What Not to Do in Dubai as a Tourist: Essential Escort Guide

• Written by Jun, 22 2025
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Making a simple mistake in Dubai can blow up fast, especially if you’re getting into the escort scene. The rules are strict and some things that seem normal back home can land you in real trouble here. A flashy Instagram post, the wrong outfit, or a careless hand-hold could get you into hot water.

There’s a reason travelers whisper about Dubai’s hidden social rules. It’s easy to forget the city isn’t as relaxed as it looks. Dubai might be modern and full of expats, but the laws—and people’s attitudes—don’t bend much. One wrong move in public, even a flirty gesture, can draw unwanted eyes or worse, the attention of the police.

• Don’t Ignore Dubai’s Strict Laws
• Avoid Public Displays of Affection
• Watch How You Dress
• Keep a Low Profile with Escort Activities
• Don’t Get Involved with Drugs or Alcohol

Don’t Ignore Dubai’s Strict Laws

Dubai doesn’t play around with its laws—seriously. Tourists often think they can get away with things here just because the city looks flashy and modern. Not true. Everything from what you say to what you wear is under the microscope. It might feel a bit intense, but these rules are the real deal, and breaking them could mean heavy fines, jail, or even deportation. If you’re getting into escort activities, this is even more important. The city has zero tolerance for anything it sees as illegal sex work.

Here’s some stuff you might not know. Even simple PDA (public displays of affection) like hugging or kissing your date—yes, even in nightlife spots—can attract police attention. Swearing, rude gestures, or even raising your voice in public might land you a fine. Posting or sharing anything on social media that looks offensive, insults someone, or reveals involvement in escort work can bring trouble.

The UAE’s laws about alcohol are strict too. You can’t drink just anywhere; only licensed venues are legal, and being drunk in public is a big no-no. Drug laws are even harsher—getting caught can mean years in prison, no exceptions.

• Sex outside of marriage is officially illegal, so getting a hotel room together isn’t always hassle-free.
• Sharing a room with someone you’re not married to can lead to questions. Some hotels don’t even allow it.
• LGBTQ+ relationships and displays of affection are not accepted and can be punished by law.
• Offensive language in person or online can result in criminal charges—yes, really.

Here’s the deal—play it safe. Don’t assume anything is “chill” just because you see other tourists doing it. When in doubt, ask staff at your hotel or venue about what’s allowed and what’s not. Respecting Dubai’s strict laws means you enjoy your trip without looking over your shoulder.

Avoid Public Displays of Affection

This one surprises a lot of travelers, but public displays of affection are a big no-go in Dubai, even for married couples. Hugging, kissing, or holding hands in public can get you fined or even detained. It's not about being strict for the sake of it—these rules are a big part of respecting local customs and religious values.

Let’s get into specifics. Even a quick peck on the lips has landed tourists in police stations. You might think no one’s watching, but CCTV is everywhere, and people don’t hesitate to report behavior that looks out of place.

• Absolutely no kissing or cuddling in public, no matter your relationship status.
• Holding hands is a gray area. Sometimes married couples do it, but it’s still discouraged—especially for those who aren’t married.
• Don’t get cozy in malls, taxis, nightclubs, beaches, or public parks. It really doesn’t matter if other tourists are doing it.
• If you’re part of the Dubai escort scene, you’re even more at risk. Affection in public or hotel lobbies can get you both in trouble fast.

Fines can reach up to 10,000 AED (over $2,700 USD), and in rare cases, people have ended up with short jail stints or deportation. The city takes this seriously—no exceptions for tourists, so you can’t just play the “I didn’t know” card.

If you want to stay under the radar, keep things private. Book a hotel room, close the door, and stay low-key when you move around together. That’s the safest way to enjoy your time without trouble.

Watch How You Dress

If you’re visiting Dubai, dressing the way you do back home can get you the wrong kind of attention—or worse, a fine. The city isn't just about glittery malls. Public dress codes are taken seriously in malls, hotels, restaurants, and especially on the streets. For tourists, this means covering up much more than you're probably used to.

