Dubai Rules for Tourists & Vistiors: Do’s & Don’ts

Dubai has rapidly become one of the world’s top travel destinations, but it is also a city with strict laws, social norms, and cultural expectations. Understanding the Dubai rules is essential for visitors to enjoy a safe and stress-free trip in 2026.

This guide covers everything you need to know, from entry requirements and visas to dress codes, public behaviour, alcohol regulations, photography, and family travel.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Introduction: How Strict Is Dubai for Tourists in 2026?
• Entry Requirements & Tourist Visas
• Accommodation Rules, Unmarried Couples & Cohabitation 
• Dress Code: What to Wear & Where
• Public Behaviour, PDA & Conduct in Malls / Metro
• Alcohol, Nightlife, Smoking & Drugs
• Photography, Social Media & Drones
• Local Laws Tourists Commonly Break (and How to Avoid it) 
• Health, Safety & Insurance
• Money, Shopping & Consumer Rules
• Family Travel: Children, Theme Parks & Family Norms
• Quick Reference: Dubai Do’s & Don’ts List
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Introduction: How Strict Is Dubai for Tourists in 2026?

Dubai is a modern and welcoming destination, but it operates under certain laws influenced by local values and customs. While tourists are encouraged to visit, everyone is expected to understand and follow Dubai rules, particularly around public behaviour, dress, alcohol, and social conduct.

Compared to Western and many other tourist destinations, Dubai places less emphasis on individual freedom in public spaces and more on social respect and decency. Actions commonly accepted elsewhere, such as public displays of affection, swearing, or photographing people without consent, can lead to warnings or legal consequences.

Dubai’s laws, Islamic principles, and social norms work together to regulate behaviour in public, while private conduct is more flexible. Since 2020, reforms such as the decriminalisation of unmarried cohabitation have made the city more progressive, but expectations around public behaviour have not changed.

Entry Requirements & Tourist Visas

Understanding entry requirements is one of the most important Dubai rules for tourists in 2026, as visa policies and enforcement have become stricter. Visitors must ensure their travel documents, visa type, and eligibility meet current UAE regulations before arrival.

Passport Validity, Basic Entry Rules & Who Needs a Visa

All tourists entering Dubai must hold a passport with a minimum of six months’ validity from the date of entry. Passports should also have at least one blank page and be machine-readable, as damaged or non-compliant passports may result in denied boarding or entry.

Visa requirements vary by nationality. While some travellers are still eligible for a visa-on-arrival, many nationalities must now apply for a visa in advance, even if they previously did not.

Tourist Visa Types and Durations (2026)

Dubai offers several tourist visa options depending on the length and purpose of stay:

• Short-stay visas: 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas
• Standard tourist visas: 14-, 30-, 60-, and 90-day options
• Single-entry vs multiple-entry visas: Single-entry suits one-time trips, while multiple-entry is better for travellers entering and exiting the UAE frequently
• 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa (self-sponsored): Designed for frequent visitors, allowing multiple stays over five years without local sponsorship

New 2025 Visa Rules & Restrictions

In 2025, Dubai introduced mandatory pre-approved e-visas for many nationalities, including travellers from the US, UK, EU, and green-card holders. Eligibility typically requires proof of minimum funds (around AED 3,000), a confirmed return ticket, and verified accommodation.

Commonly required documents include recent bank statements, hotel bookings, a travel itinerary, and valid travel insurance. Visa applications may be rejected due to weak financial proof, unclear travel intent, data mismatches, or previous overstays.

Visa costs vary based on duration and entry type, with additional charges possible for agency processing, fast-track services, or multiple-entry options.

Visa Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s:

• Apply well in advance and carefully verify names, passport numbers, and travel dates
• Carry both printed and digital copies of your visa, hotel booking, and return flight
• Use official UAE platforms or reputable visa agencies

Don’ts:

• Rely on a last-minute visa-on-arrival if your nationality now requires pre-approval
• Hide work intentions under a tourist visa
• Overstay your visa, as fines, blacklisting, and travel bans may apply

Accommodation Rules, Unmarried Couples & Cohabitation

Accommodation in Dubai is regulated under clear Dubai rules, and tourists must comply with identification, registration, and conduct requirements when staying in hotels or short-term rentals.

• Hotel Check-In & ID Requirements

All guests must present a valid passport or ID at check-in, including children. Hotels are legally required to take copies of passports and visas as part of mandatory police reporting and security procedures. Failure to provide identification can result in refusal of check-in.

• Unmarried Couples Staying Together

Following post-2020 legal reforms, cohabitation by unmarried couples is no longer criminalised in Dubai. In practice, most hotels allow unmarried couples to share a room, provided they comply with identification rules and maintain appropriate public behaviour.

However, hotel policy may differ from state law. Some budget or smaller hotels may still apply conservative internal policies, even though cohabitation itself is legal. This is a business decision rather than a legal requirement.

Do’s & Don’ts for Unmarried Couples at Hotels & Resorts

Do’s:

• Carry valid passports and visas for all guests
• Choose accommodation with clear guest and ID policies
• Follow hotel rules and keep public behaviour discreet

Don’ts:

• Assume all hotels apply the same policies
• Engage in public displays of affection in shared hotel areas
• Argue with staff over internal accommodation rules

Short-Term Rentals 

Short-term rental hosts are required to register guests and collect passport details in line with local regulations. Tourists should confirm that properties are properly licensed and comply with building rules before booking.

Verifying registration, licensing, and guest reporting requirements helps ensure compliance with Dubai rules and avoids issues during your stay.

Dress Code: What to Wear & Where

Dubai follows clear Dubai rules on dress, especially in public spaces. While the city is modern and diverse, modesty remains an important cultural expectation, and visitors are expected to dress respectfully depending on the location and setting.

General Dress Norms in Dubai

In public places such as shopping malls, public offices, and the metro, visitors are expected to avoid clothing that features offensive language, nudity, or explicit images. As it is prohibited and can attract warnings or refusal of entry.

Dress code enforcement varies by area. Tourist-heavy zones and newer districts tend to be more relaxed, while older neighbourhoods and traditional areas apply standards more strictly. Security staff have discretion to intervene if attire is considered inappropriate.

Specific Settings & Expectations

• Shopping Malls & Indoor Attractions: Swimwear is not permitted inside malls or indoor venues, and modest clothing is expected at all times. 
• Beaches, Pools & Beach Clubs: Standard swimwear is allowed at public beaches, hotel pools, and beach clubs. However, visitors must cover up when leaving the sand or pool areas, using a t-shirt, dress, or kaftan. Walking through public areas in swimwear is not permitted.
• Mosques & Religious or Heritage Sites: Dress codes are strictly enforced at mosques and cultural sites. Women must wear loose clothing covering arms and legs, and use a headscarf. Men are required to wear long trousers, cover their shoulders, and avoid sleeveless tops.
• Business Settings & Fine-Dining Venues: Smart casual or business attire is expected in offices and upscale restaurants. Standards are stricter in areas such as DIFC, government buildings, and corporate environments, where professional dress is required.

Dress Code Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s:

• Carry a light scarf or shawl for malls, mosques, and air-conditioned spaces
• Check venue-specific dress codes, especially for beach clubs, nightlife, and high-end restaurants

Don’ts:

• Wear very short shorts, mini-skirts, or low-cut tops in conservative areas
• Cross-dress, as it is prohibited at many venues and may lead to denial of entry

Public Behaviour, PDA & Conduct in Malls/Metro

Public behaviour in Dubai is governed by clear Dubai rules designed to maintain respect, order, and social decency. While tourists are welcome, conduct in public spaces is closely monitored, and actions considered normal elsewhere may lead to penalties.

Public Displays of Affection (PDA)

Dubai allows only very limited affection in public. Brief hand-holding may be acceptable for married or engaged couples in tourist areas, but anything more is not. Kissing, hugging, and intimate touching in public spaces such as malls, beaches, taxis, or transport hubs are considered inappropriate.

Violations can result in warnings, fines, or arrest, particularly in repeated or serious cases. Enforcement is stricter in family-oriented or traditional areas.

Behaviour in Malls, Souks & Public Places

Visitors are expected to behave calmly and respectfully in all public areas. Loud music, dancing, or disruptive behaviour in malls, souks, and public transport is not allowed. Tourists should queue properly, avoid blocking walkways, and follow instructions from security staff at all times.

Conflicts, shouting, swearing, rude hand gestures, or aggressive arguments can fall under insult or public decency laws, which may lead to fines or legal action.

