Dubai Travel Don'ts: Essential Etiquette, Legal Risks & Cultural Rules for Visitors

Step off a plane in Dubai, and you’re immediately swept into a city that feels part sci-fi fantasy, part old-world bazaar. But before your mind drifts off to poolside cocktails under palm trees, a reality check: this isn’t your typical tourist playground. Break the wrong rule, and you could find yourself paying big fines or, even worse, spending time in jail. Dubai's blend of luxury and tradition means you’ve got to be aware—to avoid embarrassing missteps, awkward glances, or a disastrous holiday story.

Understanding Dubai’s Cultural Boundaries

Culture shock hits quickest when little things go sideways. In Dubai, what’s considered polite or normal back home could land you in hot water. Let’s talk dress code. Leave your short shorts and skimpy tank tops for somewhere else. Dubai’s population might be largely expat, but locals—and the city’s laws—expect modesty. For women, covering shoulders and knees is non-negotiable in public places (like malls, government offices, or markets). Men, too—skip the tank tops and never bare your chest in public.

PDA (public displays of affection) are a minefield. A simple peck on the cheek can attract curious stares; a lingering hug or kiss is asking for trouble. You’ll see couples holding hands in some Westernised hotels, but go beyond that and security might step in—or worse, call the police. There have been cases (just Google it!) where couples faced fines or even jail for cuddling on the beach. Save the romance for the privacy of your hotel room.

Swearing, rude gestures, and aggressive behaviour? Don’t even think about it. Using profanity—whether in conversation, in a WhatsApp message, or on social media—can trigger serious legal consequences. Emirati law treats public decency offenses severely. Lost your cool and flipped the bird in traffic? Fines, jail time, deportation. An expat once ended up in court because of a ‘thumbs up’ emoji sent in anger, which some locals considered offensive. You’re on camera nearly everywhere, so be cool, even if someone’s testing your patience.

Here’s something that’ll catch a lot of Aussies and other tourists off-guard: Ramadan etiquette. During the holy month, eating, drinking, or chewing gum in public places during daylight hours is strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslims. The city basically goes quiet and respectful. Restaurants in malls may stay open, but with makeshift barriers and menus tucked away. If you light up a cigarette in the wrong place, you’re almost certainly getting a fine. The respectful thing? Eat discreetly, and be extra patient for the city’s rhythms to shift at sunset.

Religion is woven into every part of life in Dubai. Don’t take selfies in front of mosques. Never interrupt prayers, even accidentally. And for heaven’s sake, don’t say anything negative about Islam, the royal family, or the government—even in what you think is a private chat. Disrespecting religion isn’t just a social gaffe; it’s a criminal offense. A British expat was deported in 2021 for posting a meme that made light of local customs. A little humility and curiosity will get you much further than jokes or complaints.

The Legal Minefield: What Can Get You Arrested?

Dubai’s reputation as a law-and-order paradise isn’t idle talk—they mean it. Alcohol can be found everywhere in plush hotel bars and clubs, but it’s technically only legal to drink in licensed venues if you’re over 21. You can’t drink (or even act drunk) in public, and possession without a permit used to be a huge risk—now, tourists in hotels are generally fine, but step off that property visibly tipsy and all bets are off. In 2024, there were 554 arrests related to drunk and disorderly behavior—most were tourists who wandered into the wrong part of an airport or street after a night out. The legal system moves fast, and you don’t want to test its limits.

Drugs? Don’t even try—zero tolerance is an understatement. The tiniest traces of narcotics, even prescription meds (like some ADHD or anxiety meds), can land you in jail for years. There are stories of visitors being detained over poppy seeds stuck to their luggage. If you need medication, check the official Dubai Health Authority list and carry a doctor’s note. The authorities do random checks, and they’re not interested in excuses.

Social media is another area that trips people up. Posting photos without someone’s permission, sharing content that’s critical of local institutions, or anything hinting at nudity can run afoul of the Cybercrime Law. In April 2025, a tourist was fined AED 150,000 (about AUD 61,000!) for filming a heated exchange in a mall and posting it online. That’s enough to put a damper on your holiday budget. When in doubt, think twice before hitting ‘post’.

LGBTQ+ travelers need special caution. Dubai's laws criminalize same-sex relationships and public expressions of LGBTQ+ identity. While the city brands itself as cosmopolitan, the penalties are severe, including prison time and deportation. Holding hands with a same-sex partner or dressing in gender non-conforming ways can draw unwanted attention at best, legal action at worst. Some travelers report feeling safe by keeping a low profile, but others have faced sudden trouble. Think safety first—it’s a hard reality, but it’s not worth risking your freedom.

Even regular travel habits like taking photos can land you in trouble. Snapping shots of locals—especially Emirati women—without permission is a sensitive topic. Photographing government buildings, military sites, or accidents is illegal. A German tourist spent two days in custody last year after taking photos near the airport. Always ask before pointing your camera, even if it’s just a quick phone snap.

Traffic rules are another trap. Cars stop on a dime for Japanese sedans and matte-black Lambos alike, but jaywalking isn’t taken lightly. Fines for crossing roads outside of pedestrian zones can be steep. Taxi scams are rare, but always check your change and use registered cabs or ride-hailing apps—no unlicensed lifts from strangers.

Tourists’ Survival Tips and Lesser-Known Pitfalls

This isn’t meant to scare you off Dubai. The city rewards those who adapt. Here’s the stuff that can save you hassles—or outright disasters.

• Taxi etiquette: Don’t slam car doors, argue about routes, or skip tipping (round to nearest AED 5 or 10—it’s expected). Insulting a driver, even in jest, can backfire.
• Spitting, littering, and chewing gum: Easy way to rack up a fine. You’ll spot ‘No Chewing Gum’ signs in some places.
• Sensitive body language: Never point the soles of your feet at people. Avoid patting adults on the back or touching heads—children included. These gestures are considered rude.
• Don’t bring e-cigarettes or vapes if you’re unsure—they’re in a legal gray area. Smoking is only welcome in marked places.
• Business cards: Always offer business cards with your right hand. It’s a small gesture, but it shows respect.
• Don’t criticize the country, not even in passing. Locals have pride in their achievements, and offhand remarks travel quickly in close-knit communities.
• If invited to a local home, take off your shoes before entering. Carry a token gift; sweets or dates are perfect.
• Watch your shoes—never step into a mosque wearing them, ever. It’s a super-charged offense.
• If you’re bringing medication, declare it. Keep medicine in its original packaging and carry your prescription, translated into English or Arabic.
• Dubai loves security—expect metal detectors and bag checks at malls and metro stations. Cooperate; it’s routine, not a personal accusation.
• Public criticism on social media, especially about the government or city services, is risky. Even online reviews leading to defamation lawsuits happen.
• Unmarried couples can now legally share a hotel room after reforms, but be discreet; staff may still offer rooms with separate beds to be safe.

If you’re thinking about leaving a tip at a café, safe bet is AED 5 or 10, depending on the bill. Hotel staff will appreciate small gestures—don’t go overboard but don’t ignore it either.

Respect isn’t just a buzzword in Dubai, it’s a tool for staying out of trouble and earning genuinely warmer interactions. The city offers so much—endless brunches, stunning beaches, cultural treasures—if you play by the rules. The best Dubai stories are the ones you send home, not the ones told in a consulate office. Mind the boundaries, and the city opens up its most magical side to you.