What Not to Do in Dubai – The Truth, Rules, and Real Risks for Tourists and Expats

Dubai: Friendly and Modern, But Still Conservative

Dubai is welcoming, ultra-modern, safe, and tolerant.
But this is not Europe or the US.
What’s “normal” back home can get you in serious trouble here: fines, police reports, deportation, and travel bans.

And things can escalate very quickly, even if you didn’t mean any harm.

Rule #1: Respect Is Not Optional

No insults. No rude gestures. No arguing in public. No “bad reviews”.

This is the number one rule.
Even something that seems small – like giving the middle finger, complaining on Google, or raising your voice – can be considered defamation or a public offense.

👉 If a person or business files a complaint, here’s what can happen:

• Immediate travel ban
• Your passport is blocked
• You cannot leave the country until the police, prosecutor, or a judge closes the case

And yes, even one bad Google review can lead to a police file.

Advice from a Local Guide:

• No Instagram stories
• No Facebook rants
• No negative reviews

Complain politely and privately if needed.

I’ve seen tourists banned from the country for one bad review.
Even I, as a resident, was banned for a year once – over a misunderstanding with a car rental.
If you don’t pay a fine, they can file a case and you’ll be stuck in Dubai until it’s resolved.

Dress Code: Technically Free, But Think Twice

Yes, women are free to wear what they like.
Yes, you’ll see crop tops, short shorts, bikinis…

But ask yourself:

Do I want every man staring at me the whole day?

👀 “Let’s be honest: men will stare. A lot.”

The real respect in this country is about self-respect.
If you don’t want that attention, cover your body modestly, even if the law doesn’t require it.

In mosques:

• No, abaya is not mandatory – but you need long, loose clothing
• Don’t wear white – it’s often see-through under the sun
• Headscarf is required

Alcohol in Dubai: Legal, Controlled, and Risky

Yes, alcohol is legal in Dubai:

• Tourists can drink in bars and licensed restaurants
• Ladies’ nights often offer free drinks for women
• Residents can buy alcohol from stores with a license

But never drink outside these places:

• Drinking on the street = illegal
• Being drunk in public = illegal
• Drinking and driving = zero tolerance

If you drink and cause an accident:

• You’ll spend at least one night in jail
• 25,000 AED fine (minimum)
• Vehicle seized and criminal case opened

Transport Rules You Didn’t Know

Eating, drinking, and chewing gum are banned in the metro – even water

If you enter the GOLD wagon with a regular ticket: 150 AED fine

If your dog poops and you don’t clean it: yes, you will be fined

Social Media and Privacy: Be Careful

Even I avoid posting too much. Why?
Because if someone shows up in my video and it goes viral, I can be jailed.

➡️ Always get consent before filming
➡️ Never film strangers or staff without permission
➡️ Don’t post videos where people’s faces are clearly visible

Music, Noise, and Public Behavior

• Playing loud music in public is frowned upon, especially near mosques
• That said, everyone plays music on the beach, and yes, it’s tolerated
• But being noisy, shouting, or acting aggressively?
  Absolutely not accepted

The rule is simple: Respect others at all times.

And yes, begging or asking for money in public is illegal – because it suggests poverty exists in Dubai, which the authorities don’t want to show.

Other Rules That Tourists Break Without Knowing

Sleeping on the beach or in your car = illegal

Loud noise in residential areas = fine

Littering = 500 AED fine (yes, even one bottle cap)

Jaywalking (crossing outside pedestrian zones) = 400 AED

Handing out flyers or selling things without a license = forbidden

Summary: Dubai Is Magical, But You Must Respect the Rules

🌟 You want to enjoy the beaches, the luxury, the safety, and the magic of Dubai?
✔️ Then stay humble, dress modestly, and follow the rules.
And when in doubt – ask a local before posting or complaining.