Can You Kiss Your Spouse in Dubai? Essential Etiquette and Surprising Facts

• Written by May, 2 2025
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At first glance, Dubai seems pretty open—you see luxury malls, glitzy hotels, and international crowds everywhere. But when it comes to kissing your spouse in public, things get complicated fast. You’d think a quick kiss is no big deal, right? Not in Dubai. Even if you’re married, kissing in public can land you in real trouble.

The law doesn’t just target steamy make-out sessions. Even simple displays of affection—like holding hands—get people talking. Some couples have been fined or even had to deal with police after sharing a quick kiss or a hug in public spaces. Hard to believe? Look up news stories: people have faced real consequences, and sometimes “just being married” isn’t enough to get you out of it.

If you’re heading to Dubai for a vacation, or even if you live here, knowing what’s actually allowed can save you a ton of stress. Sometimes, locals might look the other way at small gestures, but it’s really the law and those bystanders ready to report you that you should worry about. Next up, I’ll break down exactly what the rules say and how people have gotten caught out—so you don’t make the same mistakes.

• What the Law Really Says About Kissing
• Stories and Real Cases in Dubai
• Tips for Couples: Staying Safe and Respectful
• What Locals and Expats Think About Public Affection

What the Law Really Says About Kissing

Here’s the deal: in Dubai, the law is super clear that public affection, including kissing, is a big no. This applies to everyone—locals, tourists, married couples, and even people who are just visiting for a week. The United Arab Emirates has strict decency laws based on local culture, and they take them seriously. Article 358 of the UAE Penal Code punishes people for public acts that go against public morals. This means even a harmless cheek kiss can get you into trouble if it happens in public.

The Dubai government’s official tourism website says it straight up: public displays of affection, like kissing and hugging, are not allowed in public. If you’re caught, you could get a warning at best or deal with fines or jail time at worst. Some tourist guidebooks even say, don’t risk it—save your romance for private places like your hotel room.

"Holding hands for married couples is tolerated, but kissing and hugging in public is considered offensive to public decency. Violators may be prosecuted." – Visit Dubai Official Guidelines

Let’s break down what happens if you ignore the rules:

• Kissing in public: Yes, even if you’re married. It’s technically illegal and can attract police attention.
• Hugging in public: Also risky, especially if it’s more than a quick friendly hug.
• Holding hands: Usually okay for married couples, but not for dating or unmarried partners.
• Steamy moments: Completely off-limits. If someone complains, you could be detained.

Here’s a quick look at what’s happened to people breaking these laws over the last few years:

If you’re not sure what’s allowed, just keep things low-key. Even with all the glitz in Dubai, these kissing laws are enforced more often than you’d think. Locals may not say anything to your face, but there’s a real risk that someone nearby will report it, especially in family-friendly spots like malls or parks.

Stories and Real Cases in Dubai

Dubai isn’t just about fancy shopping and epic skylines. It’s also a place where public behavior is actually watched, and Dubai doesn’t play around when it comes to public affection, including kissing—even between married couples. If you think these laws are just for show, here are real cases that say otherwise.

One of the most talked-about incidents happened back in 2010. A British couple ended up in jail and faced deportation after sharing a quick kiss on the lips at a restaurant. Their side? They claimed it was just a peck. The court sided with the local bystander who felt offended. Another story that made the rounds involved a couple fined for hugging in a club. These aren’t just rumors—they’re actual cases that hit the headlines and remind everyone, locals and tourists alike, that kissing laws here are strict.

Even just holding hands can get tricky. Some couples were stopped by mall security for hand-holding, especially outside tourist spots. Expats living in Dubai often warn newcomers: what you might consider totally normal, or even sweet, can draw unwanted attention in this city.

The numbers back it up. Authorities address at least a few cases of public kissing and hugging every month. Here’s a look at the kinds of public affection incidents seen in Dubai in recent years:

It’s not just police who get involved, though—they get most of their tips from bystanders. People in Dubai take these Dubai etiquette rules seriously, and sometimes even a simple selfie gone wrong can make trouble if a couple looks too cozy.

If you walk around Dubai Mall or Jumeirah Beach, you might not spot lots of people showing affection. That’s not just random; it’s because folks have seen what can happen if someone complains. Even if you’re totally in love and married, the risks are real if you ignore these cases.

Tips for Couples: Staying Safe and Respectful

If you’re visiting Dubai as a couple, there’s a good chance you’ll want to show your affection—but the rules around this are strict, even for married people. Public displays of affection can turn a fun outing into hours at a police station if you’re not careful. So, here’s what actually works if you want to avoid trouble.

• Keep it simple: Holding hands is usually fine for married couples, especially in touristy spots. But more than that, like kissing—even a peck—or hugging can still draw unwanted attention or complaints.
• No kisses in public: As tempting as it is, kissing in public (yes, even on the cheek) is specifically banned. Dubai law groups this under “public indecency,” and couples have gotten in trouble before for a quick kiss in malls or even at the airport.
• Carry proof of marriage: If someone complains or police question you, being able to quickly show you’re legally married (like a photo of your marriage certificate or a joint passport) can help—but it doesn’t always get you off the hook.
• Watch for cameras and crowds: The more people around, the more likely someone could take offense or report you. Security cameras are everywhere, especially in malls and public parks. What feels private might not actually be private.
• Hotels and private spaces are safer: Want to avoid drama? Save hugs, kisses, and cuddles for your hotel room or behind closed doors. What you do in private is your business, but public spaces are a different story.
• Be careful with social media: Sometimes, tourists post photos or videos of themselves kissing or hugging in Dubai. If these catch the attention of local authorities, you could be tracked down—even after you’ve left the country.

And just so you can see how things go down in real life, here’s a quick look at the numbers from tourist hot spots in Dubai in 2023:

The numbers may seem low, but Dubai is serious about public affection. One random complaint is all it takes. So, play it safe, stay smart, and enjoy your trip without hassle.

What Locals and Expats Think About Public Affection

Dubai might look ultra-modern, but the vibe on public affection is still pretty conservative. This isn’t just about police or government—it’s about what the local people and expats who live here actually think. Most Emirati locals tend to play it safe and keep things private. It’s a culture that values modesty, so even a goodbye peck between married folks can get side-eyes if it happens out in the open.

Expats, especially those from places like Europe or North America, are often surprised when they find out holding hands or a quick kiss can be a big deal. You’ll spot some young expat couples testing the waters in malls or on Jumeirah Beach, but honestly, you’re just as likely to see people giving them disapproving looks—or worse, telling security. One British resident of Dubai summed it up:

“We tell new arrivals to always act like they’re being watched. Even if it feels safe, it only takes one complaint from a bystander and you’ll be explaining yourself to the police.”

Official UAE government guidelines are clear: even married couples should avoid obvious public affection. And it’s not just scare tactics. According to the Gulf News in 2024, over twenty couples were given warnings for minor infractions like hugging in parks or sitting too close. Jail is rare if you’re married, but fines and warnings are real risks.

Here’s how locals and long-term expats handle it:

• Couples stick to handholding—if at all—in areas with lots of tourists.
• No surprise kisses, even for a cute photo.
• If you’re in a quiet or non-touristy area, keep things extra low-key.
• Expats often remind each other that Dubai’s rules aren’t “suggestions.”

Despite the rules, people who live and work in Dubai still have relationships, get married, and fall in love. They just keep it a lot more private. If you want to avoid drama, respect the unwritten ground rules—locals really do notice, and so do the security guards. It might feel strict, but being aware of Dubai etiquette saves you from some pretty awkward (or worse, legal) moments.