Dubai Laws for Tourists: Rules You Can’t Afford to Ignore

• Public behaviour matters: Swearing, offensive gestures, and inappropriate conduct can result in fines up to AED 10,000 and potential deportation
• Digital privacy is strictly enforced: Social media posts, photography, and online activities are heavily regulated with penalties reaching AED 500,000
• Photography restrictions are extensive: Taking photos of people without permission, government buildings, or accidents can lead to serious legal consequences
• Cultural sensitivity is legally required: UAE laws protect citizens' privacy and social harmony, making respectful behaviour a legal obligation
• Always verify current regulations: Consult official UAE government sources and your embassy before travelling for the most up-to-date legal requirements

Cursing in public is completely banned in the United Arab Emirates. However, doing so can lead to 1 year of imprisonment and a hefty fine of 10,000 dirhams! Saying the F-word in public is considered bad because it disgraces the honour or the modesty of a person, according to Article 373 of the UAE Penal Code. Using the middle finger is known to hurt “a victim’s pride, privacy, or modesty” and will end in deportation. This gesture is known as an indecent one.

It is also applicable to your online activities, which include any social media messages. None of your posts should include any curse words or indecent sayings, as it breaches cyber laws. Additionally, it includes using any indecent emojis too. It can lead to imprisonment, a fine of up to 250,000 dirhams, or direct deportation.

It is prohibited in the UAE to “invade the privacy of another person” using computer systems or online platforms. It is one of the Dubai rules for visitors that seems strange and unusual. Breaking the law can result in a minimum six-month imprisonment and a heavy fine between 100,000 and 500,000 dirhams.

Once, a woman was all over the news for breaching her husband’s privacy after sending photos from his phone to hers through WhatsApp. Afterwards, she retaliated by accusing him of being unfaithful. The woman was fined 150,000 dirhams and deported from the country.

Eating and drinking are totally prohibited on any form of public transport and in their stations too. Starting from metros and buses to pedestrian crossings. Believe it or not, it is one of the things you should never do in Dubai. The punishment for eating food and drinking beverages can lead to spending 100 dirhams, according to municipality regulations. 

Dubai laws for visitors are surely strange. The United Arab Emirates is very strict about the protection of the privacy of its citizens. So, taking pictures in the UAE can be an easy and risky business. Additionally, there is a ban against clicking snaps of military buildings, courts and palaces. You are not allowed to take any photos of road accidents you see on your way, either. If any of those pictures are shared publicly or posted online, you will have to pay between 50,000 and 3 million dirhams as a fine and be at risk of deportation. You are not allowed to click and share photos on social media when you see aviation collisions, either.

The strangest of all Dubai laws for tourists to remember is to never spread rumours. Gossiping on social media, especially, can land you in jail for 2 years, and you’ll have to pay a fine anywhere from AED 100,000 to 200,000. Aiming to punish those who “damage the social peace and public order” and punish anyone threatening to disrupt “national peace.” Hence, the UAE has very stringent laws about talking or spreading the news on social media.

This was done after the 2016 floods, after videos and photos of the damage done by the heavy downpour and the strong blowing winds were sent around widely shared on social media. These were condemned as mere rumours, and it was announced that addressing the storm and sending negative photos and comments online was against the law.

While riding around in a dirty car is a strange offence to remember, according to the rules in Dubai for tourists. Washing your car in a bad way can get you into trouble, too. You are not allowed to wash your car in residential areas or hire workers to wash your car. These informal car washes “damage the city’s beautiful image” and are also considered a hazard to the environment.

It might result in a fine of about AED 500 to 1,000. It is due to the filthy water contaminating the roads and sewers. Rather, you have to take your car to professional services, such as those at petrol bunks and the car parking areas of shopping centres. Driving in Dubai has a different set of rules and regulations.

This is a serious crime in the UAE, as the United Arab Emirates is serious about protecting the privacy of its citizens. Anyone taking pictures and also circulating or posting them on online platforms is committing a huge crime as per the cyber laws. This Dubai law for tourists must be remembered at all times. The crime can lead to a fine of up to 500,000 dirhams and a jail sentence of six months for the crime. The sentence can also turn much harsher or lead to deportation from the country for tourists.

For current legal information, consult these official channels:

• UAE Government Portal: u.ae
• Dubai Municipality: dm.gov.ae
• UAE Embassy in your home country
• Dubai Tourism Authority: visitdubai.com

• Police Emergency: 999
• Tourist Police: 901
• Indian Embassy UAE: +971-4-397-1222
• Emergency Medical Services: 998

Dubai is an amazing place where innovation and tradition collide, providing travellers with life-changing experiences ranging from world-class events and breathtaking architecture to opulent shopping and desert safaris. Laws and cultural standards are taken very seriously, and even unintended violations can have grave consequences. It is your duty as a visitor to be aware of and considerate of Dubai's tourism regulations, both in person and online. In addition to providing you with legal protection, knowing and following these rules demonstrates respect for a nation that takes pride in its safety, friendliness, and order. Make the most of your time by selecting our Dubai tour packages. Stay informed, travel safe, and make memories that last.