Can You Chew Gum in Dubai? 2025 Rules, Fines, and Etiquette You Should Know

You can chew gum in Dubai. There’s no blanket ban like Singapore. The catch? You need to respect a few clear rules-no eating or drinking on public transport, no gum inside mosques, don’t litter, and be extra discreet during Ramadan. If you follow those, you’re fine. I’ll keep this practical: what’s allowed, where people get fined, how to avoid trouble, and what to do if something goes wrong.

TL;DR: The Short Answer and Rules at a Glance

Here’s the straight-up answer first, because that’s what you came for.

• Yes, you can chew gum in Dubai. It’s legal to buy and chew regular gum.
• What’s not okay: chewing on the Metro, buses, or trams (counted as eating). That’s an RTA fine, typically AED 100.
• Don’t spit or stick gum anywhere. Littering fines by Dubai Municipality usually start around AED 500 and can be higher in some cases or locations.
• Inside mosques, government offices, many schools, and some clinics: no gum. You’ll either be told to stop or asked to leave.
• Ramadan: chewing gum in public during daylight hours is seen as eating. Be discreet or wait until sunset.
• Bringing gum into Dubai is fine for personal use. But absolutely avoid cannabis/CBD-infused gum; that’s illegal under UAE anti-narcotics law.

What you’re actually trying to do after clicking this page boils down to a few jobs:

• Get a clear yes/no on gum legality in Dubai (2025).
• Understand where gum is not allowed and the real fines.
• Learn quick etiquette so you don’t upset anyone or break rules.
• Know what you can buy or bring (regular vs. nicotine vs. CBD gum).
• Handle edge cases: Ramadan, the Metro, getting fined, driving, or flying in.

Note on fines: amounts do get updated. RTA’s AED 100 fine for eating/drinking on public transport has been consistent for years. Dubai Municipality littering fines typically start around AED 500, with higher penalties in certain cases (like littering from vehicles).

How to Stay Within the Rules (Step-by-Step + Quick Checklist)

Here’s a simple way to keep gum from becoming a problem.

1. Decide if the setting is right. If you’re in transit (Metro/bus/tram) or inside religious/government buildings, don’t chew. In malls, streets, hotels, and beaches, you’re generally fine.
2. Keep it low-key. Chew quietly. No bubble-blowing in tight crowds or formal settings.
3. Use a wrapper. Always save the original wrapper or carry a spare tissue to wrap used gum.
4. Find a bin. Dispose of gum in a trash bin. If you can’t find one, hold onto it-don’t risk a fine or annoy the cleaners.
5. Public transport? Spit it out before you enter. Eating or drinking (gum included) can earn an RTA fine.
6. Ramadan? Assume gum counts as eating. If it’s daylight and you’re in public, avoid it until after sunset.
7. Avoid restricted products. Don’t bring CBD or cannabis gum. If you use nicotine gum, keep it in pharmacy packaging.
8. Heat-proof your stash. Dubai summers can hit 45°C+. Store gum in a cool spot so it doesn’t melt into a mess.

• Quick checklist for the day: gum wrapped, tissue in pocket, know your route (using public transport or not), identify nearby bins, be mindful of prayer areas and Ramadan hours.

Heuristics that work:

• If there’s a security screening point, prayer room, or a formal service counter ahead, stop chewing.
• If you can see a “no eating or drinking” sign, assume gum is included.
• If the setting is quiet and formal (clinic, bank, government office), put it away.
• Tourist areas and malls? Usually fine, just don’t litter or be noisy with it.

Decision fast-lane:

• On the Metro platform or inside trains? No.
• In a mosque or prayer area? No.
• Walking in a mall or outside? Yes, but be discreet and bin it properly.
• Driving? Yes, but never toss gum out the window.
• During Ramadan before sunset? Better not in public.

Where Gum Gets You in Trouble (Examples, Fines, Etiquette, and Buying/Bringing)

Let’s walk through real situations people face, with the “why” behind each.

Dubai Metro and buses: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) bans eating and drinking on the Metro, buses, trams, and inside paid station areas. Chewing gum is usually treated as “eating.” Inspectors do random checks. The standard fine for eating or drinking is AED 100. Pay it via the RTA app or at a ticket office. Repeat violations can flag your account when you tap your Nol card.

Mosques and prayer rooms: Think of these like churches or temples-no gum. It’s a basic sign of respect. If you forget and step in with gum, swallow it or wrap and bin it before entering. Staff will ask you to stop if they notice.

Government offices, courts, and many clinics: You’ll often see signs about food and drink. Even if a sign doesn’t mention gum, staff may still ask you to stop. In courts or immigration counters, chewing reads as disrespectful. Keep it tucked away until you leave.

Schools: Many schools (international and local) ban gum to keep floors and desks clean. If you’re visiting, assume “no gum.” If you’re a parent, your kid will likely have it confiscated.

Driving: Chewing while driving is fine. Tossing gum from a car is not. Littering from vehicles can bring heavy penalties-commonly AED 1,000 and black points on the driver’s license under UAE traffic regulations. Camera evidence or a report can trigger the fine, and rental companies may pass it on to you with admin fees.

Malls, beaches, parks: All good-just be tidy. Most public areas have plenty of bins. If you’re at the beach, wrap used gum first so sand doesn’t glue it shut and make a mess.

Airports and planes: Regular gum is allowed through Dubai International (DXB) security. Many travelers chew gum during takeoff to help ears. Follow the airline’s cabin rules and don’t stick gum in seat pockets.