Metro, Public Transport & Taxis

Dubai’s metro and public transport have specific conduct rules. Women-only cabins and reserved seats must be respected, and using them incorrectly can result in fines. Eating or drinking on the metro, trams, and many buses is a fineable offence.

In taxis, passengers must wear seatbelts, treat drivers respectfully, and avoid PDA in the back seat. Disruptive behaviour may be reported to authorities.

Alcohol, Nightlife, Smoking & Drugs

Dubai enforces strict Dubai rules around alcohol consumption, smoking, and controlled substances, with severe penalties for violations.

Alcohol Laws in the UAE

The minimum legal drinking age is 21, and a valid ID may be required. Alcohol can only be consumed in licensed venues, such as approved hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, and select event spaces.

Public Intoxication & Drink-Driving

Public drunkenness, carrying open alcohol containers outside licensed venues, and disorderly conduct are illegal and heavily fined. Dubai applies zero-tolerance drink-driving laws, with criminal penalties that may include fines, imprisonment, and licence bans.

Tourists are advised to use taxis, ride-hailing services, or designated drivers when consuming alcohol.

Drugs & Controlled Medicines

Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy for narcotics, and even trace amounts can lead to imprisonment. Several medications commonly prescribed in Western countries, including certain painkillers, ADHD medications, and anti-anxiety drugs, are restricted or banned.

Dos: Carry medicines in original packaging, bring a doctor’s letter and prescription, and check UAE-approved medication lists before travel.

Don’ts: Carry medication loosely, and never bring recreational cannabis products, including CBD oils.

Photography, Social Media & Drones

Dubai welcomes photography, but strict Dubai rules apply to protect privacy, security, and public order. Tourists should be mindful that casual photos and social media habits common elsewhere can carry legal consequences here.

Photography Rules in Public

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women, children, and families. Taking someone’s photo without consent can lead to complaints or legal action.

Avoid photographing government buildings, military sites, courts, airports, and security personnel. These are considered sensitive locations, and images may be deleted or result in penalties.

Filming or photographing inside malls, metro stations, workplaces, and private venues is restricted. Some locations require prior approval or permits, particularly for video recording or professional equipment.

Social Media & Defamation Laws

Posting photos or videos of others without their consent, even incidentally, can be a legal risk. Dubai’s cybercrime and anti-defamation laws prohibit online insults, rumours, accusations, or “naming and shaming”, even if the post is true or meant as a review.

Tourists should avoid posting content that criticises individuals, businesses, authorities, or institutions, as well as images of disputes, accidents, or arrests.

Drones & Professional Shoots

Recreational and commercial drone use requires licences and permits, and flying drones without approval is illegal. Many tourist areas and landmarks are no-fly zones.

Professional photography or filming in public areas, beaches, or at major landmarks also requires official permits, regardless of whether the content is for social media or commercial use.

Local Laws Tourists Commonly Break (and How to Avoid It)

Understanding common legal pitfalls helps tourists avoid fines, detention, or other issues while respecting Dubai’s laws and cultural norms.

• Clothing, Accessories & Online Content

Clothing or accessories with offensive language, symbols, or imagery are prohibited. The same applies to online posts that could be seen as indecent, provocative, or disrespectful to local values.

• Offensive Behaviour, Insults & Gestures

Swearing in public, using offensive language toward individuals or institutions, and making rude hand gestures can be treated as criminal offences. Road rage, shouting, or confrontations may escalate into legal cases.

Disrespecting religion, through comments, jokes, or symbolic acts, is taken very seriously and can result in fines or arrest.

• Traffic & Mobility Rules for Visitors

Speed limits are strictly enforced, and mobile phone use while driving is illegal. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.

Parking fines, Salik (toll) charges, and traffic penalties are linked to rental cars and must be settled before departure. Tourists should regularly check and clear any outstanding fines.

Health, Safety & Insurance

Dubai is considered one of the safest cities for visitors, but basic precautions are still important.

Violent crime is rare, supported by extensive CCTV coverage and visible police presence. The most common issues faced by tourists are petty theft and minor scams, often targeting distracted visitors in busy areas.

Health Care, Travel Insurance & Emergencies

Healthcare in Dubai is high-quality but private medical costs can be expensive, making comprehensive travel insurance strongly recommended.

Emergency numbers are unified: 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, and 997 for fire emergencies. These should be used only in genuine emergencies.

