Month: June 2023

With amazing sites like the towering Burj Khalifa skyscraper and the opulent Dubai Mall, Dubai is a vibrant and interesting city. You’ll be in the greatest position to take advantage of all that this UAE city has to offer if you familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs before your excursion.

It’s crucial that you are informed of the main rules and regulations before you travel to Dubai if you plan to venture outside of your chosen resort.

Here, we’ve included some vital details regarding Dubai’s laws, traditions, and culture that you must be mindful of before traveling.

Rules you should follow in Dubai

Being an Islamic country, the UAE has various local laws and customs that are related to the faith. To make the most out of your trip to the UAE, it is best to think about customs before you leave.

Alcohol in Dubai 

• To begin with, in Dubai, you need to be at least 21 years old to consume alcohol.
• When you’re out in public, it’s against the law to consume alcohol or even be drunk. The beach is part of this.
• Alcohol is only sold and consumed in hotels, resorts, taverns, restaurants, and clubs. As long as you consume it in the designated areas, there are many licensed and regulated establishments, so travelers rarely run into issues with the alcohol rules.

Additionally, visitors visiting Dubai are able to obtain a momentary liquor license good for up to one month. Visitors have to review the code of conduct documentation that will be given to them and make sure they are aware of all the guidelines on alcohol, including those pertaining to buying, transporting, and drinking it. You can now purchase alcohol from specific stores outside of any permitted facilities thanks to this license, which is free.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful drink with friends in a cozy bar or a bustling evening with music, Dubai is bursting with fantastic venues to enjoy a drink. To ensure that you are able to enjoy your drinks with no any hassles, be respectful of regional traditions.

Drug laws in Dubai

The same as in many other countries, drugs are prohibited in Dubai. Having illegal narcotics in your possession, or even just a trace amount in your blood, can land you in jail.

Furthermore unlawful is CBD oil. Despite being a widely accessible chemical in skincare and e-cigarettes made in the UK, it is illegal in the UAE. In addition to having these items removed from you, depending on how much you had in your possession, you might also face criminal charges.

What actions are deemed “offensive” in Dubai?

• Making inappropriate gestures or swearing while in public is considered rude and offensive whenever it occurs. 
• Although they are not prohibited, open displays of affection should be moderated or, if possible, avoided entirely because they are considered impolite in the United Arab Emirates.
• This is especially true of public kissing, for which many individuals have been detained.
  Sharing a hotel room: Unless you are married (extramarital sex is prohibited in the UAE and is penalized by law), it is forbidden to share a hotel room with someone of the opposing sex.
• Tourists are rarely prosecuted, yet premium hotels are more accepting of foreigners who are either dating or in a relationship.

The LGBT community and Dubai 

Sex among partners of the identical gender is prohibited in Dubai whether or not you are married because same-sex unions are not recognized there.

You run the risk of getting jailed for this, particularly if your behavior as a group is thought to be offensive and especially if it is done in public.

How to dress in Dubai 

The idea that tourists to Dubai must follow rigorous clothing regulations is a prevalent one. The bulk of people in Dubai are foreigners, who bring with them influences, inspirations, and fashions from all around the world. There aren’t many limitations on visitors’ dress in the city.

On the beach or beside the pool, wear a bikini or swimsuit is very allowed. But if you do decide to leave the hotel or the beach, remember to wrap up out of respect for regional traditions.You should only wear your swimwear at the beach or in the pool.

When in public, you should present a modest appearance. When exploring the city, women should cover their arms and legs and stay away from strappy tops and miniskirts. Long shorts and t-shirts are appropriate for men as long as they cover their shoulders and knees.

The fact that cross-dressing is forbidden in Dubai should also be noted.

Photography rules in Dubai  

While on vacation, you’ll want to take pictures, especially in this alluring city. In reality, using a smartphone to take pictures while exploring a new city is now simpler than ever. You are not permitted to take pictures of several structures and military facilities, so be aware of warnings and signs before starting your camera.

This goes beyond saying when it involves taking photographs of anybody in public, basically. You must also obtain permission before taking a photo of anyone and you must not take images of Emirati women.

Additionally, you should exercise caution when posting anything online since you risk legal action if it is thought to be disrespectful of the government or mocks the nation

When it pertains to what is and is not considered acceptable in Dubai’s culture, there is a lot of conflicting and false information available. Dubai is a thriving, multicultural metropolis where more than 100 different nationalities coexist together. Every year, millions of people visit Dubai, which is a true crossroads of cultures. Although the indigenous population is relatively tiny (about 15%), Emiratis are friendly, welcoming, and extremely tolerant of international visitors and residents. In exchange, it would be extremely welcomed if visitors visiting Dubai spent some time learning about the traditions and culture of the region.

