1. Do not kiss or engage in public displays of affection. This is a serious offense in Dubai, and if locals or Muslims witness it, they will report you and you will be punished by law and fines. You are in a Muslim country. (Some Europeans may not be reprimanded, but locals will take it aggressively and respond accordingly.)
2. Avoid using abusive language or swear words. No matter what it may be like in America or Europe, using abusive language will earn you disapproving looks. I'm not sure if it's a serious crime, but when talking to locals in the UAE, please avoid using bad language. Locals take it seriously, so be careful with your words. At worst, you'll only face a fine, but please be careful.
3. When going to a hotel, even if you're a couple, don't refer to each other as boyfriend and girlfriend. I want to say this to couples visiting Dubai. Please refer to each other as spouses. In Dubai, marriage is highly valued, and having a boyfriend or girlfriend is not looked upon favorably.
4. Pay attention to your attire. Men can wear shorts, but please do not dress in a disrespectful manner. This means wearing clothing that insults religion, or women wearing skirts or bikinis in shopping malls (especially during Ramadan). In the UAE, this can be punishable by law. Please make an effort to dress appropriately and properly. That's all we ask. (laughs)
5. Drinking alcohol. In Dubai, you can drink as much alcohol as you like at licensed restaurants and hotels. You can buy alcohol at duty-free shops at the airport upon arrival in Dubai, but please do not drink it in public. Getting drunk can cause problems.
6. Trains are separated by gender. This is not surprising. It's just a rule, so please respect it.
7. If you are not Muslim, it is OK to eat and drink during Ramadan . You're welcome. However, please refrain from eating in front of people who are fasting. This is out of respect for the culture and traditions. You can eat and drink, but please do so in a private place or somewhere out of sight of locals. Now, all shops, including restaurants, are open in the Dubai Mall. In this respect, Dubai is less segregated than before.
8. Do not take pictures of locals in the UAE. They find it quite offensive, and taking pictures without permission can lead to problems. It's not that I dislike having my picture taken, but I find it rude to have it taken without my consent. Thank you.
9. Do not attack Islam, the state religion of the UAE. Anyone who discriminates against Muslims or insults Islam in the UAE will be subject to the death penalty or stoning. Strong measures will be taken against this, so do not take this lightly.
Additional information: Locals make up only 15 percent of the UAE's population. The rest are Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Indians, Iranians, Egyptians, and a significant number of Filipinos. Strictly adhering to the rules is very difficult, and the rules in Dubai may be relaxed to benefit foreigners. But as a word of caution, please respect our laws and rules. It's about mutual cooperation.