Buying gum in Dubai: You’ll find every brand at supermarkets, petrol stations, and corner groceries. Expect AED 3-8 for a standard pack. Nicotine gum is sold at pharmacies; a small box usually runs AED 40-80 depending on brand and strength.

Bringing gum into Dubai: Personal-use quantities are fine. Customs officers care more about medicines, vapes/e-liquids, and controlled substances. One big warning: never bring CBD or cannabis-infused gum. The UAE’s anti-narcotics law (Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021) prohibits cannabis derivatives. Even “hemp” or “0% THC” packaging can get you in serious trouble if it’s a cannabis-based product.

Ramadan etiquette: In 2025, Dubai remains flexible compared with decades past-restaurants operate as usual. Still, chewing gum in public before sunset looks like you’re eating, which defeats the idea of fasting for those around you. Be considerate: wait until iftar or chew out of public view.

What about spitting? Spitting gum on the street is a fast way to a fine and dirty looks. Dubai Municipality enforces public cleanliness. Typical fines for littering (including gum) start around AED 500. In touristy spots or during campaigns, enforcement can be extra active.

Business etiquette: Interviews, meetings, or government appointments-don’t chew. It comes off casual in settings that value formality.

Heat and gum: Chewing gum melts into goo in a hot car. In summer, toss packs in a bag, not the glove box. If it melts onto clothes, pop the garment in the freezer back at the hotel and then peel it off before washing.

Quick price sense-check (2025): a regular multi-pack costs about AED 10-15; single packs AED 3-8. Nicotine gum varies more by brand and dose.

How fines work in practice:

• Public transport fines (eating/drinking): Usually AED 100. You can pay on the spot or via RTA channels. If you don’t, it can block some services until settled.
• Littering fines: Assessed by Dubai Municipality inspectors. You may be asked for ID. Pay through DubaiNow or the Dubai Municipality app/portal.
• Traffic-related littering: If reported or caught by patrols/cameras, it gets tied to the vehicle. Rental companies will charge you later plus admin fees.

Citations and where to double-check rules:

• RTA Dubai “Rules and Code of Conduct” for Metro/bus/tram fines.
• Dubai Municipality public cleanliness regulations for littering fines.
• UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 on combating narcotics for cannabis/CBD bans.

Signs you’ll see around Dubai:

• Metro stations: “No eating or drinking” icons at gates and platforms.
• Mosques: Shoe racks and “no food/drink” messages near entrances.
• Parks and beaches: Plenty of bins and cleanliness notices.

Fast Answers, Edge Cases, and What to Do If Things Go Sideways

Mini-FAQ:

• Can I chew gum in Dubai? Yes. Just follow the no eating/drinking rule on public transport, and don’t litter.
• Is gum banned like in Singapore? No, Dubai doesn’t have a gum ban.
• Is chewing gum on the Metro really a fine? RTA treats gum as eating. Expect AED 100 if an inspector spots it.
• How much is the fine for spitting gum? Littering fines usually start at AED 500. It can be more in some cases.
• Can I bring nicotine gum into Dubai? Yes, for personal use. It’s sold at pharmacies too.
• Can I bring CBD or cannabis gum? No. That’s illegal under UAE law.
• Can kids chew gum? In public, yes. But many schools ban it.
• What about Ramadan? Don’t chew in public before sunset. It reads as eating.
• Can I chew gum in a taxi? Yes, but ask the driver if you’re unsure-and never leave gum in the car.
• Will security take my gum at the airport? Regular gum is fine. Follow the usual liquids and medicines rules for everything else.

Step-by-step if you get fined on the Metro:

1. Stay calm and polite. Inspectors are just doing their job.
2. Provide ID if asked. They’ll log the fine.
3. Ask how to pay: usually via the RTA app, ticket office, or an online portal.
4. Pay promptly. Delays can complicate future services tied to your profile.

If you get a littering fine:

1. Confirm the violation with the officer or inspector.
2. Ask for the fine details and reference number.
3. Pay via the Dubai Municipality app, DubaiNow, or the provided method.
4. Keep the receipt. If it’s a rental car case, share the proof with the rental company if needed.

Travelers who chew nicotine gum to quit smoking:

• Keep it in the original pharmacy box if you’re carrying it through the airport. It avoids confusion.
• Chew it discreetly and avoid public transport zones and formal offices.
• If a guard questions it, explain it’s an OTC quitting aid sold in local pharmacies.

Ramadan playbook if you’re not fasting:

• Plan ahead and chew before you head out in the day, or wait for sunset.
• If you need to manage nicotine cravings, step into a private space and be discreet.
• Restaurants are open; you can dine inside. Just avoid gum-chewing theatrics in public daylight hours.

Etiquette quick hits that locals appreciate:

• Don’t chew during meetings, at counters, or while someone is helping you.
• Put gum away when entering prayer areas.
• Use bins-Dubai’s pride in cleanliness shows, and visitors are expected to match it.

Troubleshooting common scenarios:

• You boarded the Metro with gum in your mouth. Solution: wrap and bin it before passing the fare gates or as soon as you can in the station.
• No trash bin around. Solution: pocket it in a wrapper/tissue until you find one. Better than risking a fine or sticky shoes.
• Melty gum disaster from the heat. Solution: freeze the clothing item, scrape off, then wash. For car interiors, use ice in a bag to harden the gum before lifting it with a plastic card. Finish with mild cleaner.
• Confused about a sign. Solution: when in doubt, don’t chew-ask a staff member.

Why these rules exist: Dubai invests heavily in public cleanliness and smooth public transport. Small rules keep the city spotless and the Metro pleasant for everyone. If you respect that, you’ll have zero issues chewing gum during your stay.