FAQs
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.
What are the laws for filming in Dubai? ›
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.
What is the law regarding photography in UAE? ›
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.
What are the 10 rules in Dubai? ›
Therefore given below are some important rules for people visiting Dubai for the first time.
- Important Rules:
- Wear appropriate clothes: ...
- Restrictions in the month of Ramadan: ...
- Prohibition of loud music: ...
- Reserve your tickets for Burj Khalifa: ...
- Never Swear: ...
- Avoid summers of Dubai: ...
- No casino in Dubai:
Is swearing illegal in the UAE? ›
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.
What is not allowed in UAE? ›
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.
Can we shoot video in Dubai? ›
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.
What are the laws of photography? ›
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.
What can't you take pictures of in Dubai? ›
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.
Can boyfriend and girlfriend sleep together in Dubai? ›
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.
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.
Can you chew gum in Dubai? ›
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.
What are the strict rules in Dubai? ›
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.
What are the harsh laws in UAE? ›
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.
What is the basic law of the UAE? ›
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.
Do and don'ts in Dubai? ›
Do's For Tourists in Dubai
- Dress to impress, but make sure it's modest! ...
- Respect the Local Tradition when visiting Dubai. ...
- Take the Metro when visiting Dubai. ...
- Keep your Drug prescriptions when visiting Dubai. ...
- Do Keep Calm. ...
- No PDA or Public Display of Affection. ...
- Don't Drink in Public. ...
- Don't Take Photographs Without Permission.