Joanna James
When visiting any country, it's always a prudent idea to research its culture, rules, and regulations – and the UAE is no different, as some cultural and legal rules may not be obvious and others not so much. To stay up-to-date and well-informed, read on to discover some key things visiting tourists should never do in the UAE.
Although there are plenty of UAE has plenty of bars and clubs, where can order alcohol, it’s important to remember that drinking in public is strictly prohibited. If any venues do not actively sell alcohol, keep in mind that drinking is not allowed. This also includes drinking beers on beaches or parks or even on the street. One can however order and drink at many of the Abu Dhabi resort properties the likes of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara without any problems.
Under the UAE’s cyber crime laws, taking pictures of people without permission or knowledge is a punishable crime. Fines can go up to 500,000 AED and possibly even lead to a six-month prison sentence. This law applies especially to any images posted on social media, as UAE locals and residents can file cases against the photographer.
Behaving in a disorderly manner is a crime in many countries and the UAE is no different. Keep in mind that playing loud music and dancing in public spaces is strictly prohibited in the UAE. This rule especially applies to public areas in the UAE such as prayer tombs, where silence is encouraged.
Buying or bringing prescription medication into the UAE without the prescriptions is strictly prohibited. It’s also important to carry the right paperwork that is translated into English in case any airport officials need to verify and understand it. Tourists can get into a lot of trouble by bringing certain medications into the UAE, so just to be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to check with the UAE embassy in your respective country, so you can identify what’s allowed and what isn’t. It’s also prudent to keep quantity in mind, as prescribed medications can only be allowed into the country for personal use only.
One can dress more leniently than one would expect – although the rules of dressing can vary from Emirate to Emirate. In the UAE almost everyone dresses in westernised clothing, however, it’s important to dress modestly when visiting malls and religious locations such as mosques. Dressing in a bikini and shorts is only allowed at the beach
When visiting any country in the world, one should always be respectful of the country and religion. In the UAE especially disrespect towards the UAE’s Emirati culture is not tolerated. However, given that the UAE’s population is made up of over 80% expats, it's crucial to respect everyone’s culture and religion.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
