When visiting Dubai, it’s natural for you to feel apprehensive about laws, etiquette, and safety, and you must understand the dos and don’ts while you are in Dubai. If you know what to avoid, your trip can go smoothly. Even in those towering buildings, beautiful beaches, and glamorous shops, many people get arrested every day for offenses that may be considered insignificant.
The things that you should do while in Dubai
1. Use the metro buses
The metro system in Dubai is excellent and among the best in the world. The network is extensive and can take you to every tourist destination in Dubai. You will always find the metro to be cheap, clean, and efficient and you will always enjoy the air-conditioned journeys. However, remember that most metro services stop working from 1 am, so you have to plan your activities well.
2. Ask for permission before you take photos
The privacy of individuals who live in the UAE is guarded by laws, so you should always endeavor to ask for permission before you photograph them.
3. View the city of Dubai from various perspectives
Try your best to view Dubai city from various perspectives. You will find the view across the creek to be awe-inspiring while walking through the Dubai streets.
4. Look at where you are stepping
While most parts of Dubai look great, you have to look at where you are stepping while walking. If you are not careful, you may find your leg deep inside a pothole.
5. Dress Modestly
Dubai is a conservative city with Islam being the main religion, so how you dress matters. You should ensure that you put on attire that respects the Muslim culture and traditions.
Things that you shouldn’t do in Dubai
1. You shouldn’t show public display of affection
When travelling in Dubai, you should avoid public displays of affection. Such acts are considered to be offensive especially when you are in crowded places or when squeezing past people in highly packed areas. While this may sound ridiculous to some people, you should endeavor to respect it because this is Dubai’s culture.
2. Do not swear in public
Cursing, swearing in public, and fighting are some of the offenses that could make you arrested. This also extends to messaging applications as well as to social media networks, so you should try to avoid it by all means.
3. Do not bring drugs into Dubai
Bringing drugs to Dubai will get you arrested. The UAE does not tolerate drugs and all forms of narcotics, and you shouldn’t carry drugs in their raw form, processed from, or foods that have narcotics as a part of the ingredients.
4. Do not drink alcohol in public
Avoid alcohol in public spaces, and instead, you should limit your alcohol consumption to bars, restaurants, and clubs. UAE laws criminalize being drunk or intoxicated in public.
Bringing drugs to Dubai will get you arrested. The UAE does not tolerate drugs and all forms of narcotics, and you shouldn’t carry drugs in their raw form, processed from, or foods that have narcotics as a part of the ingredients.