When in Dubai, do as the Dubaians do! The simple rule to live livelily! Well, no boundaries for just a bit more SPF 50 and a touch less camel drama. This glamorous city of high-rise towers and luxury comes with deep cultural roots. These are shaped by centuries of tradition and the ever-respected Emirati values.
So, whether you’re planning a quick trip or setting up shop in the City of Gold, understanding Dubai cultural etiquette is a must. Here’s your friendly guide to what you ought to do when soaking up Dubai’s sand, sun, and souks.
Do’s in Dubai
Lamborghini police vehicles, skyscrapers, and luxury hotels are the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear Dubai. But there’s more to the bling and the friendly skyline than meets the eye, though. There’s a culture of tradition, modesty, and respect underneath.
So, make sure that you don’t become that tourist with a viral TikTok for all the wrong reasons.
Dress Modestly in Public
Dubai is a fashionista, yes. But it’s not a “bikini-at-the-mall” city. Traditions still run deep.
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered in public places, especially malls, government buildings, and older communities. This isn’t about acting a super olderly women rather it shows that you care for norms and culture.
Women can wear long skirts, maxi dresses, and tunic tops. Whereas men can wear tank tops for the gym, but not for Saturday brunch at The Dubai Mall.
Beachwear is totally fine, but at the beach. Just don’t strut into a café in your board shorts like you’re confused. So, always keep a light scarf or shawl in your bag. It’s fashion and respect in one swishy accessory.
Respect Islamic Customs
This one’s huge. Dubai is part of a Muslim country, and Islamic customs are deeply entrenched in daily life. It’s important all year, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. You must try not to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day, even if you’re not fasting. This would be a positive gesture in your surroundings.
Plus, never interrupt someone while they are in the act of praying or walk across in front of them when they are praying. It’s not only rude, also disrespectful. A charry on top here, let me add quick tips for visiting a mosque or a religious site.
1. Both for males and females, they must cover their body parts fully; shoulders, arms and legs.
2. Always remove your shoes outside the mosque and place them on the shelves.
3. Respect prayer times and stay silent.
4. Ask permission before taking pictures.
Being gracious not only shows how mannerly you are, but also portrays your understanding of cultural protocol with open arms.
Use the Right Hand
In many Gulf cultures, the right hand is considered the clean hand. So when you’re handing money to a shopkeeper, offering a gift, or accepting that glorious karak tea, use your right hand.
Using your left hand especially for eating or handshakes, is a cultural faux pas. It may seem like a tiny detail, but in the world of Dubai cultural etiquette, small gestures speak big.
And one more thing, being left-handed isn’t an excuse. It’s the effort that counts, so give your best every time!
Be Polite and Courteous
You recall how your mom used to instruct you to say “please” and “thank you”? Well, it appears she was resettling you for Dubai!.
Emiratis and locals both value politeness. Chatting with a barista or taxi driver, being courteous goes a long way, sometimes with the added benefit of a smile or even better service.
Shouting, being obnoxious, cutting a person off when talking, and… you may not get walked out, but you will definitely get the stink-eye in all directions.
Take Permission Before Taking Photos
Dubai is a photographer’s dream come true, with glistening skylines and cultural masterpieces lurking around each corner. But before you take out your phone to shoot that ideal Instagram Reel, ask politely first and look if there’s any signboard that tells you not to click pictures.
In Dubai, the general rule is to avoid photographing women. Also, military sites, government buildings, and mosques are sometimes off for selfies. Otherwise, you’ll end up with severe penalties or legal issues. You can be fined up to 500,000 dirhams, according to the cybercrime laws, and jailed for six months for the offence. Yes, the sentences are much harsher, with various visitors having been deported.
Want to snap that spontaneous shot at the souk? You can flash a quick smile and ask, “Can I take a photo?” and you’re all set.
Do Learn a Few Arabic Phrases
You don’t need to be fluent in Arabic, but throwing in a “Shukran” (thank you) or a “Marhaba” (greetings) melts hearts every time.
Emiratis appreciate the effort, and even a few words add richness to your taxi trip or souk experience.
It’s a fun way to show that you’re not just here for the selfies and shawarma. You’re genuinely interested in the people and culture. Plus, impressing your friends back home with a casual “Maafi Muskil” (no problem) never hurts.
Follow All Traffic Rules
Dubai is safe, tidy, and organized, and traffic rule is a big part of that. It’s another Dubai cultural etiquette secret gem! This lively city has roads that feel like racetracks! They’re smooth, wide, and often very fast. But just don’t turn yourself into a GTA mode.
Traffic rules here are very serious. Speeding, running red lights, not wearing a seatbelt, or even using your phone while driving can result in hefty fines, black points, and even jail sometime in extreme cases.
Even as a pedestrian must follow crosswalk rules and signals. You’re not starring in Fast & Furious: Deira Drift, so just chill.
Do Respect Queues and Public Order
At the metro, the grocery store, or a shawarma stand, just don’t queue-jump. Before cutting in to the queue, think for a minute that it might earn you dirty looks, and some locals are quite vocal about it. But here’s the golden rule for the escalators too: you must remain on the right, walk on the left. Simple!
Dubai takes orderliness seriously. It keeps everything aligned as it should.
