UAE is located in middle east just above Oman next to Saudi Arabia. It’s a pretty amazing people with some awesome people but because it’s an absolute monarchy there’s some surprising rules that are gonna need. Now before you go:
1. Social media
Recently a British citizen was in prison for sharing a charity for refugees in Afghanistan on his Facebook page. Because of this it’s safer just not to post anything on social media while you are in the country. Not to mention. strict cyber security laws enacted in 2012 and any post that mocks the Government Islam or people Dubai, you might be imprisoned.
2. Alcohol
Coupled with, UAE has some pretty crazy drinking laws. In Abu Dhabi the drinking age is 18, but in Dubai it is 21 and it is outright prohibitive.
3. Vaping
Electronic cigarettes and vapes are outright illegal in Dubai will most likely be confiscated at the border even if they don’t get you entering the country definitely. Don’t use one while and if you buy, it is likely to be arrested for doing so.
4. Do’t film local incidence
In 2013 an Asian man was arrested and faces an year in prison for filming a UAE citizen beating up an Indian driver at traffic stop. Also the Emirates citizen complaint, police arrested him. As a matter of fact the local incidents includes building fires, natural disasters, any confrontation in the city.
5. Pay your bills
Any financial problems can result in imprisonment. Like cheques bouncing, not payment of bills and anything that’s considered a financial crime is pretty crazy.
6. Don’t swear or use agressive gestures
The UAE is a pretty conservative country. It is not only illegal but also you could be fine jailed or deported.
7. Avoid PDA
When in Dubai try to avoid public displays of affection. As they seem offensive to the culture partly. People have imprisoned over sex before marriage.
8. Don’t eat during Ramdan
Ramdan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims observes this worldwide as a month of fasting. Because of this if you are in Dubai during this time you should only eat in private. Most restaurants remain closed. You’ll find it difficult to find a meal during the day.
9. Photography
Photography of the Government buildings along with photographing people without their permission, taking pictures of beaches presumably of women is not upto. Police may arrest you for this.
10. Don’t dress inappropriately
Now this is less about it being outright illegal and more about just respecting the culture of the Emirati people. As I said before the Government and the citizens of Dubai are quite conservative so always make sure that you dress modestly. The rules are more relaxed around beaches. It is more about when you are walking around the city.
