Traveling to Dubai has been the dream of many enthusiasts—tourists and business-minded people—all over the world who are drawn by the potential, beginning with the nightlife, tourist sites, and top-notch edifices of this city in the Middle East.
For those who don’t know, Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. The city is one of the world’s most visited, with an estimation running into millions of tourists every year.
This is as a result of its business-friendly environment, which leads to expatriates exceeding the number of locals. However, if you are thinking of visiting Dubai for the first time, there are many things you need to avoid in order not to get into trouble.
You need to understand that the UAE is a country with its own culture and belief system, which is harmonized with Islamic tradition and is expected of everyone to adhere to, irrespective of where you are coming from or who you are. Well, every nation has its own way of handling its issues, which makes them, if not totally distinct from others.
Here are the 12 things not to do in Dubai for your stay to be peaceful and hitch-free.
1. Avoid bringing in prohibited items
You need to be very careful when parking for your vacation or business trip, as there are lots of things that are considered illicit and unlawful by the Dubai government. You need to take note of things that are permissible according to the laws of the UAE. You are urged to visit the official website of the UAE Â to learn more about the types of medications that are allowed or permitted into their country.
It is understandable that we all have what we so much love and cannot do without: if truly Dubai is your choice place to spend your next vacation, you need to give what belongs to Caesar to Caesar for you to enjoy your stay. After your vacation, you can go back to your normal life.
Also, avoid using illegal drugs. It is a grave offense, and one is likely to go to jail if caught. You wouldn’t want to have the experience that comes with it.
2. Mind Your Language
Knowing how to respond to hostile situations, especially in public, will save you from a lot of unnecessary stress that may arise as a result of your inappropriate use of words.
Be careful when making comments on things around you that might look odd to you. If you are the type that talks freely, well, you need to start learning how to ignore and say less before embarking on your trip; after all, it’s not your place of residence, and your stay is for a while.
Also, the fact that it’s an Arab city—the vast majority of its locals are Muslims—makes it an Islamic entity; caution yourself from saying things against Islam and its teachings.
3. Don’t Shake your Left Hand In public
This may look too serious to you, but truly, it’s one of the 12 things not advised to do in Dubai. As it is believed by the natives that the left hand is unclean. Not only are you required not to shake hands with your left hand but also to use it to eat in public.
So if you are a lefty, you will need to join the bandwagon and try learning how to use your right hand before making the trip or while in a social gathering during your stay, but rest assured that you can drink with it—your left hand. Bear in mind that your mission is to enjoy and spend your money; do not ruin it by ignoring their laws.
4. Refrain From Saying Anything Against The Royal Family
Each emirate that makes up the UAE has Sheiks administering their affairs. What you need to know is that the people of Dubai, and the UAE in general, do not joke with their leaders. In fact, they hold the ruling class in such high esteem that saying anything against them—the royal family—is a grave offense that might have unfriendly consequences.
So, if where you are coming from you enjoy the freedom to speak against your leaders, you are advised to keep those rights where you can easily see them and get them when you come back from your trip, as you would not want to enjoy your holidays behind bars.
5. Don’t Drink In Public
Unlike, in the United States and other capitalist countries, you might enjoy the liberty to sip a few cans of Heineken or Monster in public, but this is not advised in Dubai. The Dubai government is strict in handling the issue of alcohol drinking in public: do not drink in undesignated areas.
Don’t drink while driving. Like the laws of many places against drinking and driving, Dubai’s is no exception. Drinking and driving  puts you in a vulnerable position of poor judgment and decision-making while driving, which not only puts your life at heightened risk but also that of other innocent road users.
So, why would you drink and drink in the first place? If you feel like getting yourself a few drinks, you are advised to stay in your hotel room and do it to avoid unnecessary embarrassments and risks.
6. Inappropriate Dressing
Again, one of the 12 things not to do in Dubai is to avoid wearing tight and revealing clothes. Unlike many western countries, it is good to know that Dubai follows strictly Sharia law.
