Dubai Laws, Rules and Etiquette for Tourists: What Is Actually Illegal, What Is Just Polite, and What Gets People in Trouble

Every week a client asks us whether they can hold hands, wear shorts, take a photo of the skyline or bring their prescription — usually after reading something alarming online. Dubai's rules are clear once you separate criminal law (rare, serious) from public decency norms (common, mostly about respect). This guide does that, in the order visitors actually meet the issues.

Dress code

There is no law prescribing tourist dress, but public decency rules apply and are enforced in malls and government buildings. The practical standard: shoulders and knees covered in malls, souks, mosques and Old Dubai; swimwear only at the beach, pool and waterparks; no see-through or offensive slogans. Downtown, the Marina, JBR and hotels are relaxed. Women do not need a headscarf anywhere except inside mosques (abayas and scarves are provided at Jumeirah Mosque and the Grand Mosque). Men should avoid going shirtless off the beach.

Alcohol

• Legal for non-Muslim adults over 21 in licensed venues: hotel bars and restaurants, licensed clubs, and licensed shops (tourists can buy a free temporary licence at MMI or African+Eastern stores with a passport).
• Illegal: drinking or being visibly drunk in public places — streets, beaches, malls, taxis. Drink at the venue, take a taxi home.
• Zero tolerance for drink-driving. Any measurable alcohol is a crime.
• Duty-free allowance: 4 litres of alcohol per non-Muslim adult on arrival.
• Sharjah (the neighbouring emirate, 20 minutes away) is fully dry — no alcohol at all.

Public behaviour and couples

• Holding hands is fine. Kissing, hugging and displays of affection in public are not — they cause complaints and, occasionally, police involvement.
• Unmarried couples can share hotel rooms; the law was changed in 2020 and hotels do not ask for marriage certificates.
• Swearing, rude gestures and shouting — especially at officials or in traffic — are offences. Do not raise a middle finger in a traffic dispute; people have been prosecuted.
• Loud music from cars, and dancing in the street, are considered public disturbance.

Photography and social media

• Landmarks, skylines, souks and your own group: fine. Photographing people — especially local women — without consent is an offence under privacy law; ask first.
• No photos of government buildings, military sites, airports' secure areas, embassies, police or accidents.
• Posting photos of others without consent, or of an accident, can be prosecuted under the cybercrime law. Do not film police interactions.
• Drones need a licence from the civil aviation authority; tourists effectively cannot fly them. Leave the drone at home.

Medications and drugs

The UAE has severe drug laws and enforces them at the airport. Bring prescriptions (ideally with a doctor's letter) for any medication, and check the Ministry of Health controlled list before packing: codeine products, tramadol, some ADHD medicines, certain sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs, and cannabis-derived products including CBD oils are controlled or banned. Poppy seeds are banned. Even traces of cannabis in luggage have led to arrests.

Smoking and vaping

Smoking is banned in malls, government buildings, indoor public spaces, on public transport and in cars with children under 12. Vaping is legal (since 2019) with the same restrictions; vapes are sold in licensed shops. Shisha is legal in licensed cafés. Do not smoke in the street during Ramadan daylight hours.

Ramadan

Since 2021 restaurants may serve during the day and tourists are no longer expected to hide; nonetheless, eating, drinking or smoking openly on the street during fasting hours is disrespectful and can draw a warning. Dress more conservatively, expect shorter opening hours, and enjoy iftar — the evenings are the best of the year.

Sensitive topics

• LGBT travellers: same-sex relations remain illegal under UAE law. In practice, discreet couples visit Dubai without incident every day; public displays of affection by any couple are the issue, and any promotion or activism is not tolerated. We advise discretion, not avoidance.
• Religion: Islam is the state religion; criticism of religion, the rulers or the state — including online — is a crime. Proselytising is illegal.
• Debt and cheques: unpaid debts, bounced cheques and unpaid fines can trigger arrest or travel bans; clear anything outstanding before returning.
• Pork is legal for non-Muslims in designated shops and hotels; do not bring it as a gift.

Everyday etiquette

• Greet with 'Salam alaikum'; shake hands with the same sex, wait for a woman to offer hers.
• Use your right hand for giving, receiving and eating.
• Accept Arabic coffee and dates when offered; shake the cup gently when you've had enough.
• Friday noon prayers matter; don't schedule loud activities near a mosque then.
• Tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory.
• The rulers' portraits are everywhere and are treated with respect — no jokes.

Sample fines and penalties (AED)

If something goes wrong

Police: 999. Tourist police are English-speaking and helpful; Dubai Police's app handles minor reports. Keep your passport at the hotel and carry a copy or a photo. Your consulate can assist but cannot get you out of legal proceedings. DXB.IST guests can reach our Dubai team 24/7 on WhatsApp.