Dubai Travel Rules 2025: What Every Visitor Must Know

Heading to Dubai? The city dazzles with skyscrapers, malls, and desert adventures, but a few simple rules can keep your trip hassle‑free. Below you’ll find the most common questions—what you can bring, what you shouldn’t do, how to speak with locals, and where the real pitfalls lie.

What Can You Carry Through Dubai Airport?

Customs in Dubai are strict but straightforward. You can bring up to 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco, plus 2 liters of alcohol for personal use. Anything above that, and you’ll face a fine or have the items confiscated. Medicines are another gray area: over‑the‑counter painkillers are fine, but prescription drugs need a doctor’s note. If you’re unsure, check the UAE Ministry of Health list before you pack.

Restricted items include any pornographic material, e‑cigarettes (vaping is only allowed in designated zones), and weapons of any kind. Even a seemingly harmless knife in your luggage can trigger an inspection. Keep the prohibited items list handy; it’s only a quick read and saves you a lot of trouble.

Do’s and Don’ts: Stay Out of Trouble

Dubai’s laws mix modernity with tradition. Public displays of affection are tolerated in tourist zones, but a kiss on the cheek is the safest bet. Sharing a hotel room with a girlfriend is legal, yet you may be asked for ID at the front desk—just have your passports ready.

Alcohol is allowed in hotel rooms and licensed venues, but drinking in public places or while driving is a hard no. If you want a drink in your room, order from the minibar or a room service menu; avoid bringing your own bottle unless it’s sealed and within the duty‑free allowance.

Ramadan brings extra rules: avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public from sunrise to sunset. Restaurants will often cover windows, and many cafes switch to “closed for Ramadan” signs. Ignoring this can lead to fines, so plan meals around the sunrise‑sunset schedule.

Language isn’t a barrier for most locals—English is widely spoken in hotels, malls, and restaurants. Still, learning a few Arabic phrases like “Shukran” (thank you) or “Min fadlak” (please) earns you goodwill and shows respect.

Dress codes are relaxed in most tourist spots, but modest clothing is expected in mosques and traditional markets. Covering shoulders and knees is enough; if you’re heading to a beach club, swimwear is fine, but walk around the city in it and you might get a warning.

Finally, remember the 3‑2‑1 drinking rule if you’re a fan of cocktails: three drinks in a row, two hours apart, one glass of water in between. It’s not an official law, but it helps you avoid overindulgence and stay safe on the road.

With these travel rules in mind, you can focus on the fun side—shopping at the Dubai Mall, desert safaris, and skyline views from the Burj Khalifa. Keep the guidelines handy, respect local customs, and your Dubai adventure will be smooth and memorable.