Rules to Follow while Shooting in UAE (2024)

FAQs

What are some rules in UAE? ›

It's illegal to insult an ethnic or religious group, the UAE, the royal families/government officials or the UAE flag. Same-sex relations are illegal and same-sex marriage is not recognised. Familiarise yourself with local rules before you go. There's a zero tolerance for illegal drugs and drug-related offences.

Any individual, corporation, or entity that wishes to film in Dubai must appoint a UAE-licensed production company to obtain a filming permit. For information on UAE-based production companies, see Permit Applications section. Permits are required for any filming in, government-operated, or private locations.

The UAE has a law that covers copyright issues, Federal Law Decree 38 of 2021. This makes it clear that the person who took the photograph of someone else has no right to distribute or publish without the authorisation of the person(s) in the picture.

Swearing and rude gestures

Swearing and making rude gestures (including online) are illegal as they are considered obscene acts. You can be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials.

Banned Items

All kinds of Narcotic drugs (Hashish, Cocaine, Heroin, Poppy Seeds, Hallucination Pills, etc..). Goods intended to be imported from boycotted countries. Crude Ivory and Rhinoceros horn. Gambling tools and machineries.

Yes, you can shoot videos in Dubai unless you respect everyone's privacy. If it's a commercial production, you must get a film permit from the Dubai Film and TV Commission.

When in public spaces where you are lawfully present you have the right to photograph anything that is in plain view. That includes pictures of federal buildings, transportation facilities, and police. Such photography is a form of public oversight over the government and is important in a free society.

For security purposes, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is strictly prohibited to take pictures of government or military buildings. However, if you have a special permit, you can take the picture.

Dubai: The UAE government has announced new status law for Non-Muslims whereby Unmarried couples are now permitted to cohabit in the UAE. The changes include laws related to decriminalized consensual relationships outside of marriage, added provisions for unmarried parenting, and broadened the scope of rape charges.

What is jail in Dubai like? ›

Cells are not locked in the day and prisoners can walk around the block. Cells do not have their own bathrooms and each block has a shared toilet and shower area.

No, you cannot even snack in your car or even chew gum in public. You can, however, eat in the comfort of your hotel room or restaurants where they have screened off the eating area for guests to eat without being noticed. Children and pregnant women are allowed to eat but it is best to use discretion to offend anyone.

Visitors and residents are expected to show respect for local customs and traditions. Dress modestly in public places, particularly in religious areas, and refrain from public displays of affection. While Dubai allows alcohol consumption in designated areas, it is illegal to be publicly intoxicated.

SHARIA LAW AND PROHIBITIONS

Dubai adheres closely to Sharia (traditional Islamic religious) law. There is little tolerance for same-sex relations and multiple common actions are illegal, including: PDA (including same-sex PDA) Public drunkenness.

All individuals are equal in Law. There shall be no distinction among the citizens of the UAE on the basis of origin, nationality, faith or social status. Personal freedom is guaranteed to all citizens. A person may not be arrested, searched, detained or imprisoned except in accordance with the provisions of the Law.