Despite the cosmopolitanism, economic well–being and weight of the UAE in the international arena, tourist fines in Dubai and other emirates are something that you need to be well aware of and something that everyone who arrives in this country should be prepared for.
To avoid trouble, before packing your bags, it is important to understand the laws and customs of the state. Although the requirements for behavior in Dubai are more lenient than in other parts of the UAE, there are still strict rules prohibiting alcohol consumption in public places, regulating appearance, interaction with the opposite sex, and other restrictions.
What can you be fined for in Dubai? What is prohibited for women in the UAE? We answer these and other questions in our material.
General information about the UAE legal system
The state structure of the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is a federal monarchy consisting of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaywain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Each of them has a certain degree of autonomy, has its own laws and internal administration. The head of state is the Emir of Abu Dhabi, and the Government is headed by the Emir of Dubai.
Each emirate has its own set of laws. Each principality has the right to give priority and choose a measure of restraint to offenses at its own discretion, but they are somehow subject to federal legislation.
The UAE is an Islamic state whose inhabitants strictly follow Sharia law. The decision of the authorities to open their doors to foreign cultures in order to develop the country’s economy initially caused rejection among the local population. However, over time, they managed to understand the correctness of this step. Many amendments have been made to preserve the patriarchal order and prevent the spread of unacceptable norms of behavior. This made it possible to preserve traditional values
It is very difficult for the authorities to find a balance between observing the laws of Islamic culture in society and the expectations of tourists with a more free lifestyle. To ensure comfort and freedom for European and American guests, many local restrictions do not apply to hotels, closed beaches, nightclubs and parties. In case of minor violations, the police can issue a warning or fine, the latter is rarely used. However, there are a number of offenses for which punishment is sure to follow.
Overview of fines and regulations for tourists in the UAE
Regardless of what purpose you came to the country for: to buy real estate in Dubai, solve business issues or just relax, you need to know how to behave; for which offenses you will face a fine, and for which you will be imprisoned in the UAE.
Check out the list of prohibited actions so as not to overstep the bounds of what is allowed and avoid trouble.
Drinking alcoholic beverages
In the United Arab Emirates, alcohol consumption is illegal and prohibited by law. This is due to the religious and cultural values that prevail in the country.
Drinking alcoholic beverages and being intoxicated in public places carries a criminal penalty: 6 months in prison or a 2000 AED ($545) fine.
At the same time, the rules for tourists in Dubai do not prohibit drinking in a hotel, nightclub or bar, provided that immediately after the party you go home by taxi. It is worth noting that no one specifically pursues people who have drunk. Vacationers often allow themselves to go out at night even after drinking alcohol. If they are generally decent, the police turn a blind eye to it.
Until November 8, 2022, tourists were forbidden to buy alcohol. Now this rule has been abolished in all emirates except Sharjah, the most conservative principality.
To buy alcohol in Dubai, the laws require a special license. You need to present your passport and get a mark in the database, after which you can freely purchase alcohol for 30 days. In other principalities, a passport will be asked to confirm that you have reached the age of 21.
How much alcohol can be imported to Dubai? One tourist can bring up to 2 liters of spirits, wine or beer to the emirate.
In Ajman, Umm al-Kaywain, Fujairah and Ras al Khaimah, licenses have been canceled since November 8, 2020 – alcohol is sold freely here.
An out-of-wedlock relationship
During the reign of Sheikh Zayed, intimate relationships and cohabitation outside of marriage were punishable by 1 year in prison. After 2004, cohabitation ceased to be criminalized, but sex outside of marriage is still prohibited.
Here, as in the case of alcohol, adulterous tourists are not specifically caught. However, this does not mean that it is possible to engage in sexual relations openly in public places.
Narcotic substances
Any relation to narcotic drugs (use, storage and distribution) in the UAE is prohibited and punishable. Since 2022, the use has been equated with a disease – for this, imprisonment was abolished, but compulsory treatment was introduced in specialized rehabilitation centers.
A fine of 10,000 AED ($2,723) and (or) imprisonment for up to 4 years is provided for drug possession. Distribution is punishable by the highest measure of restraint in the form of life imprisonment.
The attempt to import prohibited substances (even by transit passengers) is strictly suppressed. Airports have very sensitive equipment installed that easily detects the slightest traces of drugs in luggage and hand luggage. Also, law enforcement agencies have the right to conduct a blood test on passengers who arouse suspicion.
It is important to mention medicines, which may contain substances recognized as narcotic in the territory of the state. Most often these are painkillers. If you have a prescription for their appointment from a doctor, be sure to take it with you on a trip.
