hospitable and courteous you will every be likely to encounter
anywhere in the world. But this is not the US nor Europe, this is the
UAE steeped in centuries of tradition and devout religious following.
One of the reasons I'm sure you are looking to travel to the UAE is to
experience the deep, rich history and traditions on offer.
Always remember that you are in a different country with a different
cultural and belief system to the majority of westerners, we can seem
as strange to them as they might sometimes appear to us. Its like the
old saying "When in Rome" – it is just common courtesy to respect your
hosts as we expect visitors to our country to respect our laws and
traditions.
1) Cross-dressing:
Some chaps enjoy dressing like a woman – and vice versa for ladies –
which for open-minded individuals can be a fun and liberating
experience; you should try it sometime. Just not in the United Arab
Emirates, never in the UAE, where cross-dressing will likely land you
in the slammer – and you really don't want to be dressed like a woman
in a men's prison in Dubai.
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2)Alcohol Consumption:
Alcohol Consumption is allowed only by Non-Muslims in licensed
restaurants, bars, clubs, private venues, and at home (for residents
who have acquired an alcohol licence). Tourists will not be able to
purchase alcohol in general stores and supermarkets etc., alcohol in
these stores are for residents who have obtained the required liquor
license to purchase alcohol for consumption in their own personal use
at homes.
It is against the law to drink alcohol whilst walking in the street or
to be drunk in a public place. For those living in the UAE a special
licence must be obtained before purchasing alcohol from the exclusive,
specialised, licensed stores.
This licence is only a permit for buying alcohol. It does not give any
immunity for alcohol related criminal offences. It is an offence to
carry alcohol in your car if you do not hold the special alcohol
licence. If you come to the attention of the police you may be
arrested, even though you may have purchased the alcohol legally.
Alcohol can only be consumed by over 21s. Alcohol is not available in
Sharjah.
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3) Sleeping with your partner:
In a loving relationship but not yet tied the knot? Then you better
keep your hands off each other if you're travelling to the UAE, where
sex outside of marriage is illegal. According to the Foreign Office,
it is even against the law to live together or share the same hotel
room with someone of the opposite sex, unless you're wedded or closely
related.
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4)Driving :
The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy towards drinking and driving . You
can be charged and imprisoned if you are caught with even the smallest
amount of alcohol in your system; If your going to drink walk, get a
cab our use the metro. Tailgating, speeding, racing, lane jumping and
using a mobile phone while driving are all against the law.
There are numerous speed cameras on the roads and motorways. Fines in
the UAE are heavy. If you are caught you may also face the possibility
of having your car impounded. Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory. Jay
walking (Crossing the road in a non designated area / crossing) is
also illegal and the police, particularly in Abu Dhabi, have launched
a campaign against jay walking. If you are caught committing this
offence you could be subject to a fine.
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5)Same sex marriages:
Same-sex marriages are not recognised in the UAE and homosexual
intercourse is illegal, which, ultimately, makes the country one of
the least hospitable nations in the world for gay men and women.
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6)Swearing:
Dubai is very conservative when it comes to bad language. Swearing,
profanities, insults and "all kind of vulgar language" are considered
obscene acts - as is making rude gestures - and offenders can be fined
or jailed.
In June, one local website reported that a court had ordered the
retrial of a man convicted of swearing at a colleague in a WhatsApp
message.
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7)Holding hands:
The UK Foreign Office's advice to British travellers states that
kissing and hugging in public are strictly prohibited. The UK Foreign
Office says married couples holding hands "is tolerated", but suggests
all open displays of affection are "generally not tolerated".
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8)Dancing:
Dancing is allowed in the privacy of your home or at licensed clubs
and events. But dancing in public is classed as indecent and
provocative.
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9)Sharing a hotel room:
It is against Dubai law to live together, or to share the same hotel
room, with someone of the opposite sex if you aren't married or
closely related, according to Foreign Office guidance. So, in theory,
any unmarried couple staying in a hotel room together is breaking the
law, although tourists are rarely prosecuted.
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10)Taking Pictures of women:
Taking pictures of women in public without consent is "strictly
frowned upon", as is randomly addressing women in public, the Foreign
Office states. Showing any disrespect towards religious beliefs or
practices is considered deeply offensive and very likely to result in
a heavy fine or imprisonment.
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11)Bounce Cheques:
Non-repayment of debt is a criminal offence and can get people sent
straight to jail. Having a cheque bounce and not paying bills -
including a hotel bill - can also result in imprisonment.
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