Rules in Dubai: A Traveller’s Playbook for Visitors and Tourists

Dubai is a place where sleek skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and desert adventures meet time-honoured traditions. This fusion is unique to the United Arab Emirates, and it’s exactly this kind of mix that gives the city its undeniable allure.

Whether you’re in the emirate for business, leisure, or a stopover, understanding essential rules in Dubai will help your stay go smoothly. Local customs aren't necessarily meant to control or restrict others. Many of the rules actually make Dubai one of the safest cities in the world. They also encourage visitors to embrace local culture, while enjoying everything from world-class dining to beaches and desert safaris.

So if you’re visiting soon, don’t fret. We’ve got you covered. This guide covers the most important rules for tourists in Dubai – including clothes, local laws, visa requirements, and Ramadan etiquette.

One of the most common questions visitors ask is: What should I wear in Dubai?

Despite what you may have heard, there’s no super strict dress code for tourists in Dubai – most people dress how they want. It’s more about knowing what to wear and when to wear it.

In family-friendly spaces like Dubai's malls or markets, modest clothing is widely expected. That just means steering clear of sheer, overly tight, or revealing outfits. In the famous Dubai Mall, clothing rules are even displayed at entrances as a gentle reminder. You can still wear average-length shorts and t-shirts, just make sure they aren’t transparent or excessively cropped.

At hotels, beach clubs, and nightlife venues, the vibe is extremely relaxed, and you can dress up there as you normally would. Swimwear is welcome at pools and beaches, but keep a cover-up handy for the stroll back to your hotel room or car.

Women are not required to wear abayas or cover their hair (except when visiting mosques), but choosing modest and loose attire in public goes a long way towards blending in and feeling comfortable.

At mosques, conservative attire is essential – just as you’re required to cover your shoulders when entering the Vatican, for example. Women are required to cover their hair, while men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.

Remember to bring light, breathable fabrics, a few conservative outfits for cultural visits, and a scarf or shawl for quick adjustments when moving between settings.

Dubai is famous for its hospitality, but it also has expectations around public conduct.

Public displays of affection are not permitted between couples – regardless of orientation – and may raise some eyebrows or, in more extreme cases, invite official warnings or legal consequences. Holding hands is acceptable, but more forward displays of affection in public spaces are discouraged.

As for LGBTQ+ travellers: many do visit and even live in the UAE, but it’s important to note that same-sex relations are illegal in the country, so discretion and discernment are going to be essential.

Offensive hand gestures, swearing, or loud arguments are best avoided, as they can lead to fines.

Photography is another area where thoughtfulness matters: always ask before taking pictures of people you don’t know, particularly women or families, and skip taking pictures or selfies near government buildings or military sites altogether.

And if you’re tempted to post something edgy or questionable on social media, think twice – content that slanders others, or outwardly disrespects local culture and religion can lead to legal consequences.

When it comes to nightlife, Dubai isn’t as strict as some might think – but there are clear boundaries. Alcohol is only available in hotels, bars, and restaurants with licenses.

The key rule? Keep it classy. Drinking alcohol is strictly for those over 21, and it’s illegal to drink in public or carry bottles and wander around visibly intoxicated outside licensed venues. Just remember: don’t treat Sheikh Zayed Road or Jumeirah Beach like your after-party.

Smoking cigarettes is legal in Dubai, but carefully managed. You’ll find designated smoking areas, including outdoor terraces and lounges. But lighting up in malls, government buildings, or public transport is a no-go. Even e-cigarettes and vapes fall under the same restrictions. The good news? The rules around smoking are environmentally-friendly and don't feel like much of a sacrifice.

Drugs, however, are in a league of their own. Dubai enforces a zero-tolerance policy, and penalties are severe even for small recreational amounts. So if you’re flying in from Amsterdam or Los Angeles, make sure your luggage is totally drug-free.

