Dubai is renowned for its glitz and glamour, with holidaymakers flocking to enjoy its five-star hotels, swanky restaurants and infinity pools.
But there’s a darker side – ultra-strict laws.
Something that 18-year-old Londoner Marcus Fakana discovered when he was jailed for one year for having a consensual sexual relationship with a 17-year-old fellow tourist.
Still keen on visiting Dubai? Here are rules tourists must follow in the UAE city – or face jail.
Photography
The UK Governmentexplains on its UAE travel advice page that it’s illegal to take photos of some government buildings and military installations as well as to photograph people without their permission in the UAE.
Simon Hood, Executive Director at shipping company John Mason International, tells MailOnline: ‘Over there, snapping a quick photo of someone without their permission, is a serious no-go and can land you in trouble – even if it’s just in the background. It’s not just about courtesy – it’s the law.’
Virtual private networks (VPNs)
Dubai is renowned for its glitz and glamour with holidaymakers flocking to enjoy its five-star hotels, swanky restaurants and infinity pools. But there’s a darker side – ultra-strict laws
Swimwear should only be worn on beaches or at swimming pools in Dubai
Simon explains: ‘There’s a big issue with VPNs. In the UK, plenty of people use them to access restricted sites or simply for security, but in Dubai, using a VPN to bypass blocks is illegal.
‘Many travellers forget they’ve got these running on their devices and inadvertently find themselves breaking the law.’
Social media
The UK Government explains: ‘It is illegal to post material, including videos and photographs, online that is critical of the government, companies or individuals, or which relates to incidents in the UAE.’
Think you could get away with it? Think again. An Irish man, for example, is facing ‘several years’ in a Dubai jail for sending a ninja emoji to an acquaintance who is alleged to have stolen his belongings.
Simon adds: ‘Sharing anything that could be seen as defamatory, offensive, or invasive – like posting photos of strangers or sharing videos of an accident – is not only frowned upon but can also lead to hefty fines or worse.’
Poppy seeds
Poppy seeds, even in bakery products, are on the UAE’s list of ‘controlled substances’, warns the US Government. That’s because they can be contaminated with opiates.
Some medication – including codeine
‘Medication can be tricky,’ explains Simon, adding: ‘Common UK medications, like codeine, are controlled substances. If you’re carrying them without a prescription or proper documentation, you could find yourself in hot water.’
Poppy seeds, even in bakery products, are on the UAE’s list of ‘controlled substances’
Sexual relationships
While a consensual relationship outside marriage, including extra-marital relationships, between a man and woman over the age of 18 is generally legal in Dubai, the UK Government warns that there are exceptions. In an extra-marital relationship, if the other person’s spouse or parent files a complaint, both people involved in the relationship can get a prison sentence of six months or more.
If a person aged 18 has a relationship with someone 17 or under, they will be prosecuted for a sexual relationship with a minor. If both people are under 18, they will be prosecuted but punishment is unlikely to involve a prison sentence.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the UAE and same-sex marriages are not recognised.
Showing affection in public
Showing affection in public, such as kissing, is frowned upon. Tourists could be arrested for doing so, warns the UK Government.
Banned items
Simon explains: ‘Items like drones, e-cigarettes, or hoverboards often need special permits. And some things you wouldn’t think twice about at home – like books with themes of magic or witchcraft (Harry Potter comes to mind) – can attract extra scrutiny at customs.
It is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in a public place in the UAE
‘I remember one case where a client insisted on packing their own shipment and used UK red-top newspapers to wrap everything. Customs flagged the shipment because of the provocative images and headlines on the paper, which delayed everything by weeks and led to extra costs.’
Swearing
The UK Government explains: ‘It is illegal to swear and make rude gestures, including online, as they are considered obscene acts. You could be jailed or deported.’
Alcohol
It is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in a public place in the UAE, warns the UK Government.
Tourists can buy and drink alcohol at licensed hotels, restaurants and bars but a licence is required to consume alcohol in a private residence.
Illegal drugs
The UK Government warns that there is ‘zero tolerance’ for drug-related offences in the UAE.
Possession of a small amount of illegal drugs can lead to a three-month prison sentence, while a drug trafficking offence could lead to the death penalty.
CBD products
‘Herbal highs’ and products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are illegal in the UAE. Even skincare products or e-cigarettes containing CBD oil could land someone with criminal charges, explains the UK Government.
Driving etiquette
‘Offensive gestures and bad language directed at other drivers can lead to fines, a jail sentence and possibly deportation,’ warns the UK Government.
Cross-dressing
The UK Government explains that cross-dressing is illegal in the UAE. It adds that ‘women should cover shoulders and knees, and underwear should not be visible’ – and swimwear should only be worn on beaches or at swimming pools.
Ramadan rules
World Nomads Insurance explains: ‘During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking is forbidden between sunrise and sunset, and non-Muslims are expected to follow this principle in public as well.’
Simon adds: ‘Even away from this this time of year, it is illegal to eat and drink on public transport.’