Since last year, the punishment for the import of medicines with such components has been mitigated. Now you don’t have to pay fines in Dubai for this – for the first time, such an offense can be forgiven as an exception.
Photo and video shooting
Taking a photo or video of a person without obtaining his prior consent is equivalent to interference in personal life and is punishable by 7 years in prison. At the same time, a general picture of people on the street or in a cafe is not prohibited. It is strictly forbidden to photograph local women. The same applies to posting photos on social networks without approval – this is punishable by 6 months in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 AED ($136,132).
Filming is also prohibited:
- government buildings;
- strategic facilities;
- mosques;
- people performing prayerful worship.
Violations in public transport
The most convenient mode of transport in Dubai is the metro. However, here, unlike in other countries, passengers are required to comply with a large number of rules and regulations.
The fines for tourists in Dubai for violating the rules of travel by subway are as follows:
| The offense | Fine (in AED/$) |
|---|---|
| Noisy, defiant behavior | from 100/27 |
| Sleeping at the station | 300/82 |
| Boarding the wrong carriage | 100/27 |
| Transportation of animals | 100/27 |
| Transportation of alcohol | 500/136 |
| Smoking, drinking water and beverages (even non-alcoholic), chewing gum | 100/27 |
| Boarding places for pregnant women and the disabled | 100/27 |
| Pressing the remote control or emergency button for no reason | 2000/544 |
It is worth explaining separately about boarding the wrong car. In the emirate, there is a division of wagons into: silver – for everyone, gold – for increased comfort (the ticket price is higher), pink – for women and children. Tourists often make mistakes, they are usually forgiven and politely asked to move. However, if you deliberately go to a trick – buy a ticket to a golden carriage and ride on it (already used) several times, the controller considers it using a special device and will fine you. The most common violations on the bus are driving without a ticket and distracting the driver from the road.
Traffic violations
Law enforcement agencies strictly monitor compliance with traffic regulations on the roads by all road users and issue fines in case of non-compliance. On average, the recovery amounts are 400-500 AED ($109-136), but can reach 3000-5000 AED ($817-1361). Here are the most common offenses and penalties for them:
| The offense | Fine (in AED/$) |
|---|---|
| Driving without headlights on at night | 100–400/27–109 |
| Transportation of a child under 10 years old without a child seat | 400/109 |
| Non-compliance with the distance | 400/109 |
| Lack of seat belts | 400/109 |
| Smoking/using a mobile phone while driving | 200–800/54–218 |
| Transport stops on the highway for no reason | 500–1000/136–272 |
| Throwing garbage out of a car window | 500–1000/136–272 |
| Driving in the wrong lane | 600/163 |
| Running a red light | 800–1000/218–272 |
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 80 km/h entails the deprivation of rights and confiscation of the car. If the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he will inevitably be arrested.
Appearance
What else do you need to know before traveling to Dubai? Tourists’ clothes should not be too open and provocative. This is an unspoken rule that should be followed.
What other clothes are not allowed:
- too short, tight or transparent;
- made of fabrics through which underwear shines through;
- with an open back, a cleavage area or a belly.
Girls dressed provocatively will not be allowed into public places. Ideally, the outfit should cover the body from the shoulders to the knee.
Other prohibitions
There are also a number of frowned upon behaviors that foreigners in the UAE should not allow:
- loud conversations in public places;
- High-pitched communication/shouting;
- the use of obscene language and gestures;
- flirting with local women, chatting with them and touching them. If you need help, contact a Muslim man;
- touching men (unless they take the initiative themselves);
- close observation of people performing prayer;
- religious propaganda.
What punishments have been abolished
Recently, the punishment for the following behavior has been abolished in Dubai:
- smoking electronic cigarettes;
- wearing clothes and using Israeli-made items;
- attempted suicide (previously it was a crime that was prosecuted by law. Now they are being sent for compulsory treatment for this);
- accidental bodily injury during first aid.
Conclusion
It is important to emphasize that the UAE strives to ensure security, order and compliance with the laws. The fines applied to violators, including tourists, are fully justified. Local laws and regulations apply to all citizens and visitors of the country and their violation can have serious consequences.
When planning a trip to the UAE, carefully read the rules and norms of behavior to avoid accidental violations and complications during the trip. Observance of the moral, ethical and religious traditions of the state is a sign of respect for local culture and ensures a comfortable and harmonious interaction between tourists and the indigenous population.
To find and safely buy an apartment in Dubai, use the customizable search on Emirates.Estate! Look for relevant offers from the largest developers in the country, study detailed information about the facilities and make smart investments in the future!
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish