If you’re planning a trip to Dubai with your partner, you’re probably wondering whether you can share a hotel room without a marriage certificate. The short answer? Yes, you can. The law and most hotels have relaxed their stance, but there are still a few details that can turn a smooth check‑in into a confusing experience.
Since 2020 the UAE has updated its cohabitation rules. Unmarried adults are allowed to stay together in hotels, serviced apartments, and short‑term rentals. The government removed the requirement for a marriage certificate at check‑in, but it kept the public decency code. That means you can stay together, but public displays of affection (PDA) are still limited, especially in conservative areas or during Ramadan.
Police rarely intervene inside a hotel room, but they can act if they receive a complaint about visible PDA in the lobby, pool, or beach area. So, keep the romance private and you’ll be fine.
Most chains—like Marriott, Hilton, and local five‑star hotels—have updated their front‑desk scripts. When you give your ID, the staff will ask for two separate passports. Some hotels still request a “relationship proof” out of habit, but they usually accept a simple statement like “we are traveling together.” If you run into a pushy receptionist, stay calm, show both IDs, and ask to speak to a manager.
Budget hotels and hostels can be stricter. They might flag rooms as “single occupancy only” in their system. In those cases, booking a “double” or “twin” room online beforehand removes the surprise at the front desk.
Airbnb and short‑term rentals follow the same rule: the platform shows the host the number of guests, and the host can accept any adult combination. Just double‑check the listing’s “house rules” for any mention of unmarried couples.
1. Book a double or twin room. The reservation system will record two guests and avoid the “single occupancy” warning.
2. Bring both passports. The hotel needs to verify each adult’s identity. A copy of one passport is usually enough if the second guest is a citizen of the same country, but it’s safer to have both.
3. Know the hotel’s policy before you arrive. A quick call or glance at the FAQ page can save you from awkward moments.
4. Keep PDA low‑key in public spaces. A quick hug in the lobby is fine, but avoid kissing or holding hands in the pool area during Ramadan.
5. Pay with a credit card or cash. Hotels don’t care how you pay, but credit cards speed up the process and reduce paperwork.
Following these steps usually gets you into the room without a hitch. If you do get a warning, politely ask for clarification—most staff are trained to handle the situation calmly.
Do I need a marriage certificate? No, not for hotel stays in 2025.
Can I book two beds for a couple? Yes, just select a double or twin room when you book.
Are there any extra fees for unmarried couples? No, hotels charge the same rate regardless of marital status.
What about Airbnb? The platform lets any adult guests stay together; just follow the house rules.
Traveling to Dubai with your partner should be exciting, not stressful. Knowing the current hotel policy, booking the right room type, and keeping public affection modest will let you focus on enjoying the city’s sights, food, and nightlife. Have a great trip!
Yes-unmarried couples can share a hotel room in Dubai in 2025. Here’s what the law says, what hotels do, and how to avoid PDA and decency pitfalls. Clear, practical tips.