Heat, Sun & Desert Conditions

High temperatures, especially outside winter months, require careful planning. Tourists should stay hydrated, wear light breathable clothing, and avoid prolonged outdoor activity during peak heat.

Desert safaris, quad-biking, and dune-bashing should only be done with licensed operators. Safety briefings, seatbelts, and protective gear are mandatory and should never be ignored.

Money, Shopping & Consumer Rules

Understanding Dubai rules around money and shopping helps tourists avoid confusion and shop with confidence.

• Currency, Tipping & Payment Methods

The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across hotels, malls, restaurants, and taxis, though small shops, markets, and taxis may prefer cash. ATMs are widely available.

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, a 5–10% tip is common if service charges are not included. Taxi drivers and hotel staff typically receive small discretionary tips.

Shopping Rules & Consumer Protection

Dubai has strong consumer protection laws. Always keep receipts, as they are required for returns, exchanges, or complaints. Return policies vary by retailer but must be clearly stated. Disputes can be escalated through official consumer protection channels if needed.

Bargaining is expected in souks and traditional markets, where polite negotiation is part of the experience. In malls and branded stores, prices are fixed and bargaining is not accepted.

Customs: What You Can and Can’t Bring In or Take Out

There are limits on bringing alcohol, cigarettes, and perfumes into the country, and quantities exceeding allowances may be confiscated or taxed.

Banned imports include pornographic material, offensive content, certain religious materials, and some food products. High-value items and large amounts of cash must be declared on arrival or departure to avoid penalties.

Family Travel: Children, Theme Parks & Family Norms

Dubai is highly family-friendly, but Dubai rules still apply to children in public spaces.

Children are welcome in malls, public transport, and mosques, provided their behaviour is controlled. Running, shouting, or disruptive behaviour in public areas is discouraged.

Babysitting & Childcare Services

Many hotels offer kids’ clubs and childcare services. Parents must complete registration forms and liability waivers, and follow stated age limits and safety rules. Licensed babysitting services should always be used rather than informal arrangements.

Following these Dubai rules around money, shopping, and family travel ensures a smooth, stress-free experience for visitors of all ages.

Quick Reference: Dubai Do’s & Don’ts List

Top do’s for tourists in Dubai:

• Secure the correct visa in advance and carry all required documents.
• Dress modestly in public, especially in malls and religious areas.
• Keep public displays of affection minimal and discreet.
• Respect Ramadan norms if visiting during the Holy Month.
• Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and families.
• Consume alcohol only at licensed venues and arrange safe transport afterwards.
• Check whether your medications are permitted and carry original prescriptions.
• Carry a valid ID or a copy of your passport when out.
• Obey traffic laws, speed limits, and road signage.
• Be polite and respectful with officials, security, and service staff.
• Purchase travel insurance and know emergency contact numbers.
• Follow posted rules in malls, beaches, and attractions.
• Keep receipts and documents for major purchases.
• Check the latest official travel guidance before arrival.

Top don’ts for tourists:

• Assume Dubai is “anything goes” just because it’s modern.
• Rely on a visa-on-arrival if your nationality requires pre-approval.
• Wear very revealing clothing in city streets, malls, or the metro.
• Kiss, hug, or behave intimately in public spaces.
• Drink or be drunk in public, or drive after consuming alcohol.
• Carry illegal drugs or restricted/banned medications.
• Photograph people or restricted sites without permission.
• Swear, shout, or use rude hand gestures in public.
• Insult religion, the UAE, or individuals – online or offline.
• Leave unpaid fines, hotel bills, or rental charges before departure.
• Bring prohibited items in your luggage (certain medicines, explicit content, some foods).
• Film or confront police or security – cooperate calmly.
• Overstay your visa or work while on a tourist visa.

Key Takeaways

Dubai is welcoming to tourists, but you have to be respectful of the country, its customs, and laws. Visitors are expected to be modest in public, reserve swimwear strictly for beaches and pools, and follow stricter dress codes at mosques and official venues. Public displays of affection, public intoxication, photographing people without consent, and disrespectful language or gestures can all lead to legal consequences. Alcohol is permitted only in licensed venues for those aged 21 and above. Although violent crime against tourists is rare, it’s still important to use common-sense precautions, carry travel insurance, and respect rules related to transport, events, and public spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

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