As a woman, do not wear clothes that reveal your shoulders or skirts whose length is about the knee. It’s understandable that sometimes the weather might not be favorable and you feel like lessening the burden of covering your entire body, but it is what it is.
You are advised to stay indoors when the need to wear clothes that allow air into the body arises, unless you are at the beach. Irrespective of your religion, understand that you are in a Muslim country, and the law is extremely conservative. You need to dress conservatively in order to remain on the good side of the natives.
7. Avoid Public Displays Of Affection
Spending your vacation with your loved ones is one of the best experiences one needs, especially for those who work 9-5 or are always busy, as it rekindles the feelings one has for his or her partner.
However, it is good to know that one of the 12 things not to do in Dubai is public display of affection—kissing, cuddling, and holding hands—should be avoided in order not to incur the rot of the locals, who might easily suspect you of being overly affectionate. I implore you to do your thing indoors to avoid trouble. It doesn’t deter your feelings in any way.
8. Don’t Take Pictures Without Permission
Taking pictures is part of an adventure. In fact, it is a proof and also a memory to keep. However, when visiting beautiful sites and places, take precautionary measures in order not to spend the rest of your vacation behind bars. Don’t take photos or videos of people without their permission first!
Enjoy your vacation by observing their laid-down rules to avoid inconvenient situations as a result of invading someone’s privacy.
9. Don’t Cohabit If You Are Not Married
If you are visiting Dubai for the first time, one of the 12 things not to do in Dubai is cohabitation with your partner when you are not married.
Have it in the back of your mind that you are in a country where that form of cordiality is not acceptable. So, if you are already thinking of booking a room for your stay, discard it. Having sex with someone you are not married to is a grave offense punishable by law in the Emirate.
10. Observe Ramadan (mandatory for all Muslims)
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is also considered one of the five pillars of Islam. It is also a time when Muslims around the world take a break from some social activities: a time of fasting from foods, drinks, smoking, etc., which is seen as a way of purifying the body and concentrating on spiritual matters.
Dubai, being an Islamic city, observes the aforementioned, and one is advised to desist from eating, drinking, or smoking in public in the holy month of Ramadan.
Unless you are pregnant, children of certain age brackets are allowed to visit. If you find this awkward, you are urged not to visit the city during this period. Consult your calendar before considering taking a trip so as to avoid falling victim to the season.
11. Cross-dressing Is Not allowed
One of the 12 things not to do in Dubai is cross-dressing. It is good to know that the government of Dubai has zero tolerance for LGBTQ people. Gay and lesbian behavior is seen as criminal. If you are a man, you are expected not to dress like a woman, and vice versa.
One thing you need to understand is that the system is not as Democratic as you have it where you are coming from. So, in order not to endanger yourself by wearing the clothes expected of an opposite gender and to avoid a jail term or deportation, which will ruin your vacation for you, obey their system.
12. Don’t Miss The Beauty And The fun
Dubai is known for being home to the tallest building in the whole world, the famous Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah—an artificial palm-shaped island—the popular Dubai Mall, luxurious hotels, and many other state-of-the-art architectural edifices that leave visitors with irresistible experiences.
Apart from the luxury one is bound to enjoy, it is pertinent to know that Dubai’s weather is calm and warm to the heart. Although the laws might be demanding, the locals are very welcoming and nice people to live with. They also respect religious boundaries. Although it’s an Arab city, there are other religions present, such as Christianity and Hinduism, among others.
Final Thoughts On 12 Things Not To Do In Dubai
Overall, for you to enjoy the luxury, peace, and experience that come with visiting Dubai, you need to respect the locals’ religion and cultural beliefs. Avoid public displays of affection, don’t do drugs, don’t drink in public, mind your mouth irrespective of your opinion, avoid wearing tight and revealing dresses, don’t Cross-dress, refrain from speaking against the royal family, and refrain from speaking against the locals. Above all, Dubai is a very friendly and enjoyable city with lots of vibes and things to see. Don’t forget to have unlimited fun! Enjoy your trip!
