Things Not To Do In Dubai In 2025 To Avoid Trouble as a Tourist

• Since Dubai is an Islamic nation, try to refrain from showing affection in public and wear modest clothing, especially during Ramadan. 
• Under UAE federal law, infractions can carry severe consequences, such as fines, deportation, or incarceration.
• Before you go, learn about the laws governing accommodations, medications, and prohibited objects.
• Avoid insulting remarks, impolite gestures, and taking pictures of people without their consent to demonstrate cultural awareness.
• Follow alcohol and drug policies: Consumption is restricted to licensed venues, and drug possession carries severe penalties.

Dubai's amazing, with all its glitz and glamour, but remember it's also a place that truly values its culture and traditions. 

A quick peek at these essential do's and don'ts will make your trip smooth sailing.

1. Avoid Using Your Left Hand for Social Interactions
2. Never Display Public Affection
3. Dress Modestly in Public Spaces
4. Watch Your Language and Comments
5. Respect Photography Laws and Privacy
6. Understand Dubai's Drug and Medication Laws
7. Alcohol Consumption Laws
8. Respect Ramadan Observances
9. Don't Ignore Social Media Rules
10. Don't Bring Prohibited Items
11. Don’t disrespect Local Culture and Leadership

The left hand is considered dirty in Arab culture because it is related to personal hygiene, and this filter is applied in daily interactions all over Dubai. While you may drink with your left hand at home or in private areas, it is a culturally friendly idea to use your right hand in a public or at least social setting. 

What to Avoid: 

• Greeting people 
• Passing food or drink to people 
• Eating or touching food in public 
• When handing over money or documents

Tips for left-handed travellers: Practice using your right hand to interact socially, or politely explain you would rather use your left when you are in informal settings with your new friends.

Don’t show any Public affection in Dubai, along with other Middle East countries. All public displays of affection are prohibited for unmarried couples, and married couples are also limited in public affection. As per Article 358 of the UAE Penal Code, Public affection can result in fines of up to AED 1,000, deportation or imprisonment.

What to Avoid: 

• Kissing or embracing in public spaces 
• Intimate touching or caressing 
• Sharing hotel rooms if unmarried

What's allowed: Married couples may hold hands discreetly, though even this should be done with cultural sensitivity.

For couples planning romantic getaways, Dubai honeymoon packages provide guidance on culturally appropriate romantic experiences like private dining and sunset cruises.

Dubai maintains dress codes that reflect Islamic values, particularly in public areas, malls, and religious sites. 

What to Avoid: 

• Shorts or skirts above the knee 
• Tank tops, halter tops, or off-shoulder clothing
•  Low-cut tops showing cleavage 
• Tight-fitting or see-through clothing 
• Clothing with offensive language or imagery 
•  Swimwear outside of pools and beaches

What to Wear Instead

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics covering shoulders and knees 
• Loose-fitting clothing for comfort and cultural respect 
• Modest swimwear at designated beach areas 
• Business casual attire for most public spaces

Don’t spit out any offensive words or disrespectful comments about Islam, the royal family, or government institutions. According to Article 373 of the UAE Penal Code, violating this rule can cost up to AED 10,000 or imprisonment. The UAE Cybercrime Law extends these restrictions to social media posts and digital communications.

What to Avoid: 

• Middle finger (immediate deportation risk) 
• Thumbs up (considered offensive in Arab culture)  "OK" sign with thumb and forefinger 
• Pointing with the index finger at people

Don’t click pictures of restricted areas in Dubai, particularly people, government buildings, military bases and airport security areas. In case you violate this, it may lead to camera confiscation, fines, or detention. Moreover, when it comes to privacy, Dubai has strict rules; you can’t even peek at someone's phone, and you can’t post any pictures without their permission. 

Safe photography subjects: 

• Public landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain 
• Your travel companions 
• Landscapes and architecture from public areas 
• Tourist attractions with designated photo zones

The UAE has some of the harshest laws in the world and has zero tolerance for drug possession. However, many common medications require prior approval with original prescriptions. Do check the UAE Ministry of Health website before travelling. If you are found guilty, you may be fined up to AED 10,000, a minimum 4-year prison sentence or  Permanent deportation. 

What to Avoid: 

• All recreational drugs, including marijuana 
• Certain prescription medications are common in other countries 
• CBD products and hemp-based items

Alcohol consumption is permitted for non-Muslims in licensed venues like hotels, restaurants, and clubs, as well as within the privacy of one's own home for those with a liquor license, but maintains strict public consumption laws.

What to Avoid: 

• Drinking in public spaces 
• Being visibly intoxicated in public 
• Consuming alcohol during Ramadan daylight hours 
•  Purchasing alcohol without proper licensing (for residents)

ALSO READ: Dubai Laws for Tourist

During the holy month of Ramadan, Dubai observes additional restrictions affecting all residents and visitors. Both tourists and locals should dress modestly and refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public during fasting hours in order to show respect during Ramadan in Dubai.

What to Avoid: 

• Eating or drinking 
• Smoking or vaping 
• Chewing gum 
• Playing loud music

If you think your social media activities are limited only to your followers, you are wrong. In Dubai, your post and digital communications activities are actively monitored by authorities. So be careful while posting. Try to avoid posting negative comments about Dubai and its leaders, as it can lead to consequences like fines of up to AED 250,000  or imprisonment for cybercrime violations. 

What to Avoid: 

• Posting offensive content or profanity 
• Sharing negative comments about Dubai or UAE leadership 
• Posting inappropriate photos or videos 
• Spreading false information or rumours

Tips: Post only positive experiences and beautiful photos, and avoid any kind of political commentary

When visiting Dubai, try not to bring certain items like  Pork products, adult content in any format and unprescribed medications.

What to Avoid: 

• Products manufactured in Israel 
• Religious materials for distribution 
• Weapons or weapon-like objects

Tips: Do carry Original prescriptions or Doctor's letters for medications.

READ MORE: Dubai Driving Rules 

When visiting Dubai, show respect for the local culture by dressing appropriately, greeting and following the rules and regulations. Don’t say any negative things regarding the UAE royal family and government officials, religious practices and beliefs.

Undoubtedly, Dubai is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations with a different set of rules and regulations. Understanding these guides on what not to do in Dubai, you'll not only avoid legal issues but also show respect for your hosts. Dubai tour packages typically include cultural orientation to help visitors navigate local customs respectfully.