🕌 Dubai for tourists: how to relax and comply with laws
The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country that lives according to strict, by our standards, rules and laws. A tourist center like Dubai , of course, has freer morals, but is not completely devoid of them. Most laws do not affect the interests of tourists, but there are those that everyone who wants to spend their vacation in peace should know. Let's deal with them.
Restrictions on the import of certain products
Troubles may arise even when crossing the border if you do not familiarize yourself with the list of items prohibited for import in advance. This list is impressive. We won’t focus on obvious things such as weapons, drugs, fake documents and money; everything is clear with them.
Let us only clarify that up to 60 thousand dirhams ($16,337) or the equivalent of another currency can be imported into the UAE without a declaration. But even if you took more money than the specified amount, it’s okay. Declare them and fly safely. You do not have to indicate the source of the money. Now we will consider only those demands that, by the standards of the Slavs, do not pose a threat.
From January 1, 2021, each such device, packaging with sticks and liquids must have a digital tax stamp (DTS). From a legal point of view, the import of goods without such markings is prohibited, but in practice it is not so bad. You just have to declare these items at customs. Often they try to transport narcotic substances in smoking liquids, so these items are of increased interest to customs officers.
There should be no problems with electronic cigarettes in the country itself. The police simply do not have the equipment to check the excise tax on your device. Vaping and smoking on the street is not prohibited, but it is better to refrain and do it only in designated smoking areas or on the balcony of a hotel room. But under no circumstances should you vape, much less smoke, indoors, for example, in a shopping center. For this you can get a fine of up to 2 thousand dirhams (1,500 rubles) or imprisonment of up to 30 days.
Food, medicine and other items
You will also have to declare any books, magazines, photographs and CDs that you take with you.
Previously, the import of any items made in Israel was prohibited, but due to the fact that relations between the UAE and Israel have improved recently, this ban has been lifted.
If you like to eat heartily on the road, then you may also have difficulties at customs. It is prohibited to import food products without original packaging. Homemade cutlets, lard and other goodies will have to be left at home.
As for medications, the issue is quite complex. If there are no problems with activated charcoal or aspirin, then difficulties may arise with painkillers. The list of prohibited drugs for import into the UAE is quite large: it contains hundreds of items. You can obtain permission to import a specific medicine on the official website of the UAE Ministry of Health. However, if you do not understand the service or forgot to do it, then at least try to have a doctor’s prescription for the drug with you.
The good news: as of January 2022, tourists will not be subject to criminal liability for attempting to import drugs in medicines, food or drinks. In all ambiguous situations, the controversial items are simply confiscated. And for the first time you will only receive a warning. But if the situation repeats, then you cannot avoid a fine of 20 thousand to 100 thousand dirhams (from 15 thousand to 75 thousand rubles) or imprisonment from three months to two years.
Important: this rule does not apply to smoking mixtures and vape liquids. If psychotropic substances or drugs are found in a smoking mixture, criminal liability will arise the first time. You can't get away with a warning.
In addition, cards, chips, dice and anything related to gambling are prohibited. It is not allowed to transport items made of ivory and rhinoceros horn, as well as items that contradict Islamic ethics and morality – for example , erotic magazines.
But, surprisingly, you can import alcohol and cigarettes. The norm for one adult: up to four liters of alcohol and up to 400 cigarettes (2 blocks).
In addition, the UAE has strict rules on the import of all kinds of livestock, in particular, certain breeds of dogs and all types of birds are prohibited. But even if the breed of your pet is not prohibited, it is not a fact that the decision of the veterinarian at customs will be positive. Even an impressive package of documents that you will have to complete before the trip will not give a 100% guarantee. Therefore, it is better not to come to the Emirates with your pets.
Having successfully cleared customs and landed in Dubai, you should not relax, as a number of other prohibitions await you in the city itself.
What about alcohol in Dubai?
There is no ban on alcohol as such, but you can only drink alcohol in bars and restaurants, as well as in your hotel room. But you can only be intoxicated in a bar or hotel room. Therefore, if you had a drink in some establishment, then it is better not to tempt fate and do without walking, returning to the hotel by taxi.
Being drunk in a public place is punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 dirhams (1,500 rubles) or imprisonment from 1 to 6 months. Please be aware that this is a criminal offense and you will not be allowed to leave the country until the proceedings are completed, which can last from a couple of weeks to several months.