That also extends to some prescription medications that are perfectly normal elsewhere but restricted in the emirate. If you rely on prescription drugs, check the UAE government’s guidelines before you travel. When in doubt, carry an official doctor’s note just to be safe. Think of it this way – Dubai’s luxury scene is indulgent, but when it comes to certain substances, the rules are crystal clear: no experiments, no exceptions.

Understanding Dubai’s tourist visa requirements is the first thing to sort out. Many travellers – like those from the UK, EU, US, and Australia – can get a visa on arrival, valid for 30 or 90 days. Others must apply in advance through embassies.

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months, and it’s wise to check customs regulations before packing your bags. Restricted items range from certain medications to materials that might be culturally sensitive.

Travelling during Ramadan is a chance to see Dubai’s spiritual side. During the day, visitors are expected to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for those who are fasting. That said, hotels and resorts usually provide discreet dining areas for non-fasting guests.

Dress codes are a little stricter at this time, with extra modesty encouraged and appreciated. But the reward comes at sunset with outdoor tents serving iftar meals, bustling night markets, and cultural events that make Ramadan evenings warm, cosy, and unforgettable. Respecting Dubai Ramadan rules allows you to join in the spirit of the Holy Month.

Dubai’s transport system is very efficient, air-conditioned, and modern. In taxis or a car, seat belts are mandatory for everyone, with no exceptions. Speed limits are strictly enforced, thanks to a network of cameras that never miss a thing.

On the metro, eating, drinking, and even chewing gum are off-limits – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It helps keep the Dubai Metro unbelievably clean: no gum stuck to your shoes, and no coffee spilling onto your clothes from the person beside you.

Also, keep in mind: some cabins are reserved for women and children. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are reliable and regulated – make sure to use official ones like Dubai Taxi or Careem and Uber to avoid surprises.

Checking into a Dubai hotel is straightforward, but there are a few notes to keep in mind. You’ll need a passport at check-in, just like most international destinations. While traditional rules discourage unmarried Muslim couples from sharing a room, most international hotels (including Accor properties) allow unmarried couples to check in together following recent legal reforms that allow for cohabitation for non-Muslims.

Guests are expected to behave respectfully – think responsible fun rather than loud balcony parties. While tipping hotel staff is not necessarily required, it’s a thoughtful and widely practiced gesture to show appreciation.

The emirate’s energy lies in its balance of tradition and modernity. What might seem like rules in Dubai for expats or tourists, is a way of life that’s celebrated and respected by locals and residents.

Whether you’re wandering the souks, dining at a rooftop restaurant, or relaxing at a beachfront resort, these cultural tips empower you to travel confidently. And with Accor hotels as your home base, you’ll find the expertise and hospitality you need to make your journey easy and memorable.

When travelling in Dubai, it’s totally acceptable to ask hotel staff if you have any questions about local rules and customs. Keep a copy of your passport with you while exploring the city, since it’s often needed for identification. For safe and convenient transportation, you can rely on taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem, which are widely available.

And if your visit coincides with Ramadan, embrace the traditions of the holy month – participating respectfully when invited by others not only enriches your experience, but also offers a deeper glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture.

Yes, Accor hotels allow unmarried couples to check in together. While traditional rules discourage cohabitation for Muslims, recent legal reforms and hotel policies for non-Muslims make it widely accepted. Guests are still expected to behave responsibly and follow general hotel guidelines and local laws.

Everyone should dress modestly in public, including women. This means no transparent outfits or excessively cropped clothes. Swimwear is fine at beaches and pools. Head coverings, abaya, and loose outfits are only required when visiting mosques.

Non-Muslims are not required to fast in Dubai during Ramadan, but should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Many hotels and restaurants provide discreet dining areas.

Dubai’s entry visa requirements depend on your situation and nationality. Many countries’ citizens can enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival for 30–90 days, while others must apply for an eVisa or airline-sponsored visa in advance; a passport valid for at least six months is always required. Before travelling, make sure to check the latest Dubai visa requirements on the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.