Dubai Don'ts: What Not To Do in Dubai (Laws, Etiquette, and 2025 Travel Rules)

Sep, 3 2025

You can have an unforgettable trip to Dubai-and still trip up with one careless photo, a rude hand gesture, or a drink in the wrong place. If you clicked this, you want the short list of don’ts that actually matter in 2025: what’s illegal, what’s rude, and what quietly leads to fines or a very awkward chat with security. That’s exactly what you’ll get here. Clear rules, real-world examples, and quick heuristics you can use the second you land.

TL;DR

• Don’t be drunk in public, swear, or make rude hand gestures-these can lead to arrest or deportation.
• Don’t photograph people (especially women/families), accidents, or government sites without permission; think twice before posting locals online.
• Don’t carry CBD, poppy seeds, or certain prescription meds without the right papers; drugs are zero-tolerance.
• Don’t do beachwear away from beach/pools; keep clothing modest in malls and public places.
• Don’t eat or drink on the Metro, sit in women-only cabins, or vape where it’s not allowed.

Laws that get visitors in trouble fast

Dubai is easy and welcoming, but it runs on clear rules. Some are about safety, others reflect local values. A few are obvious, others are easy to miss when you’re in holiday mode. If you remember one thing, remember this: law first, vibe second.

• Alcohol and public intoxication. You can drink at licensed venues (hotels, bars, restaurants, beach clubs). Walking the street with a drink or being visibly drunk in public can get you detained. Driving after drinking is a hard no-the UAE has zero tolerance for drink-driving. For residents, alcohol licenses are free; tourists can buy from licensed stores when permitted, but when in doubt, stick to on-premise drinking and cab it back.
• Drugs (including CBD). The UAE is zero-tolerance on narcotics. CBD, THC vapes/oils, some poppy-derived items, and even residue can be a problem. Don’t bring them. For prescription meds like codeine, tramadol, and similar, carry a doctor’s script, in original packaging, and check the UAE Ministry of Health controlled medicines list before you fly. Penalties can include jail and deportation.
• Public decency and PDA. Modest dress in public spaces is expected, and public nudity is illegal. Swimwear is for beaches and pools only. A married couple holding hands is fine; heavy PDA can draw complaints for public indecency. Topless sunbathing is not allowed.
• Swearing and rude gestures. Using the middle finger, cursing at someone (even in a message), or slurs can be treated as “public indecency” or insult offenses. Yes, road rage counts. Keep your cool.
• Photography and privacy. Don’t photograph people-especially women and families-without consent. Avoid filming accidents, disputes, or fights. Don’t post any of that to social media. The UAE Cybercrime law treats sharing someone’s image without permission as an invasion of privacy and defamation risk. Filming courts, military, and some government buildings is off-limits.
• Respect for religion. Don’t mock, insult, or debate religion in public. Be especially respectful around mosques and during prayer times. During Ramadan, be discreet: restaurants serve non-fasters, but keep public eating/drinking low-key during daylight.
• Sex work and solicitation. Prostitution, escorting, and soliciting are illegal. Online arrangements can also fall under cybercrime laws.
• Work and business on a visit visa. Don’t work, shoot paid content, or run events without the right permits. Influencer? Paid collabs require a local license. Freelancing without sponsorship or permit is risky.
• Drones and professional shoots. Don’t fly a drone without approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority and local permits. Commercial/pro shoots in public areas usually need permissions; security will ask.

Authority references: The key texts behind these rules include Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (UAE Penal Code) for public decency, insult, and alcohol-related offenses; Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 (Cybercrime) for privacy/defamation online; and Dubai Police/RTA rules for transport and public conduct. Drug rules flow from federal narcotics laws and Ministry of Health schedules for controlled medications.