You can only buy alcohol in Dubai in specialized stores. Although they are not much advertised, there are a lot of them. Just type in the search phrase “liquor store” with the name of the emirate, and you will see a list of available stores in your region. You can say the same phrase to a taxi driver, and he will take you to the desired point.
When buying alcohol in a store, you will have to show your passport so that the seller can issue a license and make sure that you are over 21 years old. There is no need to wait for a paper document, since the license is electronic. It is valid for 30 days, after which you will no longer be able to buy alcohol.
However, keep in mind that alcohol prices in such places are very high. For example, 0.5 liters of beer will cost 40 dirhams (30 rubles), a bottle of wine will cost 100 dirhams (75 rubles). Whereas for a serving of alcohol in a bar you will have to pay from 40 to 150 dirhams (from 30 to 115 rubles).
Correct and “wrong” carriages
A fairly popular violation among tourists is to sit in the “wrong” subway car. There are three types of carriages: silver (regular), pink (only for women and children) and gold (deluxe). If you are a single man or traveling with a lady, then the main thing is not to get into the pink carriage, even if it is empty. It is, of course, difficult to confuse such cars, but unpleasant cases still occur. This may result in a fine of 100 dirhams (75 rubles).
In crowded transport, men should under no circumstances sit their companion on their lap. This may be considered a public indecency. As tourists, you will not be held criminally liable, but there is a risk of receiving a fine of 100 dirhams (75 rubles) for causing inconvenience to other passengers.
Holy month of Ramadan
In 2023, this is the period from March 22 to April 21. During the daytime, it is prohibited to eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public places on the street. This also applies to tourists.
But cafes and restaurants do not close during Ramadan, and you can always have a snack there. In general, in Dubai and other emirates it is better not to eat while walking or standing. You will not be punished for this, but such behavior is considered indecent. But for snacking or drinking on public transport or at bus stops, you can get a fine of 100 dirhams (75 rubles).
Public displays of affection and emotion
Hugging, let alone kissing, is prohibited in public places. You won’t go to jail for this, but a couple of hours in a police station will not brighten your vacation, although it will make it unforgettable.
The only displays of affection allowed in public are innocent hugs; holding hands is also acceptable. But it’s better not to take risks and leave manifestations of love for the hotel room.
Another unusual prohibition is dancing in the street. In Dubai, you can only have a blast on the dance floor in clubs or hotels.
What are the clothing restrictions?
In recent years, the requirements for clothing have been relaxed, but you shouldn’t abuse this if you don’t want to catch judgmental glances, and even more so, get into trouble with the police. You should not go outside in translucent and tight clothes, and your underwear should not be visible at all.
It is highly desirable for both women and men to cover their knees and shoulders, but this rule has not been observed for a long time. We also recommend that women wear a swimsuit, and bare-chested men only on the beach or by the hotel pool.
Other rules of conduct that should not be forgotten
Those who like to photograph anything and everything should know that in Dubai it is a criminal offense to photograph people without their consent. In addition, it is prohibited to photograph administrative and military buildings , as well as strategic objects: marinas and airports.
Try to avoid any contact with local women if you are a man. If it happened that she turned to you for help, then it is better to look for an Arab man. It’s better to leave your attempts to talk, and especially to get to know local ladies, in your dreams.
Dubai maintains almost perfect cleanliness, so don’t be lazy and throw the paper in the trash, there are plenty of them on the street. Otherwise, you will receive an impressive fine – 500 dirhams (380 rubles).
When communicating with the police, you should also behave extremely politely and carefully. Avoid sharp, ambiguous gestures and do not even try to bribe a police officer. This will only make things worse for you, since even attempting to give a bribe is considered a crime. The result: imprisonment and deportation from the country after serving the sentence with a lifelong entry ban.
Also keep in mind that it is not customary to thank or leave a tip in Dubai. It is believed that service personnel should do their job well anyway.
Strict rules of behavior for tourists in Dubai are not a whim, but a desire to maintain a calm atmosphere in the city. You shouldn’t have a negative attitude towards them, because it is thanks to this that you can calmly walk around the city at night and not fear for your life and health. Remember, you are just guests in a foreign country.