If you’re planning to stay in Dubai with a partner you aren’t married to, the biggest question is: is it legal? The short answer is yes – you can share a hotel room and even rent an apartment together – but you have to follow a few simple rules to avoid trouble.
Since 2020 the UAE has relaxed its stance on unmarried couples staying in hotels. In 2025 most major hotels in Dubai and the wider Emirates openly accept two‑person bookings for opposite‑sex couples. The front desk may ask for both passports, but you won’t be asked for a marriage certificate. However, some budget hotels still stick to the old policy, so it’s worth calling ahead or checking reviews on sites like TripAdvisor.
What about a boyfriend‑girlfriend combo? Our guide on staying in a Dubai hotel with your girlfriend explains the check‑in process step by step. In practice you’ll get the key, the room, and a short reminder to keep public displays of affection low‑key, especially during Ramadan.
Renting an apartment together is a bit more nuanced. The UAE’s tenancy law does not explicitly ban cohabitation, but many landlords prefer a single leaseholder. The safest route is to have one person sign the lease and add the partner as an authorized occupant. If the landlord asks for proof of relationship, a simple joint utility bill usually works.
Remember that public indecency laws still apply. Holding hands in public is fine, but kissing or more intimate gestures can attract a fine, especially in conservative neighbourhoods. Our post on hand‑holding rules for married couples gives the low‑key version of what’s acceptable.
Another tip: keep your bedroom door closed when you have visitors. Police may check a rental unit if there’s a complaint, and they could ask you to prove you’re not breaking any decency rules.
The main risk isn’t the act of living together – it’s public behaviour that the UAE considers offensive. Examples include public displays of affection, pornographic material, or arranging a “secret meet” in a public place without consent. The penalties range from a warning to a fine of up to AED 5,000, and in extreme cases a short jail stint.
Same‑sex couples face stricter scrutiny. While two men can share a hotel bed, any overt romantic behaviour can be interpreted as violating public decency laws. If you’re traveling with a same‑sex partner, it’s safest to treat the stay like any other accommodation: keep affection private and follow hotel policies.
1. **Book reputable hotels** – chains like Marriott, Hilton, and local five‑star properties are clear about their policies.
2. **Carry identification** – both passports should be ready at check‑in. If asked, a simple “we’re traveling together” answer is enough.
3. **Respect local customs** – avoid public kissing, especially in malls, parks, or during Ramadan.
4. **Know the fines** – a middle‑finger gesture or obscene language can lead to a AED 1,000‑5,000 fine.
5. **Stay informed** – laws can shift quickly. Follow reliable local news or check our latest posts on Dubai legal updates.
Bottom line: sharing a room or an apartment in the UAE is allowed in 2025, but you need to keep a low profile in public. Follow the simple dos and don’ts above, and you’ll enjoy your stay without any legal hiccups.
Yes-sharing a room in Dubai is allowed in 2025, but hotels and rentals have rules. Here’s what the law says, what hotels do, and how to avoid hassles.
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.