Things Tourists Should Not Do When Visiting Dubai: Have a Look!

1. Do not use your left hand

Using your left hand is considered filthy in Arab culture, as it is traditionally used for “body hygiene”. One has to be mindful to avoid using your left hand in certain situations. When you’re in Dubai, do not greet anyone with your left hand, do not use your left hand to pass on something especially food, do not eat with your left hand. Even if you’ve washed your left hand, it is still considered unclean. You can, however, drink with your left hand. So, be sure to not use your left hand and if you are a left-handed person, you need to try and be ambidextrous.

2. Public display of affection is not acceptable

When in Dubai, do not display any form of intimacy in public. They consider hugging and kissing to be socially unacceptable, and if you’re caught hugging or kissing in public, you can spend the rest of your vacation locked up in jail. However, holding hands is okay for married couples. Do not indulge in such acts in public and get caught. This is one of the most important rules in Dubai.

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3. Do not dress inappropriately

When in Dubai, modesty is the best policy. Although Dubai is a stylish city with all the latest fashion trends, it still has certain restrictions when it comes to clothing. Low-cut, tight, short, or clothes that flash a lot of skin are considered inappropriate and should not be worn in public spaces like malls, markets, beaches, theatres, mosques, etc. At the same time, Dubai permits visitors to wear western clothes.

4. Do not use profanity in public

The Arabs do not encourage the use of profane language. You must be very cautious with your language, especially when in public places or when you’re talking to a local. One should also not pass any comments towards Islam or Muslims, as it is a punishable offense.

5. Do not take a photo without permission

Dubai is a stunning city with breathtaking views, and this might woo you into taking pictures. Although there’s nothing wrong with taking pictures, you need to be extremely cautious while doing so. This is a very strict rule that needs to be followed. Taking pictures or videos of people, especially women and children, without their consent is considered an invasion of privacy, and you might be penalized or sent to jail.

6. Do not carry drugs

UAE has a strict anti-drug policy and it does not permit you to bring or use any type of drug – be it prescription medication or illegal drugs. Airports are on high-alert for those who carry drugs into the country. If you’re found carrying it, you will be imprisoned for up to four years. I suppose that is not the visit that you planned? Before packing your bags, do check UAE’s official website and read up on the medications that are permitted inside the country. If you must carry your medication, then do bring the prescription along with you.

7. Cross-dressing is not permitted

Dubai is a conservative community and it is not yet open to the idea of homosexuality. When you’re in Dubai, you need to ensure you don’t crossdress as cross-dressing is prohibited here. Going against the law may lead to imprisonment.

8. Unmarried people are not allowed to stay together

If you are traveling with your significant other and planning to stay together, then don’t. Dubai follows Sharia law, which prohibits unmarried couples from staying together, be it in a hotel room or elsewhere. You will be penalized, deported, or imprisoned if you’re caught cohabiting.

9. Drinking and being drunk in public are prohibited

While in Dubai, you cannot drink in public places, and you cannot be drunk in public as it is not permitted in the country. If you wish to drink, the best place would be to go to a bar. Drinking in a bar is permitted, and Dubai has some of the most spectacular rooftops where you can drink and enjoy stunning views of the city. Don’t drink or be drunk in public and get penalized, or worse, get imprisoned.

10. Eating in public during Ramadan is restricted

It is prohibited to eat or drink or smoke in public places during the holy month of Ramadan. Even chewing gum in public places is prohibited. Regardless of the religion, one should not do much or slurp in public while the Muslims in the city are fasting from dawn to dusk. However, you can definitely consume freely within the premises of your hotel.

11. Do not make hand gestures

Some hand gestures that are appropriate in your country, might not be the same in Dubai. Some hand gestures are considered offensive in Dubai. Showing a thumbs-up sign is equivalent to flipping the bird and the “ok” hand sign indicates the devil’s eye. Any obscene or rude hand gestures will put you in jail.

12. Do not bring prohibited items

If you are traveling to Dubai then you need to be extra careful about what you’re packing. Before you do that, make sure you read up on the items you are allowed to carry. Some of the prohibited items include books with adult content, anything made in Israel, and refrain from carrying pork into the country.

13. Do not insult the royal family

You might be from a different religious background, or you might have your own set of beliefs. You might have a difference of opinion about the culture and belief system of Dubai, but make sure you keep it to yourself. If you openly criticize, mock, or insult Dubai’s royal family, law, culture, and religion, they can put you behind bars or severely penalize you. So, when in Dubai just enjoy what the city has to offer instead of mocking it.

Each country has its own traditions and beliefs that may seem strange to you. However, when you’re going there to have a good time, it’s better to follow the basic rules and guidelines rather than breaking them. Brush through these guidelines while you’re planning your vacation to Dubai. You can create your own customized itineraries with Pickyourtrail and book your family trip to Dubai.