Thursday, October 15, 2026

What are some unwritten rules everyone should know before visiting Dubai?

 

  1. You cannot kiss in public places in Dubai, it is a very serious crime and if any Muslim person sees it, he can report you for it and it is also punishable by law.
  2. You can drink as much alcohol as you want in licensed restaurants and hotels in Dubai. But don't drink in public; being drunk in public places can get you into trouble.
  3. If you're not Muslim, you can eat and drink during Ramadan, but try to avoid eating in public.
  4. Don't say you're a boyfriend or girlfriend when you go into hotels. This could get you the wrong look from locals.

But it's worth noting that only 15 percent of the UAE's population is local. The rest are Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Iranians, Egyptians, and Palestinians. Therefore, strict enforcement is very difficult. Therefore, some relaxation of rules may be possible for foreign nationals in Dubai.