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Dubai is famous for its glitz and glamour, and tourists flock to enjoy its five-star hotels, elegant restaurants and infinity pools.
But there is a darker side: the ultra-strict laws.
Something that 18-year-old Londoner Marcus Fakana discovered when he was jailed for a year for having a consensual sexual relationship with a 17-year-old fellow tourist.
Do you still want to visit Dubai? These are the rules that tourists must follow in the UAE city or face jail.
Photograph
The UK government explains in his UAE Travel Tips Page that it is illegal to take photographs of some government buildings and military installations, as well as photograph people without their permission in the United Arab Emirates.
Simon Hood, CEO of the shipping company John Mason InternationalHe tells MailOnline: ‘There, taking a quick photo of someone without their permission is highly prohibited and can get you in trouble, even if it’s just in the background. “It’s not just courtesy: it’s the law.”
Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
Dubai is famous for its glitz and glamour, and tourists flock to its five-star hotels, elegant restaurants and infinity pools. But there is a darker side: ultra-strict laws
Swimsuits should only be worn on Dubai beaches or swimming pools.
Simon explains: ‘There is a big problem with VPNs. In the UK, many people use them to access restricted sites or simply for security, but in Dubai, using a VPN to bypass blocks is illegal.
“Many travelers forget they have them running on their devices and inadvertently find themselves breaking the law.”
social networks
The UK government explains: “It is illegal to post material online, including videos and photographs, that is critical of the government, businesses or individuals, or that relates to incidents in the United Arab Emirates.”
Do you think you could get away with this? Think again. An Irishman, for example, faces “several years” in jail in Dubai for sending a ninja emoji to an acquaintance who allegedly stole his belongings.
Simon adds: “Sharing anything that could be considered defamatory, offensive or invasive, such as 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 “controlled substances” list, warns US Government. This is because they may be contaminated with opiates.
Some medications, including codeine.
‘Medication can be complicated,’ explains Simon, adding: ‘Common medicines in the UK, such as codeine, are controlled substances. If you take them without a prescription or proper documentation, you could find yourself in trouble.’
Poppy seeds, including in bakery products, are on the UAE’s “controlled substances” list
sexual relations
While a consensual relationship outside marriage, including extramarital affairs, between a man and a woman over the age of 18 is generally legal in Dubai, the UK Government advises that there are exceptions. In an extramarital relationship, if the other person’s spouse or parents file a complaint, both people involved in the relationship can receive a prison sentence of six months or more.
If an 18-year-old person has a relationship with someone 17 years old or younger, they will be prosecuted for sexual relations with a minor. If both people are under 18, they will be prosecuted, but the punishment is unlikely to involve a prison sentence.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the UAE and same-sex marriages are not recognised.
Show affection in public
Showing affection in public, such as kissing, is frowned upon. Tourists could be arrested for doing so, the UK Government warns.
Prohibited items
Simon explains: ‘Items such as drones, e-cigarettes or hoverboards often need special permits. And some things you wouldn’t think twice about at home, like books with magic or witchcraft themes (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 United Arab Emirates.
‘I remember one case where a customer insisted on packing his own shipment and used red UK newspapers to wrap everything. Customs blocked the shipment due to the provocative images and headlines in the newspaper, delaying everything for weeks and incurring additional costs.’
Swear
The UK government explains: ‘It is illegal to swear and make rude gestures, even online, as they are considered obscene acts. You could be imprisoned or deported.
Alcohol
It is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in a public place in the United Arab Emirates, the UK Government warns.
Tourists can buy and drink alcohol in hotels, restaurants and licensed bars, but a license is required to consume alcohol in a private residence.
Illegal drugs
The UK Government warns there is “zero tolerance” for drug-related crime in the UAE.
Possession of a small amount of illegal drugs can carry a three-month prison sentence, while a drug trafficking offense could carry 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 lead to criminal charges, the UK government explains.
driving etiquette
“Offensive gestures and bad words directed at other drivers can lead to fines, prison sentences and possibly deportation,” warns the UK Government.
transvestism
The UK government explains that cross-dressing is illegal in the United Arab Emirates. It adds that “women should cover their shoulders and knees, and underwear should not be visible” and swimsuits should only be worn on beaches or swimming pools.
ramadan rules
World nomad insurance explains: “During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited between sunrise and sunset, and non-Muslims are expected to follow this principle in public as well.”
Simon adds: “Even at this time of year, it is illegal to eat and drink on public transport.”