The UAE is an epitome of tolerance, but there is zero-tolerance for crime, things that could disturb the peace, and those that go against public morality. Dubai is a relatively more relaxed city than some of the other emirates, but everyone – including expatriate residents and tourists – will be well advised to follow the rules in letter and spirit to avoid falling foul of the regulations. Of course, like anywhere else in the world, ignorantia juris non excusat – ignorance of the law is no excuse.
So, what could get you arrested in Dubai? Besides the common-sense laundry list of things that’ll get you behind bars elsewhere, too, below is a list of things that could get you in trouble in Dubai. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Please refer to the UAE’s official law enforcement agencies and check with the authorities in case of doubt.
- Cross-dressing
- Dancing in public (if considered obscene or against public morality)
- Swearing, profanities, insults, use of vulgar language and rude gestures in public
- Sexting
- Kissing or intimate gestures (with opposite or same sex) in public
- Promoting a charity, accepting or facilitating donations without official permission
- Posting anything anti-UAE, anti-government and anti-Islam
- Disrespecting the culture and religions
- Protesting in public or organizing gatherings without official approval
- Importing, smuggling, selling or using narcotic drugs, including hashish, cocaine, heroin, poppy seeds and hallucination pills. While this is the case anywhere in the world, there could be drugs in this list that may be acceptable for personal use in other countries/jurisdictions. The list of banned medicines, narcotics, psychotropic and controlled substances in the UAE (not just Dubai) includes (but isn’t limited to):
| Alpha-methylifentanyl | Betamethodol | Cannabis | Codoxime and Poppy straw concentration |
| Diazepam | Fentanyl | Methadone | Trimeperidine |
| Morphine | Opium | Oxycodone | Phenoperidine |
| Ketamine | Codeine | Cathinone | Amphetamine |
| Pentobarbital | Bromazepam | Risperidone | Tramadol |
- Doing drugs in public
- Drinking alcohol in public
- Alcohol consumption in non-licensed place or public place
- Using forged and counterfeit currency
- Photography without consent (of individuals and government facilities)
- Dud cheques and non-repayment of credit card payments, loan instalments/utility bills, including a hotel bill
- Money laundering and suspicious financial activities
- Harassing women
- Possessing and bringing crude ivory and rhinoceros horn
- Gambling and/or possessing gambling tools
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