Dubai Permits Guide: Your Quick Legal Checklist
Planning a trip to Dubai? Before you pack your bags, get clear on the permits and permissions you’ll actually need. From visa basics to hotel room rules, a few simple steps can keep you out of trouble and let you focus on the city’s glitter.
Visas and Entry Permits
Most visitors arrive with a tourist visa that’s granted on arrival or applied for online before you leave home. The visa usually lasts 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. If you’re staying longer, look into a work visa, investor visa, or the new retirement visa—each comes with its own paperwork and sponsor requirements.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay. The UAE will reject entry if the date is too close. Also, keep a printed copy of your e‑visa on hand; immigration officers often ask for it at the airport.
Hotel, Room‑Sharing, and Co‑Living Permits
Unmarried couples can share a hotel room in Dubai without a special permit. Hotels may ask for ID, but they won’t need a marriage certificate. For longer stays in serviced apartments, the land‑lord might require a residency visa proof. If you plan to rent a room with someone of the opposite gender, the lease should state that the arrangement follows local co‑habitation rules.
Two men sharing a bed is also fine—just avoid any public displays of affection that could be flagged as indecent. Public PDA, even a quick kiss, can lead to a fine, so keep it low‑key in malls, parks, or on the street.
Special Activity Permits
Want to film a video, host a private event, or set up a pop‑up shop? You’ll need a specific activity permit from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. The process is straightforward: submit a form, pay the fee, and wait for approval, which usually comes in a few days.
Even simple things like vaping in public need attention. Vaping is allowed in designated areas but is banned in most indoor public places. If you’re caught vaping in a mall, you could face a fine of up to AED 5,000.
Everyday Permits and Etiquette
Most daily activities don’t need a permit—shopping, dining, or riding the metro are free of paperwork. The only thing you should watch is the local dress code. Shorts are fine at the beach and most tourist zones, but in mosques and traditional neighborhoods, cover your knees and shoulders. The same goes for cleavage; a modest look keeps you from unwanted attention.
When it comes to money, the UAE dirham is king. US dollars are accepted at some hotels and tourist spots, but you’ll get a better rate swapping them for dirhams at banks or ATMs.
Bottom line: Dubai’s rules are clear, and most visitors breeze through with a tourist visa, a copy of their ID, and a respect for public decorum. Keep these permits and tips in mind, and you’ll enjoy the city’s luxury without a hitch.
