What is forbidden in the UAE?

The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country with strict rules and regulations. Since these are not always obvious, it is important to study them before traveling to the country. And although the local authorities are quite lenient with newcomers, breaking some of the rules can result in a hefty fine or even imprisonment.

What is not allowed in the UAE?

In the UAE, many rules and regulations are subordinate to Islam. It is a religion that governs almost all aspects of a believer's life. Familiarize yourself with what you cannot do in the Emirates to avoid getting into trouble while visiting this country.

Restrictions on Messaging Apps.

In the Emirates, you will not be able to use your usual messengers (WhatsApp, Viber and Skype), as the activities of the major international operators are not legalized here. VPNs are also banned in some Emirates. If you need to use video or voice communication, you can use the services of local operators.

Public Displays of Affection

If you decide to show affection to your significant other in a public place, they will at least look at you disapprovingly. Kissing, hugging, and more intimate things can get you fined and even sent to jail. There was a famous case in 2010 when a couple from the UK were jailed for a month and deported from the country just for kissing.

Drinking Alcohol and Smoking in Public Places

Drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking in public places in the UAE is definitely not a good idea. Getting drunk in public can get you into trouble with the local police, fined or even arrested for a few days.

This rule is especially important during the religious holiday of Ramadan, when observant locals abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and intimacy during the day.

Alcohol can be consumed in designated establishments that sell it: bars and restaurants. It is also not prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages at home or in a hotel room.

Revealing clothing

Tourists and expatriates living in the UAE should adhere to a certain dress code. Short skirts, shorts and revealing tops are totally inappropriate. You may not be allowed into a shopping mall, club or restaurant if you are inappropriately dressed. Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah are the most strict on the evening look.

Restrictions on Video and Photography

Photography and video recording are also prohibited in the UAE. Local men cannot be photographed without their consent, and women and children cannot be filmed at all. Photographing the sheikh's palace, a military installation or a government building is also punishable by a hefty fine.

Prohibition of Eating and Drinking on Public Transport

Eating, drinking, and even chewing gum on public transportation (buses, metro cars, and taxis) is strictly prohibited. It is also forbidden at stations and stops. You can have a snack in shopping malls, on beaches in designated areas, and in restaurants.

Dancing in the streets

Dancing in the streets is also considered indecent in the Emirates. Many dance moves are considered offensive and unacceptable. If you feel like dancing, it is better to do so in a dance club or in your hotel room.

Carry products containing even mild psychotropic substances

Due to strict anti-drug laws, all products containing psychotropic substances are prohibited in the UAE. Even pastries filled with poppy seeds are prohibited.

Swearing

The use of obscene language and gestures is also prohibited in the UAE. Firstly, it is just ugly and secondly, it can lead to a fine and even imprisonment.

No littering

Littering is never permitted in the United Arab Emirates. If you are caught littering, it will cost you a lot of money.

Importing prohibited medicines

If you have a chronic illness, you can bring in medicines that you need for 3 months and no more. The necessity of their use must be confirmed by a prescription or a letter from the attending physician. It is strictly forbidden to import medicines containing psychotropic substances, even for personal use.

Photographing accidents on the road

If you decide to take a picture of an accident on the road, you can be fined very heavily. So think 100 times before you do it.

Driving a dirty car

The Emirati authorities believe that dirty vehicles are harmful to health and to the public image of the cities. Therefore, you should wash your car thoroughly before traveling.

Feeding stray animals

Since the average temperature in Dubai is around 35-40 degrees Celsius, food fed to animals decomposes very quickly. This can result in the rapid multiplication of germs, unpleasant odors and the appearance of rodents and cockroaches.

Same-sex relationships

What is 100% impossible in the UAE is to show your unconventional orientation in public. The mildest punishment is deportation. But most often, a person will face imprisonment.

Riding in an inappropriate vehicle on public transportation

There are metro cars in the UAE that are reserved for women and children only. They are marked and painted pink. Men are not allowed to enter these cars.

Viewing indecent photos and videos in public places

Viewing indecent photos and videos offends the sensibilities of the local community. Therefore, it is definitely not a good idea to do so in public.

Contacts

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Barsha Heights, I-Rise Tower, 29th Floor, Office 5