WITH luxury five star resorts And sun all year roundit's not hard to see why Dubai It attracted 18.72 million foreign visitors in 2024 alone.
But in United Arab EmiratesStrict rules must be followed, including dressing modestly, refraining from using PDA (except holding hands), and not getting drunk in public.
But seriously, you can't have sex with anyone under 18, which is an offense punishable by a British teenager Marcus Fakana was jailed while on holiday in the UAE in September 2024.
At the age of 18 he had holiday romance with a 17-year-old British girl and was only released from prison in July this year.
Therefore, we must respect and become familiar with the laws and customs of Dubai.
Much of this is now common knowledge, but some lesser-known laws can still catch you out, as TikToker and Dubai resident Tatyana Skorina recently revealed.
Subscribe to Getaway newsletter
Feed your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, travel guides and inspiration. Register here.
Do's and Don'ts in Dubai
Take random photos
You may want to be careful about what you take photos of while on holiday when you are in public, because photographing someone without their consent can result in a hefty fine or jail time.
This is especially true for people who take photographs and post them on social mediabecause it is reportedly considered a breach of privacy.
Tatyana says you could be fined between £31,000 and £103,000, depending on the severity of the offence. You could even get six months in prison.
Authorities also warn against photographing aircraft in the UAE without permission, so aircraft surveillance is also illegal. Some government buildings and military installations also cannot be depicted.
Sleeping in public
If you ever feel like falling asleep on a beach or in a park in Dubai, think twice.
This could get you a £62 fine, all for the sake of getting some sleep.
Of course, this doesn't apply to an afternoon nap on a lounge chair by the pool or ocean at your resort, so don't panic.
But it's worth keeping in mind.
Garbage
We are talking about a law that should be introduced absolutely everywhere. Nobody likes litter and Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy.
If you're tempted to throw an empty water bottle on the floor or quietly drop a chocolate wrapper, think again.
Tatiana says you'll deservedly get a £103 fine for this, so just wait to find a bin.
Cross the road
We Brits can be tempted to run across the road in traffic, as we usually do at busy times. London streets, but this is not the case in Dubai.
Crossing the street without a marked crosswalk, known as jaywalking, is not acceptable.
If you are caught doing this, you will receive a fine of £82 for walking a short distance before crossing.
Wash your car
It's a little more unusual here, but local Tatyana explains that washing your car in public places is against the rules.
You might think that Dubai cares more about keeping its roads clean and presentable, but you'll have to wash them in private.
If you fail to do so, you face a further fine of £103. It's not worth the risk.
Do you have a story to share?
Contact us by email [email protected].
MORE: TikTok star HSTikkyTokky avoids jail after crashing McLaren and avoiding trial
MORE: A daily activity that seems cute but can signify “doom and despair” in a relationship.
MORE: Police shoot dead culinary influencer after 'attacking officers with knife'
