Dubai Do’s and Don’ts (2025): Etiquette, Laws, and Practical Tips for Travelers

• Written by Sep, 5 2025
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Dubai is easy to enjoy and just as easy to mess up if you miss a few local rules. A harmless selfie in the wrong spot, a beer outside a licensed venue, or a kiss on a quiet street can mean a fine or worse. I’m cutting the noise and giving you the exact how to behave, what to avoid, and what’s changed in 2025. This is your common-sense compass-practical, respectful, and built to keep your trip smooth.

If you remember only one phrase, make it this: respect the culture, follow the signs, ask if unsure. That one mindset will save you from most mistakes. Here’s the short list I use when I’m in Dubai, the real-life version of Dubai do's and don'ts.

TL;DR - The Must-Know Do’s and Don’ts

• Dress modestly in malls and public spaces; beachwear stays at the beach. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques.
• Alcohol is legal only in licensed places. Don’t drink or be drunk in public. Zero tolerance for drugs (including CBD).
• Be cautious with photos: ask before photographing people, don’t shoot government buildings, airports, or security staff.
• Public displays of affection are limited. Handholding is fine; keep it low-key.
• During Ramadan, be discreet around eating and drinking in public daytime hours. Many venues serve indoors; follow screens and staff guidance.

What To Do: Respectful Etiquette and Smart Habits

Think of Dubai as polished but practical. The rules are clear once you know them, and locals appreciate effort over perfection.

• Dress code, the realistic version. In malls and public offices, go modest: shoulders covered, hemlines near the knee. At beach clubs and hotel pools, standard swimwear is fine. For mosques (like Jumeirah Mosque), women cover hair and arms; men wear long pants. I keep a light scarf in my bag-it weighs nothing and avoids awkward moments.
• Alcohol without drama. Age 21+. Drink only at licensed bars, hotels, restaurants, and clubs. Tourists can buy alcohol at licensed stores with a passport; rules and paperwork have eased since 2023 but confirm in-store. Never carry open containers on the street. Hydrate between drinks; the heat wins every time.
• Ramadan rhythm. Daytime eating rules are more relaxed than a decade ago, but discretion is still the norm. Many cafes serve behind screens. Dress a bit more modestly, and keep music and affection toned down in public. Sunset (Iftar) is a beautiful time to book local restaurants-reserve early.
• Photos and video: ask first. Always ask before photographing people, especially families and women. Avoid government buildings, embassies, airports, and security staff entirely. If a guard waves you off, stop immediately and delete if asked.
• Mind your words and gestures. Swearing and rude hand signs can be treated as offenses. If you hit traffic frustration, keep your hands on the wheel, not out the window.
• Get around the painless way. The Metro is clean, fast, and air-conditioned. No eating or drinking in trains and stations. Taxis are safe; you can also use Careem or Uber. If you drive, watch the speed signs and cameras. Tolls (Salik) auto-charge rental cars.
• Pack like a local. Bring breathable clothes, closed shoes for malls and fancy dinners, a scarf or light cardigan, and high SPF sunscreen. Carry a reusable water bottle; tap water is treated, and hotels often provide filtered water.
• Tipping without overthinking it. Not mandatory, but appreciated. Rounding up for taxis and adding 10% at restaurants is common if service charge isn’t already included.
• Carry ID. Keep a copy of your passport (digital + paper). Hotels usually hold passport details at check-in; for day trips, I keep a photo on my phone and a copy in my bag.
• Respect prayer times and spaces. If you’re near a mosque, keep noise down during the call to prayer. Many malls have prayer rooms; let people pass.

What Not To Do: Laws, Red Lines, and Painful Fines

Dubai law is strict on a few things. Most trouble comes from not knowing the line. Here’s where it is.

• Drugs are a hard no. Possession, use, or residue can mean arrest. CBD oil, vape liquid with trace THC, and poppy seeds are risky. If you need prescription meds (like codeine or tramadol), bring the original prescription, keep pills in original packaging, and check UAE Ministry of Health rules before you fly.
• No public drinking or drunkenness. Enjoy bars and brunches, yes; public intoxication, no. Don’t walk between venues with a drink. Don’t argue with staff or security; that escalates fast.
• Keep PDA subtle. Couples holding hands is fine. Passionate kissing or intimate behavior in public can draw complaints and fines. Hotel rooms are private; the street is not.
• Watch your camera. Don’t film strangers, car accidents, plates, or security staff. Don’t fly drones without permits from aviation authorities; recreational flying is tightly controlled and often prohibited in the city.
• Charity collections and promotions. Public fundraising requires government approval. Don’t run a public donation drive or raffles on your own-ask your hotel concierge for approved options.
• Respect private spaces. Beaches and pools have rules: no topless sunbathing, no thongs at public beaches, and no changing on the sand. Smoke only in designated areas.
• Social media caution. Don’t post content that insults religion, culture, or individuals. Avoid tagging locations like courts, police stations, or government buildings. Filming security checkpoints is off-limits.
• Transit rules matter. No eating or drinking on the Metro. Women-only carriages exist; if you see pink signage, that’s your cue. Fines are real for feet on seats, fare evasion, and occupying priority areas without need.
• Driving: cameras don’t blink. Speeding, tailgating, and phone use are enforced with fines and black points. Always move away safely for emergency vehicles. If there’s a minor accident, follow police instructions via their official app.
• Don’t curse out loud. Verbal disputes, swearing, or aggressive gestures-especially during traffic incidents-can count as public indecency or insult.