Women should cover their shoulders and knees everywhere outside the beach or pool areas. No crop tops, short shorts, or see-through clothes in public. Men should also avoid tank tops and super short shorts, especially in public buildings. Even if it’s 45°C outside, the rules don’t change.

Here’s what often gets tourists flagged for dress code violations:

• Wearing bikinis or swimwear away from hotel pools and private beaches
• Transparent or too-tight clothes in public areas
• Slogans or images on clothing that could be seen as offensive (avoid anything with political or religious messages)

If you’re in the Dubai escort scene, dressing discreetly is even more vital. Walking into a hotel lobby in revealing clothes can draw unwanted attention from staff and security. Most seasoned travelers keep a scarf or shawl handy to add coverage quickly if needed.

Dubai police have handed out warnings and even fines to tourists ignoring dress codes, especially during Ramadan. The city issues reminders every year, and some malls even provide coverings at entrances. Stay on the safe side and blend in — it could save you a lot of hassle.

Keep a Low Profile with Escort Activities

Dubai has a shiny surface but strict rules under the hood—especially about escort work. It’s no secret that escorting is illegal here, even if some people act like it’s all hush-hush and easy to get away with. If you’re coming as a tourist expecting to blend this into your trip, you need to know the real risks and how not to draw attention.

Avoid flashy meetups in popular places. Hotels, bars, and nightclubs are monitored more closely than you think. Dubai authorities sometimes carry out random inspections, especially after tips from the public or hotel staff. Private apartments and villa parties seem safer, but even there you have to be careful—neighbors might notice visitors coming and going at odd hours and report what they see.

• Don’t talk openly about escort work in public or in texts and apps. Dubai’s cybercrime laws cover what you say online, too, and using certain language can get your account flagged.
• Avoid carrying anything that connects you to escorting—business cards, obvious apps on your phone, ads, or client lists. If police check your belongings, this is enough for trouble.
• When messaging clients, stick to neutral talk. Don’t discuss money, meeting spots, or details over text or WhatsApp. Anything digital can be used against you if things go sideways.
• No big groups, no drama—keep meetings quiet and low-key. Don’t invite clients back to your hotel unless you’re sure the place doesn’t mind and will protect your privacy.
• Never share location, photos, or your real contact details with strangers online unless you’ve checked them out first. Catfish profiles aren’t just a hassle—they could be undercover sting operations.

If you get a gut feeling that something’s off, listen to it. Dubai is a place where a small slip can spiral into serious problems. Staying discreet isn’t just about you—it also protects everyone you’re working with or meeting during your stay.

Don’t Get Involved with Drugs or Alcohol

Mistakes with drugs or alcohol are the quickest way to ruin your Dubai trip—no sugarcoating it. The city takes a hard line here, and punishments aren’t light taps on the wrist. Even if you’ve partied responsibly back home, Dubai’s approach is on another level.

Let’s be clear: having any amount of illegal drugs can land you in jail for years. Dubai has zero tolerance. The police actually test your urine or blood if they suspect you’ve used drugs—if you’re positive, even from a party days earlier, trouble follows. Carrying CBD oil, poppy seeds, or even prescription meds is risky without official paperwork. Oddly specific? Yes, but airport security has made global news for catching travelers with trace amounts.

Alcohol isn’t illegal, but there’s a catch. Drinking is only allowed in licensed places like hotels, bars, or private clubs. Don’t ever drink in public or get drunk out in the open—it’s actually a crime. If you’re an escort in Dubai, this is especially important, since unruly behavior draws police attention fast. Walking tipsy through a hotel lobby might seem harmless, but in Dubai, you could face fines or even jail.

• Only drink at licensed venues.
• Never carry open containers.
• Keep your party quiet and private.
• Don’t bring outside alcohol from duty free beyond the legal limit (currently about 4 liters per person).
• If you need prescription medication, bring a doctor’s letter and only carry enough for your stay.

The UK government’s travel advice spells it out plainly:

"There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offenses. The UAE authorities count the presence of drugs in the blood stream as possession."