Dubai is a popular vacation destination in the UAE and is globally known as a fun-filled and vibrant city. While this city resonates with a liberal, relaxed, and cosmopolitan lifestyle, there sure are some of the rules to abide by. Just like any other country, this City of Gold has its own laws, rules, and beliefs in place. It clearly portrays the appropriate and inappropriate acts. Anyone who crosses them should get ready to pay the fines or face consequences.
Therefore, anyone who is traveling to Dubai for vacation or employment opportunities should know what the Labor Law UAE outlines. It’s better to read the local rules and regulations and adhere to them. With this, you will be able to enjoy the best without offending anyone.
Without any further ado, let’s take a look at some of the mistakes to avoid while you are in Dubai:
Do Not Use Left Hand
Using the left hand is considered unhygienic or filthy as part of ‘body hygiene’. So one has to remain mindful of this and avoid using the left hand. This is especially the case if you are greeting someone, be sure to do so with your right hand. The same goes for the social setting, serve with a right hand, pass on something with the right hand and drink with the right hand. So, just make sure to do these all using the right hand.
PDA is Not Acceptable
When in Dubai, avoid any forms of intimacy in public. For the locals, kissing and hugging are a part of public display of affection and are totally unacceptable. If caught doing so, be ready to spend the rest of the vacation locked up in jail.
Having said that, holding hands is fine with a married couple. Still, make sure not to indulge in any PDA and save yourself from the trouble.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
What else can be better than the famous saying, modesty is the best policy when living in Dubai. One might ascertain that Dubai is a very high-end and modern and stylish city with all the latest fashion trends. Yet, there are certain restrictions that come along. These include low cut, tight, short, or any cloth that shows a lot of skin is considered inappropriate. One should avoid wearing them in malls, theatres, beaches, markets, and mosques.
At the same time, Dubai permits the visitors to carry themselves in Western clothes. But make sure you have dressed appropriately and do not fall outside the premises of modesty.
Avoid Profanity and Slang Words
Arabs do not encourage the use of profane language. One should be cautious of the words and language used. Avoid any slang words in a conversation, especially with the locals and in public. Also, refrain from passing any comments towards Islam or Muslims as it is a punishable offense and can land you in serious trouble and paying heavy fines.
Take Permission Before Capturing Photo
We all know the marvelous landscape of Dubai and how we want to capture it all in a camera. While there is nothing bad about taking photographs, one should be careful when capturing moments. You wouldn’t want to capture other people alone as it will land you with a punishment.
The reason is, taking pictures of other people, without their consent is a violation of privacy. Simply not being aware of this rule can land you serious punishment.
Do Not Carry Drugs
The UAE has a strict anti-drug policy and it does not permit you to bring or use any type of drug – be it prescription medication or illegal drugs. Airports are on high alert for those who carry drugs into the country. If you are found carrying it, you will be imprisoned for up to four years.
Along with that, make sure to prohibit drinking in public. If you wish to drink, the best place would be to go to a bar. Drinking in a bar is permitted and Dubai has some of the most spectacular rooftops where you can drink and enjoy stunning views of the city. Don’t drink or be drunk in public and get penalized or worse get imprisoned.
Avoid Hand Gestures
Some hand gestures that are appropriate in your country might not be the same in Dubai. They might mean something offensive in Dubai. Showing a thumbs-up sign is equivalent to flipping the bird and the “ok” hand sign indicates the devil’s eye. Any obscene or rude hand gestures will put you in jail.
The Takeaway
Every country, like UAE, has its own rules and guidelines to be followed. Therefore, it is better to become familiar with them, rather than breaking the rules unconsciously. In such cases, even the law firms in Dubai might not be able to assist you there. Therefore, a quick look at the guidelines will save you from trouble and make your vacation quite memorable.