A quick note on relationships: unmarried cohabitation is no longer a legal issue for tourists since recent reforms, but public decency rules still apply. Dating apps exist, but keep meetings to licensed venues and be mindful of privacy.

Checklists, Heuristics, and Quick Reference

Use these to plan fast and avoid friction.

Morning-to-night checklist

• Before leaving your hotel: modest outfit for malls; swap to beachwear at the beach. Pack a scarf, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
• Transport: Metro for long hops, taxi/Careem late at night or in the heat. No food or drink on trains.
• Photos: yes to skyline and your plate; ask before photographing people; skip security sites.
• Meals: licensed venues for alcohol; water between drinks. Keep receipts.
• Evening: bring a light layer-AC can be cold indoors.

Rules of thumb I actually use

• Can’t tell if my outfit is okay? Cover shoulders and aim for knee-length-no one will bat an eye.
• Unsure about photos? Ask with a smile or don’t take it.
• Not sure if a venue is licensed? If in doubt, don’t drink.
• Unsure during Ramadan? Follow the crowd; if people are eating inside behind screens, you’re fine to do the same.
• Confused about a sign? Staff are helpful-asking saves you a fine.

Pack list for Dubai

• Breathable tops, below-the-knee skirts/shorts, light trousers; swimwear for beach/pool only.
• Scarf or light shawl; hat; polarized sunglasses.
• Comfortable walking shoes; sandals for beach; one smarter pair for nicer dinners.
• High SPF reef-safe sunscreen; lip balm; reusable water bottle.
• Medications in original packaging with prescriptions; copies of travel insurance and passport ID page.

Common mistakes and what usually happens

Authorities to know: UAE Government Portal (u.ae) for laws and updates, Dubai Police for fines and procedures, RTA for transit rules, MOHAP for medication guidance, GCAA for drones, and Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism for hospitality regulations.

Mini‑FAQ and Straight Answers

Can I drink alcohol if I’m not staying in a hotel?
Yes-at licensed venues and restaurants. Don’t carry drinks outside. Tourists can usually buy alcohol at licensed stores with a passport; confirm at the counter, as store policy can change.

Is vaping allowed?
Vaping follows the same rules as smoking: only in permitted areas. Never vape where smoking is banned. Liquids with THC are illegal.

Can I eat in public during Ramadan?
Many places now serve indoors during fasting hours, often with screens. Public snacking on the street is still discouraged. You’ll be fine if you keep it discreet and follow venue guidance.

What about tattoos?
Tattoos are common among tourists. Cover up in formal or religious settings and at government buildings. Avoid offensive designs on show.

What’s the dress code for women?
Practical modesty. Shoulders covered, knees near-covered in malls and offices. Regular swimwear at beaches and hotel pools. For mosques, cover hair, arms, and legs-borrowed abayas are often provided.

Are LGBTQ+ travelers safe?
Public displays of affection are sensitive for everyone, and laws around same-sex relationships are conservative. Keep a low profile in public. Stick to licensed venues and be mindful with social media.

Can I hold hands or kiss my partner?
Handholding is common for couples. Quick cheek kisses are generally fine but keep it subtle. No lingering or intimate PDA in public.

Is it safe to take photos in malls?
Yes for your group and general scenes. Avoid filming staff or other shoppers without consent. If security asks you to stop, stop.

What meds can I bring?
Bring only personal quantities, in original packaging, with a prescription for controlled medicines. Some drugs require pre-approval. Check MOHAP guidance before travel.

Can I bargain?
At souks and small shops, yes-start near 50-60% of the first price and aim for friendly middle ground. In malls and chains, prices are fixed.

Are WhatsApp or FaceTime calls blocked?
Some VoIP services face restrictions. Legal local apps work, and hotel Wi‑Fi sometimes allows others. If you use a VPN, remember: using it to commit an offense is illegal.

What’s the tipping norm?
Round up for taxis and delivery. Add around 10% at restaurants if service charge isn’t included. Hotel staff appreciate small cash tips for great service.

Next Steps and Troubleshooting

Before you fly

1. Check your passport validity and visa status with UAE government sources (many nationalities get visa on arrival).
2. Review medication rules via MOHAP if you carry controlled prescriptions.
3. Plan outfits: light layers, modest options for malls, scarf for mosque visits.
4. Download the RTA app for transit, Dubai Police app for minor traffic or reporting guidance, and your hotel’s app if available.
5. Book mosques, desert tours, and Friday brunches early-top spots fill up.

If something goes wrong

• I took a photo and someone objected. Apologize and delete on the spot. Don’t argue. If security is involved, be polite and comply.
• I lost my passport. Tell your hotel and your embassy or consulate. Get a police report via official channels if required for replacement.
• I had a minor car bump. Move to a safe spot and follow Dubai Police app instructions. Don’t leave the scene without guidance.
• I feel unwell in the heat. Get indoors, hydrate with electrolytes, and cool down. If symptoms worsen, ask your hotel to contact medical help.
• A shop won’t refund me. Keep receipts and be polite. If it’s a licensed business dispute, the Department of Economy & Tourism has consumer channels; your hotel concierge can point you to the right place.

How to stay effortlessly in-bounds

• Follow posted signs-Dubai loves clear signage.
• When unsure, ask staff. People are helpful and used to visitors.
• Keep your plans in licensed venues and your beachwear at the beach.
• Treat public spaces like you would a fancy hotel lobby: pleasant, tidy, and calm.

Dubai rewards good manners and a little prep. Pack light, read the room, and you’ll glide through the city like you’ve always belonged there.