1. Drinking Alcohol
The UAE is an Islamic country, where the consumption of alcohol is strictly controlled. You can only consume alcohol in licensed establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and clubs. Visitors should have an alcohol license which is only available to non-Muslims, and for a fee of 270 AED.
2. Dress Code
The UAE is a conservative country, and visitors should dress modestly to avoid offending the locals. The dress code is particularly strict in public areas such as shopping malls and mosques. Clothing should not reveal too much skin, and it is important to be respectful of the country's traditions.
3. Public Display of Affection
Public display of affection is prohibited in the UAE. Couples should avoid any form of intimacy in public including hugging and kissing. Such gestures may get you arrested and charged. It is also advisable to avoid holding hands in public, as it is considered offensive in the country's culture.
4. Smoking
Smoking in public areas including public transport, restaurants, and shopping malls is prohibited. The UAE has strict anti-smoking laws, and violators may face hefty fines. As an alternative, many restaurants and bars have designated smoking areas.
5. Swearing and Public Intoxication
Swearing and public intoxication is considered offensive in the UAE, this can lead to you being arrested. The country has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and public drunkenness. So, be aware of your conduct whilst out in public.
6. Photography
Photography is prohibited in some public spaces such as military establishments and government buildings. It is advisable to always ask before taking pictures near sensitive locations in order to avoid any legal issues.
7. Traffic Laws
The UAE has strict traffic laws, and it is important to follow the rules to avoid fines or accidents. Drivers should always wear their seatbelts, keeping a safe distance between vehicles, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. Speeding and running red lights are punishable offences.
8. Travel Restrictions
The UAE has specific travel restrictions for residents and visitors to some countries, including Israel. Visits to certain countries may result in travel restrictions or further immigration issues. Make sure to check the travel restrictions before planning any trips out of the country.
9. Respect for Religion
The UAE is an Islamic nation, and it is important to respect the local religion. Avoid visiting places of worship without appropriate attire, and it is essential to avoid any form of religious criticism or mockery. The country has strict blasphemy laws, and you may face prosecution if you violate them.
10.Avoid summers of Dubai:
Everything is perfectly fine but not the summers. The summers of Dubai are highly crucial. They are very intense and extreme that sometimes become impossible to tolerate. In summer people spend most of their time indoors, or in a shopping place or somewhere having A.C. People who are fond of desert adventures Dubai must know that summers here are very intense.
11.Shopping is expensive:
People, who want to visit Dubai just with the intention to shop, must know that shopping in Dubai is expensive. People who Dubai love to go to malls but rarely do they shop. The rates are only inexpensive when there is the sale season. So wait for the sale season and enjoy your visit.
12.No casino in Dubai:
People from western countries believe that Dubai is full of casinos. This is something completely wrong; there is not a single casino in Dubai. Not even in the whole UAE. So it is better for you to keep this thing in mind before visiting Dubai.
13.Alcohol while driving is prohibited:
This is the very strict law of Dubai you simply cannot drive while you are drunk. If the police catch you driving while you are drunk, you might have to go to jail. As far as alcohol is concerned you can only have it if you have a license.
14.Never Swear:
People who are visiting Dubai for the very first time must know that swearing is Dubai in not a good act. Dubai is a country where the laws are Islamic and these laws are very sensitive in nature. Therefore watch your language before you say something. It is not necessary that what you consider fine in your country would also be fine in Dubai. So never swear in Dubai, especially in Public.
15.Prohibition of loud music:
Loud music is completely prohibited in public areas. People coming from western areas consider this thing completely fine and they like to use loud music in public areas. Well, this is not acceptable in Dubai
16.Wear appropriate clothes:
It is strictly against the laws of Dubai if you reveal clothes in public or even wear clothes that are less than your knees. UAE is a country that is not democratic, it follows the Islamic and as well as sharia laws, therefore, it is a compulsion on you to wear appropriate clothes, and do not forget to cover your shoulders too.
17.Sunday is a working day:
In Dubai, Sunday is not a holiday but it is a working day. Instead, Thursday is the weekend in Dubai, because Friday is a holiday. In most countries Sunday is a holiday and Saturday is a weekend but it is not the case in Dubai.
Mentioned above are some of the important rules that an outsider, visitor, or tourist must know before visiting Dubai. Dubai is not likely in other western countries instead it follows sharia rules, therefore the rules and policies are quite different here. These are implied in each and every person. Violation of rules has serious consequences.
Conclusion
The UAE is a country filled with wonders and a unique sense of modernity. With these rules, you can enjoy your stay in the UAE without any legal issues. It is important to respect the country's traditions, follow the laws, and act responsibly. Always ensure that you research the rules and regulations before planning any trip, this will help you avoid any legal troubles while visiting the country.