Heuristics you can use:

• If it would cause a scene at an airport in your home country, don’t do it on the street in Dubai.
• Assume consent is needed for faces in photos and anything you upload with local people in it.
• Keep partying inside licensed venues; outside, switch to water.
• When unsure about clothing, think “city smart”-shoulders and knees covered in malls and public offices; swimwear at the beach only.

Penalties? Fines, short custody, court cases, and deportation are all possible depending on the offense. If something goes wrong, stay calm and ask for a lawyer. Don’t argue at the scene, and don’t post about it online.

Etiquette and modesty: the social don’ts that save you hassle

Lots of visitors never see a police officer. Most friction comes from ignoring small social signals. Follow these, and the city runs smooth.

• Don’t wear beachwear off the beach. That includes sheer cover-ups in malls. Resort to mall? Change first.
• Don’t be loud or confrontational. Shouting, public arguments, and aggressive body language turn heads and can trigger complaints. A soft voice solves most problems fast.
• Don’t touch people you don’t know. Especially avoid hugging or touching women unless they initiate. Respect personal space.
• Don’t show the soles of your feet or point with a finger in close interactions. Not illegal, just read as rude. Open-hand gestures feel better.
• Don’t assume alcohol culture. Offer non-alcoholic options when socialising with locals. Ask before pouring or gifting alcohol.
• Don’t ignore Ramadan etiquette. Daytime dining for non-fasters is easy now, but keep it discreet in public areas. No loud music or partying during daytime; after sunset, the city comes alive.
• Don’t proselytize or debate politics/religion. It’s not the place. Keep talk light unless you’re invited to go deeper.

Dress code in two lines: At beaches/pools, standard swimwear is fine; no topless or nude sunbathing. In public spaces (malls, government offices, old souks), cover shoulders to the upper arm and to the knee. In high-end restaurants, think smart-casual at minimum.

Family spaces and old neighborhoods. Around Deira, Bur Dubai, and souks, err more modest. In family attractions and theme parks, staff may ask you to adjust if clothing is too revealing.

Tip for women travelers. Dubai is safe and practical for solo travel. The same rules apply: modest dress in public places, late-night taxis are fine (book through apps), and avoid isolated areas late at night like anywhere else. If someone makes you uncomfortable, move to a brighter area and ask a staff member or security for help.

Tech, social media, and photos: the quiet traps

This is where many smart travelers slip. Not because they’re reckless-because they forget the internet is still a public space.

• Don’t record strangers for content. Filming a shouting match, a police stop, or workers on duty can violate privacy laws. Even if you blur faces, posting can still be a problem if people are identifiable by place/time/uniform.
• Don’t tag locations that identify private individuals without consent. Posting a waiter’s face with a snarky caption can trigger cybercrime issues.
• Don’t use a VPN to do illegal things. VPNs are legal for legitimate use, but using one to commit crimes (like scams or banned services) is not.
• Don’t assume WhatsApp is “private.” Insults, threats, and sharing someone’s photos without consent can be treated like public offenses.
• Don’t fly drones for content without permits. Especially near beaches, islands, ports, and airports. That “quick reel” can cost you.

Photography rules of thumb:

• Ask before you shoot faces. A nod and a smile go a long way.
• Avoid government buildings, military sites, embassies, security staff, and airport areas.
• At beaches and pools, avoid capturing other guests in swimwear. Private clubs can warn or eject for this.
• Don’t post accident footage or “shaming” videos. Report issues to authorities, not to your feed.

Authority references: Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes addresses privacy, defamation, and publication of images without consent. Dubai Police also warns against filming accidents or sharing sensitive footage.

Transport, beaches, money, and practical don’ts

These are not headline-grabbing, but they’re the difference between a smooth trip and a stack of fines.

