Important Things to Remember When Visiting Dubai, UAE for the First Time

Published on December 13, 2025

Dubai is the global tourism hub that attracts millions of visitors with its posh resorts, skyscrapers, cultural landmarks, and a pulsating lifestyle. For many, it’s a destination where modernity meets tradition; an experience that amalgamates contemporary entertainment with deep-rooted traditional values. However, just like at any destination, Dubai follows a certain set of rules and customs that a visitor should abide by to ensure their stay in Dubai will be in tune with the country. Herein, this guide talks about five such important rules that tourists should know before visiting Dubai to make their experience both enjoyable and respectful toward the local customs.

1. Dress Code: How to Dress Modestly and Appropriately in Public

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, where people from all over the world come together, and it is generally tolerant of different styles of clothing. However, there are expectations regarding dress in certain public spaces that tourists should be aware of.

Public and Private Spaces:

• Beaches and Pools: Swimwear, including bikinis, trunks, and swimsuits, is acceptable at designated beaches, pools, waterparks, and spa facilities. Public beaches are well-equipped with changing rooms and restrooms for convenience.
• Shopping Malls and Restaurants: In more formal settings like shopping malls or restaurants, visitors are encouraged to avoid overly revealing clothing. These spaces often display dress codes that ask for more modest attire, particularly when visiting family-friendly venues or cultural sites.
• Places of Worship and Historic Areas: Modesty is key when visiting religious sites. Mosques require visitors to cover their shoulders, arms, and legs. Women are also expected to wear a headscarf when entering mosques or similar places of worship. Visitors should always respect the local cultural norms and dress accordingly in these spaces.

Being mindful of these dress expectations ensures that visitors align with local customs while enjoying their time in Dubai’s bustling public spaces and cultural attractions.

2. Etiquette: Public Behavior and Social Norms

Dubai is known for its harmonious atmosphere, where people from diverse cultures live together peacefully. Public behavior, however, is closely monitored, and respecting the local social norms is crucial to maintaining that harmony.

Public Displays of Affection (PDA):

While simple gestures like holding hands or giving a hug are generally acceptable in Dubai, overly intimate public displays of affection are discouraged. Visitors should avoid actions such as kissing or excessive touching in public places like malls, parks, or beaches. This is especially important in family-oriented venues where the emphasis is on maintaining a modest and respectful environment.

General Conduct:

Dubai expects its visitors to be considerate of families, local residents, and the surrounding environment. Behavior that disrupts public peace, such as loud arguments or offensive gestures, can result in fines or other penalties. Therefore, being polite and respectful of social expectations will enhance your experience and maintain Dubai’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place for tourists.

3. Alcohol Consumption: Where and How to Enjoy Alcohol Safely

Dubai’s stance on alcohol is clear: it’s available in designated areas, but strict laws govern its consumption.

Where to Drink:

Alcohol is served at licensed venues such as hotels, bars, and restaurants. Visitors over the age of 21 can enjoy alcoholic beverages at these places. It is crucial to remember that alcohol is not available in most public spaces and is only permissible in venues with a valid alcohol license.

Zero-Tolerance Laws:

While drinking is allowed in licensed venues, Dubai enforces strict laws regarding alcohol-related offenses. Drunk and disorderly behavior is not tolerated, and tourists should ensure they do not engage in any public misconduct after consuming alcohol. In addition, Dubai has strict laws regarding drink-driving. Visitors should never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, as penalties for DUI can be severe.

Purchasing Alcohol for Private Consumption:

To consume alcohol privately, such as in a hotel room or residence, tourists must apply for an alcohol license. The application process is simple and can be completed online or at licensed outlets. To obtain the license, visitors must provide their passport details. Once approved, visitors are allowed to purchase alcohol for personal use.

4. Photography in Public: Understanding Privacy Laws and Protecting Your Privacy

Dubai is a city with many photogenic landmarks, but tourists should be aware of the strong privacy laws in place. Taking photos or videos without consent can lead to serious legal consequences.

Respecting Privacy:

The UAE has stringent privacy laws that prohibit taking photos or videos of individuals without their explicit consent. This includes capturing images of people in public spaces such as malls, restaurants, and beaches. Even more serious penalties can arise if these photos are shared or posted online without permission. Violating these privacy laws can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.

Penalties for Violations:

Recent legal cases have underscored the severity of these laws. In one instance, a person was fined Dh70,000 after posting a photo of a family without their consent. Under the UAE’s Cybercrime Law, sharing someone’s image without permission can result in up to six months of imprisonment and a hefty fine. To avoid such issues, tourists should always seek permission before photographing strangers, particularly in private settings.

5. Prescription Medication: Navigating the Rules on Bringing Medicines into Dubai

Many tourists require medication while traveling, but it’s important to understand the regulations surrounding prescription drugs in Dubai.

Controlled Substances:

Some medications that are readily available in other countries may be restricted or prohibited in the UAE. The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) maintains a list of controlled and prohibited substances. Travelers who need to bring prescription medications into the country must ensure their drugs are not on this list.

Required Documentation:

For travelers bringing in controlled substances, several requirements must be met. These include a valid doctor’s prescription, a recent medical report, and documentation from the healthcare provider that issued the prescription. Medicines can be brought into the UAE for a maximum of three months. Tourists should always check the MOHAP website or seek advice from a licensed healthcare provider to ensure they comply with the regulations.

Obtaining Medication in Dubai:

For those traveling to Dubai, pharmacies are well-stocked with a variety of medications. However, travelers who require specific controlled substances should ensure they follow the proper protocols for importing them, or they may face penalties.

Respecting Local Laws Ensures a Positive Experience

Dubai is a destination that provides an incredible experience for tourists, but it is necessary for a visitor to follow certain guidelines meant for respecting the locals, laws, and etiquettes in the country in order to have a smooth stay. Ranging from dressing properly to following the guidelines on private life as well as alcohol, the guidelines make sure that tourists are able to have a great time in the city while also keeping the values of Dubai intact.