The United Arab Emirates, a country known for its luxurious lifestyle and amazing man-made engineering wonders. People from all around the world visit the country for business, work or travel and sightseeing. The country welcomes tourists with open arms, but it is necessary for the tourists or the newcomers who are going to settle in the UAE need to get familiarized with the laws and customs of the country since many people fall foul of the laws and get heavy and hefty fines.
It is a nation governed by sharia law, and it’s nice and respectful to behave accordingly with the laws. As they say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans.”
Here are a few laws you should know when you visit the United Arab Emirates;
1- Drugs
The UAE does not tolerate the possession of drugs and the trafficking of drugs in the country. The country has some penalties for drugs, which may result in imprisonment of the death penalty. Even if the legally prescribed drugs in your country are illegal here, it is necessary to check the status before packing them in the trunk.
2- Alcohol
Non-Muslim residents can get a drinking permit at home and in licensed places to drink alcohol. These licenses are valid only in the emirate where the license is issued. Residents must also obtain a permit to drink at a licensed location.
Tourists can buy alcohol from licensed venues like restaurants, hotels, and clubs. It is punishable to get drunk in public.
3- Drunk Driving
UAE’s official legal drunk-driving limit is zero; there is no room for maneuver, so make sure you are fully awake before driving. All car accidents, including bicycle accidents, should be informed to the police.
4- Public display of affection
Public display of affection is frowned upon in the UAE. Holding hands and kissing is considered inappropriate behavior in the UAE. Homosexuality and sex outside of marriage are considered illegal, and there can be heavy punishments for such acts. So be cautious when traveling with an unmarried partner.
5- Offensive language and hand gestures
Many laws and customs in the UAE are rooted in mutual respect. Therefore, it is illegal to include rude language or aggressive gestures while driving.
6- Appropriate dressing
Dubai is a modest country, and the local UAE people are known for their elegant all-white (male) and black (female) dresses, covering them from head to toe. Although you don’t have to follow these dress codes yourself, it’s worthwhile to use a more moderate wardrobe during your stay in the UAE, especially when visiting shopping centers and government agencies.
This means that men and women must cover their shoulders and knees and do not wear tight or transparent clothing. You can wear bikinis and other swimwear on the beach, but women are forbidden to sunbathe, and everyone must cover up before leaving for the beach.
7- Social media/photography
Certain government buildings and military installations are prohibited. Do not take pictures without permission from others. A man was arrested for shooting a woman on the beach. Hobbies such as bird watching and aircraft discovery may be misunderstood, especially in military locations, government buildings, and airports.
Publish online criticism of UAE government, company or individual materials (including videos and photos), or materials related to events in the UAE, or appear to abuse/sneak/criticize the country or its government agencies, or are culturally insensitive the material is considered a crime punishable under UAE law. Some cases have been detained, prosecuted, and/or convicted for posting such materials.
The UAE authorities announced on June 7, 2017, that it was a crime to express sympathy for Qatar on social media or through any other means of communication. Criminals may be imprisoned and fined.
8- Ramadan
It is the holy month of the Islamic calendar, and UAE being a Muslim state, follows the rules and respects the people fasting in the holy month.
Although UAE is conservative all year round, this is especially true during the holy month of Ramadan. During this time, it is forbidden to dine in public places during the day. Some restaurants and shopping centers have shelter areas for non-Muslims to eat during Ramadan. You must not play loud music, including playing through your headphones, and you should always pay special attention to maintaining a humble dress.
9- Financial Crime
Financial crimes, including fraud, bouncing checks, including expired checks, and unpaid bills, including hotel bills, often result in imprisonment and/or fines. Bank accounts and other assets can also be frozen. For non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for financial crimes, they are usually not released on bail. Convicted persons usually have to wait until they have paid off or exempted their debts before they are released from prison. If they pay off their pending sentences, they may even stay in prison after paying off their debts.
10- Hotels
The hotel will usually keep a copy of your passport or Emirates ID card. If you are under 18 and are accompanied by a minor, you will not be able to check into the hotel.
UAE is a country run on principles, and if one follows the rules and regulations of the country, then your stay would be lovely.