• Dubai Metro and trams. Don’t eat or drink onboard, don’t put your feet on seats, and don’t enter the Women & Children cabin if you’re not eligible-fines apply. Keep your Nol card topped up; fare evasion is fined.
• Taxis and ride-hailing. Don’t slam doors or argue routes-ask for the meter or book through the app. Don’t ask drivers to break laws (U-turns, speeding). If you’re uncomfortable, end the ride and report via the app.
• Driving. Don’t speed, tailgate, cut lanes, or run yellow-to-red lights; there are radars everywhere. Don’t use your phone while driving. Don’t drink anything alcoholic and drive-zero tolerance.
• Beaches and pools. No topless sunbathing, no drones without permits, and no alcohol on public beaches. Modest cover-ups when you leave the sand. Lifeguards are strict about safety flags.
• Smoking and vaping. No smoking in malls, offices, and many public areas; use designated zones. Don’t vape in prohibited places-security will stop you.
• Littering and spitting. Fines are real. Dispose of gum, cigarette butts, and bottles properly.
• Cash and customs. Don’t carry large undeclared cash. Declare if you have more than AED 60,000 (or equivalent) per adult when entering. Alcohol allowance is limited-think up to about 4 liters of spirits/wine or 24 beer cans; check the latest before you fly.
• Medicines. Don’t carry controlled meds without a prescription and keep them in original packaging. If in doubt, bring a printed doctor’s letter.
• Work gear and “commercial” shoots. Don’t set up tripods, lights, or big kits in public without permission. Malls and parks often require permits for pro-looking gear.
• Hotels and IDs. Don’t forget ID. Hotels will ask for passports. Carry a copy when you go out; residents carry Emirates ID.

Cheat sheet: quick “don’t” checklist before you head out

• Wallet, phone, ID copy, Nol card topped up
• City-appropriate outfit (beachwear only for beaches/pools)
• No meds you can’t justify with a script
• No filming strangers, accidents, or government/security sites
• No vaping/smoking outside designated areas
• No Metro snacks; watch cabin signage
• Plan rides-no driving after drinks, ever

Mini‑FAQ

Can unmarried couples share a hotel room? Yes. Cohabitation is allowed. Public decency rules still apply-keep PDA low-key.

Can I drink without a license as a tourist? You can drink in licensed venues. Buying bottles for private consumption varies; stick to licensed venues if unsure, and don’t carry open containers outside.

Is CBD oil okay if it’s legal at home? No. Leave it at home. UAE treats CBD products as controlled if they contain or may contain THC.

Can I eat during Ramadan? Yes, as a non-faster you can eat in many restaurants during the day, but avoid eating/drinking on the street. Be respectful with music and dress.

Are bikinis okay? Standard bikinis are fine at beaches and resort pools. Not in malls, streets, or public transport.

Is same-sex travel safe? Dubai welcomes visitors, but public displays of affection-regardless of orientation-can draw complaints. Keep it discreet in public spaces.

Can I use a VPN? Yes for legitimate reasons. Using a VPN to commit crimes or access banned services illegally is not allowed.

What if someone photographs me without permission? Ask them to delete it. If they refuse and you feel harassed, speak to security or call the police.

Next steps if you’re different types of traveler

• Beach club fans: Book licensed venues, bring a cover-up for the trip to/from, and order a taxi home. Don’t post other guests in swimwear.
• Street photographers: Focus on architecture, markets, and wide scenes. Get verbal consent for portraits. Skip government sites and security staff.
• Families: Pack modest outfits for malls and old Dubai; teach kids not to film strangers or play loud videos on the Metro.
• Business travelers: No heated debates in public, keep suits modest, and don’t photograph office staff without consent. If you’re doing paid content, check licensing.
• Content creators: Assume you need permission for drones and pro shoots. Keep faces consented, locations cleared, and captions respectful.

Use this simple anchor when you’re unsure: If you wouldn’t want it done to you-filmed without consent, shouted at in public, posted online-don’t do it here. Stay respectful, keep the party inside licensed spaces, and you’ll be golden.

Bookmark this list and share it with whoever you’re traveling with. It’s the quickest way to remember the essentials of what not to do in Dubai-and enjoy the city the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.

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