Dubai Restrictions: What You Must Follow in 2025

Planning a trip to Dubai? The city dazzles with skyscrapers and luxury, but it also has clear rules that can catch first‑time visitors off guard. Knowing the basics before you land saves you fines, awkward moments, and unwanted attention.

Dress Code and Public Decency

Dubai expects modesty in public places. Women should cover shoulders and knees in malls, restaurants, and government buildings. A short skirt or low‑cut top is fine at the beach or hotel pool, but avoid showing too much cleavage in the city centre. Men are also expected to keep shorts above the knee and skip sleeveless shirts in formal settings.

Public affection is another grey area. A quick kiss on the cheek is generally accepted, but anything more intimate—like a passionate kiss or hugging in a restaurant—can lead to a warning or a fine. Couples should keep PDA low‑key unless they’re in a private venue such as a hotel bar where the staff allows it.

Everyday Items That Might Surprise You

Chewing gum is legal, but you’ll get a fine if you litter or stick it on public transport. Vaping is allowed in designated smoking zones; bring your device in carry‑on luggage, not checked bags, and avoid vaping in parks, malls, or on the metro. CBD‑infused gum or any THC product is strictly prohibited and can result in heavy penalties.

Alcohol is sold in licensed venues like hotels and clubs. Drinking in public, on the beach, or at a park is illegal and can lead to a fine or arrest. Always carry your drink in a sealed bottle and consume it only where it’s permitted.

There is no legal red‑light district in Dubai, and prostitution is a criminal offense. Engaging in any paid sexual activity can result in imprisonment, heavy fines, and possible deportation. Stick to reputable venues and respect local laws.

Other common restrictions include no smoking in indoor public spaces, no loud music after 10 pm in residential areas, and a ban on photographing government buildings or people without consent. Using offensive language or gestures in public can also attract a fine under the UAE’s cyber‑crime and public decency laws.

Understanding these limits helps you enjoy Dubai’s attractions without the stress of legal trouble. Follow the dress code, keep public displays of affection modest, respect smoking and vaping zones, and stay within the bounds of alcohol and drug laws. With these basics covered, you can focus on the city’s amazing sights, from the Burj Khalifa to the desert safaris, and have a hassle‑free experience.

Remember, local authorities are generally friendly if you’re polite and cooperative. If you ever get stopped, stay calm, answer questions honestly, and comply with any requests. Most visits end smoothly when you respect the guidelines, leaving you with great memories instead of a police report.