Respect for the UAE's rulers, flag, and national symbols is not optional and not a grey area. Public criticism of the government, the ruling family, or the political system is a criminal offence — and this applies online with the same force as in person. Social media posts made abroad have resulted in arrest upon arrival.
This is the most significant rule difference from most Western countries. Everything else on this page is more legible.
In practice: shoulders and knees covered in malls, government buildings, and religious sites. Beachwear at the beach, not in the surrounding streets. The rules are applied with varying strictness depending on location — a beach resort in JBR is more relaxed than a government office in Deira — but erring toward more coverage is never wrong and never commented on.
Nudity anywhere in public is a criminal offence. Swimwear is for beach and pool areas only.
Kissing and intimate contact in public is an offence; holding hands is acceptable for couples. Swearing — in any language — is a criminal offence and does result in fines and arrests. The same applies to offensive gestures, including in traffic.
Loud music and dancing in residential areas and public parks is prohibited. Licensed venues exist for exactly this reason.
Alcohol is available at licensed venues — hotel bars, licensed restaurants, and a growing number of standalone establishments. Non-Muslims — residents and visitors alike — can purchase from licensed off-licence retailers (MMI, African + Eastern) without a licence; the requirement was abolished in 2023.
Drinking in public outside licensed areas is illegal. Being visibly drunk in public is illegal. Driving with any alcohol in your system whatsoever is a zero-tolerance offence with serious consequences: fine, jail, deportation, and vehicle confiscation. There is no legal limit — zero means zero.
Zero tolerance in every meaningful sense of the phrase. Possession of any quantity of any controlled substance — including amounts considered trace or residual, and including substances legal in your home country — has resulted in years-long prison sentences. This is not an area where common sense and proportionality apply in the way you might expect.
Some prescription medications that are legal elsewhere contain substances that are controlled in the UAE. Check your medication against the UAE Ministry of Health's list before travelling and carry documentation.
Ask before photographing people, particularly women and Emirati nationals. In local culture, photographing someone — especially a woman — without permission is considered a serious breach of privacy, and complaints are taken seriously by police.
Government buildings, military facilities, ports, and some infrastructure are off-limits. The practical rule: if you'd hesitate at home, hesitate here.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited by law for everyone — Muslim and non-Muslim alike. Most malls have screened-off eating areas; many restaurants serve takeaway. Music should be kept low in public spaces, and general volume and energy in public is expected to reduce.
After iftar — the sunset breaking of the fast — the city typically comes alive. Many of the best Ramadan experiences happen between 9pm and 3am.
Speeding is monitored comprehensively by radar; fines are substantial and rack up quickly. Tailgating, flashing headlights at other drivers, and using a handheld phone while driving all carry fines. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers including rear seats.
If you're involved in an accident — however minor — do not move your vehicle until police arrive and file a report. Insurance claims require a police report. Moving vehicles before police attendance is technically an offence.