Traveling in Dubai: Rules, Tips, and What You Must Know Before You Go

When you're traveling in Dubai, a city where modern luxury meets strict cultural laws. Also known as visiting the UAE, it’s not just about desert safaris and skyscrapers—you need to know what’s legal, what’s risky, and what can get you arrested. This isn’t like traveling to Paris or Tokyo. One wrong move—flashing a tattoo, sharing a hotel room with your partner, or even vaping—can land you in serious trouble.

Dubai laws, a mix of Islamic rules and strict government policies. Also known as UAE regulations, they cover everything from public behavior to what you can bring in your suitcase. You can’t hold hands in public, but you can carry up to 400 cigarettes. You can’t use Grindr, but Bumble works fine if you’re careful. Dubai customs, the gatekeepers of what enters the country. Also known as UAE border rules, they ban everything from certain medications to pork products—even if it’s for personal use. And don’t assume USD is accepted everywhere—AED is the only legal currency, and dynamic currency conversion at ATMs can cost you 5% extra.

Dubai safety, one of the safest cities in the world, but only if you follow the rules. Also known as travel security in UAE, crime rates are low, but legal risks are high. The police don’t joke around. Tourists have been deported for posting photos of government buildings or flashing tattoos in malls. Even flushing your toilet after 10pm can get you a noise complaint if your neighbors are sensitive. The city rewards preparedness and punishes ignorance.

Everything you need to know about traveling in Dubai is buried in these details: which dating apps are blocked, how much cash to carry, whether you can bring your vape, if two men can share a hotel room, and what happens if your girlfriend visits you. These aren’t rumors. These are real cases. Real fines. Real arrests.

Below, you’ll find clear, no-fluff guides on exactly what works and what doesn’t in 2025. No theory. No guesswork. Just what people actually experienced—whether they were tourists, expats, or locals trying to stay out of trouble. You won’t find vague advice here. Just hard facts, real rules, and the kind of tips that save you from a nightmare trip.