Be A Good Tourist in UAE; Things To Avoid On UAE Tour

When visiting any country, everyone is strongly advised to consider the cultural rules, regulations, and taboos before purchasing a ticket - and this is no exception in the UAE. There are some laws and cultural rules in this country that may be obvious and others that are not. 

If you want to be a good tourist in UAE, you should follow the laws completely. Undoubtedly, UAE is a place of adventure, you will everything here, from the world`s tallest building to the vast deserts, the unlimited shopping expreince to the ultimate fun for kids as well. 

The key is to be well informed, so follow our guide on what tourists shouldn`t do in the UAE.

Drinking in public

Although there are many bars and clubs in the UAE that serve alcoholic beverages, tourists must know not to drink in public. Alcohol consumption is prohibited where alcohol is not actively sold. That means not bringing a beer to a public beach or walking down the street with a little spirit. There are plenty of places where people can drink and these are the places that tourists should be aware of.

Take photos of people

Taking photos of others without their consent is considered a crime in the UAE under the country`s cybercrime laws. That means taking pictures of strangers in public without permission could be punishable by a Dh500,000 fine and six months in jail. This is especially true of photos posted on social media, where residents can sue photographers. For women, taking these unwelcome photos is even worse.

Eating out during Ramadan

During Ramadan, Muslim residents of Dubai fast every day from sunrise to sunset. As a sign of respect, most restaurants close their doors or cover their windows during these times. It is strictly forbidden for anyone to eat, drink, chew gum or even smoke in public during this time as this is considered very disrespectful and could cause problems. This rule does not apply to young children and pregnant women.

Buy counterfeit goods

Have you watched Sex and the City 2? If yes, they aren`t lying when they say tourists shouldn`t buy counterfeit goods in the UAE. The visitors/tourist to Dubai`s Gold and Spice Market may notice that people ask if they are interested in a Chanel bag or a Cartier watch. It`s important to shrug and move on. A cheap designer bag may seem tempting, but if one gets caught shopping at an illegal store, the hassle isn`t worth the trouble.

Spread rumor

This is a bit unexpected, but it is illegal to spread rumors in the UAE, especially when shared online. Posting false gossip on social media is not only a form of cyberbullying, it can lead to people being jailed for up to three years and fined up to Dhs1 million. This applies to those who knowingly spread misleading or false information that could harm the public interest.

Demonstrate an emotional affection to the public

While the United Arab Emirates may be an ideal honeymoon destination, people must know that public expressions of affection are not allowed. Even kissing can land the couple in jail, so it`s best to avoid all PDAs. This applies anywhere in Dubai, even in clubs and bars, so it`s important not to let alcohol get to your head. Even hugs between friends of the opposite sex are not welcome.

Scolding in public

Dropping F-bombs and other swear words in public is not allowed. Abusive language, profanity, and insults are not only unpleasant but can cause more trouble for tourists than they think. This includes any type of road rage and offensive gestures, such as the middle finger. Attacking someone can get them arrested, so it`s best to keep them calm and try not to be abusive. Shoot car crashes, government buildings, military installations, and more.

Picture of landmarks

When taking photos in the UAE, it is best to point your camera at tourist attractions and beautiful landmarks, as some photos are illegal. This includes photos of car crashes, government buildings, embassies, military installations, and even airplanes. Of course, this will only be worse if the photos are posted on social media. With so much amazing stuff to shoot, there`s no need to go to the trouble of filming scenes that aren`t allowed, so visitors should pay attention to where their cameras are pointed.

Clutter in public

Drunkenness and confusion are crimes in many countries, and the UAE is no exception. However, a person does not need to be drunk to be considered disorganized. Loud music and dancing in public are banned in the country. This is especially true of prayer books, as music is often turned off in public places. So visitors should put the speakers down and let their dancers dance at one of the many cool clubs around.

Must have a prescription for medicine

The entry of prescription drugs into the state strictly requires corresponding documentation to prove that the drug was prescribed to its owner. It is important to translate recipes into English so airport officials can understand them. Visitors can have a lot of trouble bringing some drugs into the country, so it is advisable to check with the UAE embassy in your country to find out what is and isn`t allowed. It`s also good to consider the quantity, as prescription drugs are only for personal use.

Take Drugs 

This should be obvious, but it cannot be overemphasized: the UAE does not use drugs. The state has a zero-tolerance policy for any type of drug. People have previously been jailed for failing tests on drugs used abroad. Tourists mustn`t indulge in drug abuse while in the country, as the consequences include imprisonment and deportation. This also applies to prescription drugs.

Lack of respect for religion and culture

Not surprisingly, when traveling in any country in the world, tourists should respect the religion and culture of the destination. In the UAE, however, people still face difficulties speaking badly. Any disdain for Emirati culture, Islam, and the country`s rulers could land tourists in jail. Respect for culture and religion should also apply to everyone else, as the UAE is home to more than 80% of expatriates, so respect for everyone is essential.

Wearing revealing clothing

The UAE is more strict when it comes to clothing than most people realize, and while the dress code may vary in each emirate, most people allow visitors to wear Western-style clothing. However, it`s always important to dress appropriately when visiting the country, which means travelers should think about where they`re going before getting dressed. Bikinis and shorts are completely allowed on the beach, even in public, but when visiting the mosque, tourists must dress according to religious norms. It is also recommended to dress appropriately when visiting the mall.