is important to wear comfortable and loose clothing due to the hot weather.
• Dubai Airport: At the airport, men can wear shorts, t-shirts, shirts, hoodies, sweaters, pants, and jeans. It is best to avoid singlets or tank tops.

Photography of locals and government buildings is prohibited

Dubai has strict rules and regulations regarding photography, and breaking these rules can lead to serious penalties. It is prohibited to take photographs of locals and government buildings without their permission. This is because Dubai law prioritises the protection of individual privacy and public safety.

When it comes to taking photos of people, it is considered a blatant violation of privacy rights to do so without their knowledge or consent. This applies to both public and private spaces. Publishing photos or videos online with the intent to defame or harm is also illegal and can result in cybercrime charges. Even retaining photos or visual data of others without their consent is a breach of privacy, and simply asking for permission before taking a photo is often not enough to avoid breaking the law.

Dubai also prohibits photography of many government buildings and military sites for security reasons. This includes places like Civil Defence, the Department of Finance, Public Prosecution, and Courts. Taking photos of these buildings without a special permit can result in fines and even imprisonment.

To avoid breaking the law, it is important to always seek clear consent before photographing anyone or any private property. It is also crucial to respect no-photography signs and obtain the necessary permits when taking pictures in restricted areas.

Drug possession carries severe penalties

The UAE Drugs Law, Federal Decree-Law No. 30/2021, defines narcotic substances and outlines the severe legal consequences associated with their possession, use, or distribution. The law classifies narcotic substances into various schedules based on their potential for harm and abuse, prescribing penalties for offenders. Possession is considered illegal except in cases of legally authorised medical use.

Penalties for drug possession can include imprisonment of at least three months or fines ranging from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000. For a second-time offence within three years, offenders may face imprisonment of at least six months and fines between AED 30,000 to AED 100,000. A third-time offence can result in imprisonment of at least two years and a fine of not less than AED 100,000.

In June 2024, the UAE introduced Cabinet Decision No. 43/2024, which established a framework for handling non-resident foreigners caught in possession of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances while entering the country. This decision reinforces the country's stance on drug control and outlines specific procedures for law enforcement officers to follow when dealing with non-resident foreigners found in possession of illegal narcotics.

First-time offenders caught with drugs for personal use may face a fine of AED 5,000 to AED 20,000 and may not be allowed to enter the UAE until the fine is paid. Second-time offenders may face higher fines, deportation, and a three-year ban from entering the UAE. Third-time offenders may be subject to even higher fines, deportation, and placement on the permanent entry ban list, prohibiting them from ever returning to the UAE.

It is important to note that the presence of illegal drugs detected in blood or urine tests is also counted as possession, and individuals can be prosecuted, fined, and imprisoned for being under the influence of illegal drugs.

To avoid any issues, travellers should be aware of the UAE's strict drug laws and ensure that they do not carry any prohibited substances into the country. Even small amounts of drugs or traces on clothing can result in severe penalties.

Frequently asked questions