UAE is a Muslim nation. The family is at the heart of the culture, which is founded on a deeply ingrained conviction in Islam. In Dubai, there are numerous mosques, and the lovely “adhan” call to prayer can be heard five times day. Although government agencies and several multinational corporations are closed on Saturday, the weekend officially begins on Friday. On Fridays at noon, mosques will be packed with worshipers gathered to hear a sermon. Though certain major retail establishments, including Carrefour, and the majority of large supermarket stores remain open as usual on Fridays, most retailers open about 2 PM. Although English is almost universally spoken and Arabic is the official language, all street signs are also in both languages.

Outside of the beach, it is more socially acceptable for women to eschew miniskirts, midriff-baring tops, and shorts, and for males to refrain from going shirtless or wearing shorts. For ladies, mid-length skirts or Capri pants with t-shirts or blouses are regarded as fairly appropriate. Typically, Muslim women throughout the Gulf States wear the “abaya,” a long, black robe. The “abaya” is a cultural habit rather than an Islamic necessity. Islam mandates that women cover their heads at all times and wear long, flowing garments that cover their arms and legs. Gulf men don a loose, usually white robes called a “dishdasha” and a headpiece called a “gutra” that has white or red checkered fabric. A black string holding the gutra in place is called an “agal”

Although Arabs are among the friendliest people on earth, tourists should nonetheless be aware of a few cultural customs when engaging with locals. Before snapping a picture of a local woman, it is essential to get her permission. Most likely, she will say no. Visitors should be informed that several Muslim women and men follow Islamic practice and refrain from shaking hands with people of the opposite sex. It is better to be patient and see if the other person offers their hand first, but this shouldn’t be interpreted as an affront. Typically, local guys may kiss cheeks or touch noses to meet other local males.

Public shows of affection between people of different sexes are strongly discouraged, however you will occasionally witness guys (often Asian expats) walking hand in hand with other men. This is only a gesture of friendship and a cultural standard. There are several rules to follow if you are given the opportunity to join a local family for coffee, tea, or a traditional meal. It is customary to take off shoes before entering a residence. It is impolite in Arab Muslim culture to point the bottoms of your feet in anyone’s direction when you are seated. The right hand should be used to eat and drink (and there will be enough of it! ), while the left hand is only for “unclean” activities like washing after using bathroom.

Both Muslims and non-Muslims in Dubai are obligated (by law) to abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan. All that is actually required is a little care and consideration for the host culture. The worst that could happen if a guest makes an error and eats, drinks, or smokes in public is that someone will politely remind them of the season and urge them to stop. Many malls now include restaurants that are screen off from visitors and open throughout the day in Ramadan for non-Muslims, even if the majority of eateries will be shut during the day (or serving take-out only). Additionally, eating and drinking are entirely permissible for non-Muslims.

Women are encouraged to dress a little more conservatively during Ramadan by refraining from wearing short skirts or sleeveless tops. During Ramadan, time seems to flow a little more slowly, and Muslim employees are required by law to work fewer hours per day. In general, tourists must exercise greater cultural sensitivity throughout the Holy Month, although after the fast-breaking each day, the city comes to life and is a great time to go if you want to get a taste of the local flavor.

Visitors should make the most of their stay to the United Arab Emirates to learn about the local culture even if Dubai is most known for its shopping. The Dubai Museum, housed in a former ancient fort, is a must-see for visitors of all ages and features displays of the desert, national costumes, weapons, and the pearl diving industry upon which Dubai was once formed. The Heritage and Diving Village has modest stores and eateries as well as exhibits showcasing Dubai’s marine past. The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, which also offers additional year-round activities like mosque tours and Arabic classes, offers cultural awareness programs and enlists young UAE citizens to educate tourists and locals about Dubai culture and history.

Being a top tourist destination, Dubai is well known for its extensive culture and traditions.

Where to go in Dubai to explore culture and traditions

There is something for everyone in Dubai, which is quickly becoming into a cultural hub with a thriving arts neighborhood called AL Quoz, a museum dedicated to the twenty-first century, and an opera.

There aren’t many sites in the world that provide such a fusion of cultures. East and West, the contemporary and the traditional, all coexist in harmony in Dubai. Almost everyone can find something they like.

Whatever your interests—fashion, travel, culture, or just having a good time—Dubai has something for everyone.

Desert safari tours in Dubai.

Dubai has deep cultural origins and customs despite having a reputation as a global shopping paradise.

Despite having several of the best architectural structures in the world, this region nevertheless values its long-standing customs. Here, you can have a ton of fun. While seeing the well-known locations showcasing Dubai’s rich culture, visitors can take part in a variety of adventurous attractions like exhilarating Dubai Desert Safari Tours.