Here’s how to respect local laws, traditions and religions while travelling in Dubai. Dubai, a popular winter sun and relocation destination in the Middle East, is a firm favourite among UK holidaymakers. Enticed by its scorching temperatures, desert adventures and high-rise skyline, a record 92.3 million passengers passed through terminals at Dubai International Airport in 2024. While holidays usually pass by without a hitch, there are strict regulations in the UAE and its emirates – both well and lesser-known – that travellers should get familiar with before they book a trip.

“Common behaviour doesn’t mean lawful behaviour. It may be common to drink alcohol in Dubai, but it’s also unlawful to possess alcohol in your bloodstream or be drunk. A mere allegation is sufficient to warrant an arrest and people can weaponise the system to have you prosecuted if they so wish,” said Stirling. She added: “Almost all tourists will be in violation of local laws before they even get on a plane. A number of first-time visitors have been arrested for social media posts or electronic private communications that they made perfectly legally from their own countries.”.

Holidaymakers risk fines, deportation, arrests and prison sentences if they fail to respect the rules. The Foreign Office (FCDO) warns: “The UAE is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK but is in the UAE.”.

Here are the local laws that tourists need to know about to stay out of trouble while visiting Dubai and the UAE. Read more: The best hotels in Dubai 2025, reviewed. Don’t be tempted to bring medication into Dubai without first checking if it is considered a “controlled” substance. The FCDO says: “There are strict rules about what medications you can bring into the UAE. You will need approval from the UAE authorities to bring in medication that the UAE classes as narcotic, psychotropic, controlled or semi-controlled.

“If you arrive in the UAE without evidence of prior approval, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE, and you may be prosecuted.”. You can usually bring up to three months’ supply of medication as a visitor, or one month if the medication requires approval. Swearing or making rude gestures, online or in person, is illegal in the UAE. Travellers can be jailed or deported for such “obscene acts”.

One of the most important rules to remember for tourists: drinking or being under the influence of alcohol in public is illegal anywhere in the UAE, even if you are over 21. Specifically in the city of Sharjah, north of Dubai, where drinking or possessing alcohol is illegal. Residents of Dubai are legally required to have a liquor licence to buy alcohol to drink at home or private parties. Tourists can get a temporary liquor licence which is valid for one month – these are not required in Dubai to purchase and consume alcohol in licensed venues like hotel bars, restaurants, and pubs.

Travellers under 18 take note – you cannot stay in a hotel alone if you’re under 18 years old and not accompanied by an adult. As known as “jaywalking” in the US, holidaymakers should note it is illegal to cross roads in Dubai without using the marked pedestrian and zebra crossings. During the holy month of Ramadan, travellers should take extra care to be respectful. Exact dates vary by year and country but the FCDO reminds visitors to be wary of eating, drinking, smoking, swearing, playing loud music or chewing gum in public.

LGBT+ travellers should be aware that same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the UAE before they travel. According to the FCDO: “The UAE is in many respects a tolerant society and private life is respected. However, there have been reports of individuals being punished for same-sex sexual activity, particularly where there is any public element, or where the behaviour has caused offence. This applies both to foreign national residents and tourists.”.

Posting critical or culturally insensitive material is considered illegal in the country – specifically videos and photos reflecting negatively on the UAE government, companies and its nationals. Honeymooners beware: kissing, holding hands and showing affection in public is frowned upon and arrests may be made. It is illegal for adults over 18 to have a sexual relationship with a person aged 17 or under. British teen Marcus Fakana, 18, was recently jailed for having consensual sex with a 17-year-old while on holiday in Dubai.