Dubai Laws for Tourists – What You Must Know in 2025

First thing you should know: Dubai is modern, but the rules still come from a traditional legal system. Ignoring them can lead to fines, detention, or a very awkward experience. Below we break down the most common questions tourists have, so you can enjoy the city without worries.

Dress, Decency and Public Conduct

Shorts are fine in malls, beaches and hotel pools, but avoid them in mosques, government buildings or traditional neighborhoods. If you’re unsure, aim for knee‑length pants or a skirt that covers the knee.

Showing a lot of cleavage or wearing very tight clothing is accepted in upscale clubs and hotel bars, but it’s best to keep it modest in public streets. When it comes to public displays of affection, a quick hand‑hold is fine for married couples; a kiss or more intimate gestures can draw a warning or a fine, especially during Ramadan.

Gestures matter, too. Raising the middle finger or using vulgar language can be classified as “obscene behavior” and may result in a fine or arrest. Keep your cool, and if a security guard asks you to step aside, comply politely.

Accommodation, Alcohol & Everyday Rules

Unmarried couples can book a hotel room without a problem in 2025. Hotels usually ask for ID at check‑in, but they won’t need a marriage certificate. Same‑sex roommates are also allowed, though public displays of affection between same‑sex partners are still discouraged.

Airbnb is legal in Dubai, but the short‑term rental market is regulated. Make sure the listing is registered with the Dubai Tourism Authority; otherwise you risk a fine or eviction.

Alcohol is only permitted in licensed venues such as hotel bars, clubs and private residences. You can bring a limited amount of alcohol into a hotel room, but drinking in public places, on the street or in a taxi is illegal.

Vaping is allowed in most private spaces, but you’ll be fined for vaping in schools, hospitals, government offices or on public transport. The same applies to smoking—look for designated smoking areas.

Toilet paper is readily available, but many public restrooms also have a bidet spray. Pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer; it’s handy for both hygiene and for occasional cultural differences in bathroom setups.

Money‑wise, US dollars are not accepted for everyday purchases. Switch to Emirati dirhams (AED) at banks or authorized exchange offices. Credit cards are widely accepted, but keep a modest amount of cash for small shops or market stalls.If you need medication, bring a copy of the prescription and keep the original packaging. Over‑the‑counter painkillers like ibuprofen are fine, but narcotics require a doctor’s note.

Finally, stay aware of local holidays. During Ramadan, restaurants in public are closed from sunrise to sunset, and extra respect for fasting people is expected. Most hotels will still serve food, but keep noise and odor to a minimum outside your room.

Follow these basics and you’ll blend in smoothly, avoid unnecessary trouble, and get to enjoy everything Dubai has to offer—from towering skyscrapers to desert adventures. Safe travels!