Avoid Conversations Around Controversial Topics
We all love a good debate, but there are certain topics it’s best not to discuss in Dubai, especially in public or with strangers.
Avoid topics that are sensitive about religion, region, politics, especially when it comes to the native ruling clan (the Al-Maktoum family), or local conflicts. Such topics can harm your chances of having meaningful conversations. But you can ask out with genuine curiosity and respect.
Otherwise, making ill-informed comments can also land you in jail under the UAE’s tough cybercrime and defamation laws.
Don’ts in Dubai
The thing is to keeping it classy, not clashy!
So, while you’re out here living your best holiday, remember that there are a few things that just don’t fly in this part of the world. And no, it’s not about being overly strict, it’s about understanding Dubai cultural etiquette and respecting the values of your host city.
Let’s dive into the don’ts now, the kind of thing that would sabotage your vacation to oops moments.
Don’t Show Public Displays of Affection
Love is sweet stuff, but in Dubai, it’s also a very personal thing. Hand-holding between couples who are wedded is usually okay, but anything else, like kissing, hugging, or cuddling up in publi,c will get you a warning or worse.
It’s not about you; it’s about culture. Displays of affection are seen as inappropriate, especially in family-centric settings like shopping centers, parks, and public transport.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol in Public
The ultimate vacation fantasy: drink in hand, sunglasses on, strolling around the city. But hold on, not in Dubai.
Drinking is legal here, yes, but only in licensed venues like hotels, pubs, and private events.
There is no tolerance for loud, reckless, and troublesome behavior. If anyone is caught under the influence of alcohol, either in terms of verbal abuse, rude gesturing, swearing, or picking fights will face the possibility of imprisonment, fines, or deportation.
The drivers in the UAE aren’t allowed to drive after consuming alcohol. If caught with any traces in his body, regardless of how little, he could be subject to a jail term, fines, vehicle impoundment, license suspension, or deportation.
The drinking age is 21. An expat living in Dubai must apply for a license to purchase alcohol and keep it at home. Tourists can obtain a temporary license for a month.
Don’t Use Offensive Language
This is not where you drop harsh words as punctuation. Swearing, using offensive gestures, or even sarcastic, disrespectful comments in public can get you into real trouble.
We’re talking real fines, or in the worst-case scenario, there might be a possibility of registering a complaint, and you get under the UAE’s stringent public decency and cybercrime laws.
This applies to online platforms as well. Share something offensive on your social media during your time in Dubai, and authorities can act. It’s best to keep things courteous, respectful, and drama-free.
Don’t Disrespect the Royal Family or Religion
This is not negotiable. Discussing the UAE’s ruling family, Islam, or Emirati traditions negatively is illegal.
Don’t joke, don’t meme, don’t snark in speech. What feels like friendly sarcasm back home can be interpreted as overwhelmingly insulting here.
If you don’t have anything pleasant to say, don’t say anything. In case of doubt, get yourself a coffee, sip and enjoy.
Don’t Cross Your Legs Towards Others
Sounds odd, I know? But in Middle Eastern culture, showing the sole of your shoe (which will happen if you cross your legs) is said to be disrespectful. Especially if you are sitting in front of an important person or in a business setting. So, you must be careful of your body language and postures wherever you’re, at the meeting, in a mosque, or in someone’s living room
Sitting with both feet on the ground is decency! Not about being stuffy. It’s about being respectful and aware of other cultures.
Don’t Speak Loudly or Argue Publicly
Yes, traffic might be insane. And it’s a possibility that someone might have cut you off in line. But you must stay calm atleast don’t scream about it. So, don’t turn into spicy drama.
Raising your voice or creating a scene in public creates a bad impression, even if you’re just being expressive. Arguments, aggressive tones, or public confrontations (even with customer service staff) can draw unwanted attention or ,worse, there might be a police involvement.
Don’t Eat or Drink on Public Transport
Dubai Metro? Spotless. Dubai buses? Sparkling clean. Why? Chomping or sipping on public transport is banned, even a disposable cup of water on a sweltering summer’s day.
Restrictive, perhaps, when you’re both hangry and parched, but all for the sake of keeping the public system spick and span, running smoothly, and nice for everyone.
Don’t try to sneak in snacks unless you are prepared to pay a fine of 100 dirhams. Your protein bar will keep until you leave the station.
Don’t Play Loud Music in Public
Yes, Dubai does know how to party. Throwing your speaker on in public places even after 8 PM can lead to complaints and police involvement. If it’s a beach, a park, or even a peaceful street, loud music blared in public areas is considered irritating and disrespectful.
Headphones are your buddy. That blasted fire playlist? Share it with no one.
Yes, most of these especially family or religious areas appreciate the peace and quiet. So this is another simple but necessary aspect of Dubai cultural etiquette.
Conclusion
It’s nice to do’s. But knowing what not to do in Dubai, that is where you really avoid making any headlines and remain safe from the law and locals.
Regardless of whether you are in town on business, pleasure, or a combination of both, the don’ts are just as vital as learning Dubai cultural etiquette.
So keep your affection close to your chest, your voice hushed, and your shoes modestly angled, and Dubai will shower you with memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime, warm smiles, and maybe even a free cup of blended Mocha.
