With its towering buildings, unusual architecture, and exceptional attractions, Dubai has earned the nickname "The City of Superlatives." To mention a few, it has the tallest hotel, the largest "performing" fountain, the largest archipelago of artificial islands, the longest driverless metro system, and many more.
Although the city is among the most liberal, laid-back, and multicultural in the world, you must ensure you're acting appropriately at all times. Dubai has its own laws, morals, and regulations much like any other nation. In your country, what might be appropriate might be illegal here. Breaking the law or crossing the line can have dire consequences.
If you're planning tours and travels to Dubai, what should you know before you enter the country? Here are a few things you should stay away from when in Dubai.
Traveller's NOT-to-do list in Dubai
Avoid inappropriate
attire Dubai is a country where modesty is a virtue. Although being a fashionable city that embraces the most recent trends in clothes, Dubai nonetheless has some dress codes. But it is improper to wear low-cut, tight, short, or clothing that shows a lot of skin in public places like malls, markets, beaches, theatres, mosques, etc. Dubai also permits visitors to wear western clothing.
Avoid making public displays of affection (PDA)
When visiting Dubai, avoid showing any sign of intimacy in public. Hugging and kissing are socially unacceptable to them. Public hugging or kissing can land you in jail for the remainder of your vacation. For married couples, though, holding hands is normal. Don't engage in such behaviour in public lest you be caught. One of the most significant laws in Dubai is this one.
Cross-dressing is strictly prohibited
As a conservative society, Dubai is not yet accepting of homosexuality. Be sure you don't engage in cross-dressing when visiting Dubai as it is not permitted. Life without parole is one of the penalties for breaching the law.
Avoid using your left hand
The left hand is seen as dirty in various nations, including Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. This is because traditionally, before the invention of toilet paper, running water, and flushing toilets, the left hand was best saved for 'cleaning up. Use only your right hand when eating with your hands, if possible (it's challenging but possible). Never extend your left hand when greeting someone's hand.
Never photograph someone without their consent
Dubai is a beautiful city with spectacular vistas, which may entice you to take photos. It is acceptable to take pictures, but you must proceed with extreme care. It is imperative to abide by this very rigorous guideline. Without their permission, it is illegal to take images or recordings of anyone, especially women and children, and you risk fines or even jail time.
Avoid swearing in public
The Arabs discourage the use of obscene language. Particularly in public settings or when conversing with a local, you must exercise extreme care in your language use. Furthermore, it is against criticizing Islam or Muslims in any way because doing so is punishable by law.
Couples who are not married cannot stay together
Avoid staying together if you are travelling with your significant other. Dubai abides by Sharia law, which forbids unmarried couples from sharing a residence, including a hotel room. The penalties for living together include fines, deportation, and imprisonment.
Avoid using hand signals
In Dubai, you might not use the same hand gestures you do in your home country. In Dubai, certain hand motions are definitely termed insulting. The thumbs-up gesture is akin to the bird flip, while the "ok" sign denotes the devil's eye. You will go to jail for making any vulgar or offensive hand motions.
Do not bring any forbidden things
You should be particularly careful while packing if you're going to Dubai. Make sure you understand what you can and cannot carry before you do that. Adult-themed novels, products made in Israel, and bringing pork into the country are just a few of the items that are strictly forbidden.
Avoid overindulging during Ramadan
It is illicit to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the fast-observance month of Ramadan. It's against the law to even chew gum in public. The Muslims in the city are fasting from sunrise till sunset, so no matter your religion, you shouldn't be doing much or slurping in public. Up until Iftar, when everyone gathers for a substantial dinner after sundown.
Although some eateries remain open throughout Ramadan and just draw the curtains on the windows, eating in public is still frowned upon. The public should be made aware that, out of respect, visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, or smoking during Ramadan. But, you have complete freedom to drink alcohol inside your hotel.
Use no illicit substances
In a similar spirit, using illicit substances is strictly forbidden in Dubai. For simple drug possession, you risk jail time, deportation, or even life in prison if you commit more serious crimes. This is true for everyone using the airport, including travellers in transit as well as visitors. It is not worthwhile in any way!
Do not make fun of the royal family
The UAE is made up of seven emirates (or states), including Dubai. Every emirate has a ruler or sheikh, and the populace holds them in great regard. One of the most crucial things to avoid doing in Dubai is criticizing the UAE's leaders or their royal families, which is against the law.
Wrapping Up Each culture has its unique traditions and beliefs, which you may find unusual. But, it's better to respect the fundamental laws and regulations when you're there to have fun than to break them. Consider these tips as you prepare for your Dubai holiday. You can plan a family trip to Dubai and make your unique itinerary.
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