How Does Local Laws Work in UAE?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
The UAE has strict laws around alcohol, public behavior, drugs, and dress. What is legal in your home country may be a criminal offense here.
2What You Need to Know
The UAE operates under a combination of civil law and Islamic Sharia principles. Key things tourists must understand: alcohol is only legal at licensed venues (hotels, specific restaurants, bars) — drinking in public or being visibly drunk in public is illegal. Drugs carry extremely severe penalties including life imprisonment. Cohabitation by unmarried couples was decriminalized in 2021 but conservative behavior in public is still expected. Criticizing the government, royal family, or Islam on social media or in person is illegal. Homosexual acts are illegal. Swearing in public or making offensive gestures can result in arrest.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Only drink alcohol at licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants — never in public or on the street
- 2Even a single cannabis product found in your luggage can result in a 4-year prison sentence
- 3Public displays of affection (kissing, embracing) can result in arrest — keep it minimal
- 4Photographing government buildings, military sites, and some mosques is prohibited
- 5Posting anything critical of the UAE government, rulers, or religion on social media is a criminal offense
Important Warning
Drug laws in the UAE are among the strictest in the world. Traces of drugs in your system (from use before arriving) have led to tourist arrests. Carry no controlled substances whatsoever.
How does this compare?
Local Laws rules in nearby and similar countries:
Drug possession, LGBTQ+ activity, photographing government or military sites, and criticising the president are all serious criminal offences in Egypt.
Several activities legal elsewhere are criminal offences in Morocco, including same-sex relations, sex outside marriage, and public displays of affection between unmarried couples.
Alcohol is completely banned, drugs carry the death penalty, LGBT relationships are illegal, and criticizing the royal family is a criminal offense.
More About UAE
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 10–15% at restaurants is standard. Round up for taxis.
Updated 2025-01
Dubai has an excellent metro and buses. Buy a Nol Card for all public transport in Dubai. Abu Dhabi has buses but no metro yet.
Updated 2025-01
Healthcare quality is excellent but expensive. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Many hospitals have English-speaking staff.
Updated 2025-01
Police: 999. Ambulance: 998. Fire: 997. Tourist Police (Dubai): 800-4438.
Updated 2025-01
Dress modestly in public. Shoulders and knees should be covered in malls, markets, and public areas. Swimwear is only for beaches and pools.
Updated 2025-01
Alcohol is only legal at licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars. Drinking in public is illegal. Legal age is 21. Ramadan has extra restrictions.
Updated 2025-01
⚖️ See Local Laws rules in all countries
Compare all countries →