We all know that Dubai is an attractive city and is a prime tourist destination. Each year, this city attracts millions of tourists from all over the words. As glamorous and glitzy as the city may seem, it has a few strict rules that you should keep in mind. You have to remember that, what may seem okay in your country may be very offensive here. So, you really have to watch the way you conduct yourself in order to avoid penalties. However, we are going to lay down certain things that you must never do while you are in Dubai or any part of the UAE.
Things You Should Not do in Dubai
1. Never Carry Banned Items Into The Country
Items made in Israel, adult and obscene books, and drugs are some of the items that are banned in the country. If you are caught with these items, you will be severely penalized. Also, carrying Pork into the UAE is not allowed.
2. Consuming Food And Water In Public During Ramadan
If you do visit Dubai during the month of Ramadan, you must not be seen consuming food or water in public. You should know that Muslims observe a fast during the day and you must follow their rule and respect them. However, you are free to eat and drink inside your hotel.
3. Unmarried Couples Cannot live together
In Dubai, the Sharia law prevails and it does not allow unmarried couples to live in the same house or share hotel rooms together. If you get caught you can face imprisonment or deportation.
4. Cross-Dressing
Homosexuality is not allowed in the UAE. People here are not permitted to indulge in cross-dressing at all. Should you violate this rule you can land up in jail. It is always wise to wear clothes as per your gender in this country
5. Drinking In Public
If you wish to have a drink in Dubai, then you should go to a bar. The city has many bars on rooftops that will give you a fabulous view. However, drinking in public is not allowed, and getting drunk in public places is not permitted in this country, you can end up in jail or you may have to pay a hefty fine so it is best to conduct yourself in an appropriate manner.
6. Drugs Are Not Allowed
Be very careful how you pack your medication, it would be wise to read a list of the kind of medications allowed in Dubai. You cannot take any sort of drugs whether they are prescribed or illegal in Dubai. If you are found with Drugs then you can face jail time four about 4 years. Carry all your medication with a valid prescription.
7. Taking Pictures Without Permission
We all know that Dubai is a stunning city, and one feels tempted to take pictures. However, you must check which places allow photography. Also, you must keep in mind that you must never take pictures of other people especially children and women as it is considered very offensive and it can put you in jail.
8. Do Not Say Insulting Things About The Royal Family
The royal family is highly respected in Dubai, so it is never a good thing to say bad things about them or use sarcastic statements while talking about them. If you do any such thing in public places you can end up in jail.
9. Public Affection
Please do not indulge in kissing or cuddling in public places when you are in Dubai, it is totally unacceptable in the country. This will land you in jail. However, married couples can hold hands.
10. Using The Left Hand
Avoid using the left hand in Dubai as it is considered a dirty habit. You must not offer money to shopkeepers with your left hand as it is used to clean certain areas of the body and the practice is frowned upon in Arab culture. Always use your right hand as much as possible.
11. Wearing Improper Clothes
Dubai is very strict about clothes, so you must make it a point to wear proper clothes. Do not wear clothes that are revealing or too tight fitting as they are offensive. Also, women should wear headscarves while visiting religious places of visit. You can wear stylish western clothes as long as they do not violate the regulations.
You must remember that tourism is not just about learning about different cultures, but also respecting them. If are planning a vacation to Dubai then you must go through these points very carefully as they will help you fit in and stay out of trouble. So, hopefully, we have been able to help you with these guidelines and now it is time for you to go pack your bags and look forward to a fun-filled vacation. Have a good one.
