1. What is it like during Ramadan (Islamic Sacred Month) in Dubai?

Dubai observes the month of Ramadan (or the month of fasting) for Muslims. During this month, all restaurants are closed during the day.

< For the year 2021; the date is April 13 - May 12; For the year 2022; April 2 - May 2. >

Most restaurants only REOPEN DURING SUNSET when Muslims break their fast. During this month, eating, smoking, and drinking in the open are prohibited.  If this presents an issue for you, don’t schedule your visit to Dubai during the month of fasting.

For visitors visiting Dubai during Ramadan, <Learn More>

2. What does a tourist need to know about eating in Ramadan?

Eating, drinking (including water), smoking and listening to music are NOT allowed in public during the daylight hours between sunrise and sunset. HOWEVER, a number of dining spots remain open and discreetly serve food to non-Muslims, particularly in shopping malls and hotels, as well as a handful of independent eateries. These venues are curtained off and obstructed from public view. 

3. Are you allowed to drink alcohol in Dubai?

You can order alcohol from bars and clubs that have proper licenses. These establishments are usually international hotels or licensed restaurants.

Drinking and driving are STRICTLY illegal in Dubai. Among the penalties for this act include spending time in jail (UP TO 1 YEAR) and getting a heavy fine. Don’t drink just anywhere as it’s illegal to drink in public, and you will get jail time if you break this law. Keep in mind that your BLOOD ALCOHOL content should be ZERO while driving in Dubai.

4. Is there a dress code in Dubai?

Common sense is to dress appropriately. Dubai is a modest country. While you don’t have to adhere to dress standards yourself, it is worth adopting a more modest wardrobe during your stay in Dubai, particularly when visiting shopping malls and government offices. That means shoulders and knees must be covered for men and women, and no tight-fitting or transparent clothing. You can wear bikinis and other swimwear on the beach, but topless sunbathing is strictly forbidden for women, and everyone must cover up before they leave the beach.

5. Are there laws about Public Displays of Affection?

You may have heard stories of visitors to Dubai being locked up for amorous displays of affection. The easiest way to AVOID ANY DRAMA is to, quite simply, keep your hands to yourself. Kissing and holding hands in public is deemed “inappropriate behavior,” so keep it clean while you’re out and about. On that note, sex outside of marriage is illegal here, so exercise caution if traveling with an unmarried and/or same-sex partner.

6. Avoid inappropriate language or gestures!

Swearing in public is completely prohibited in the UAE, with the use of the F-word being a crime, as it “disgraces the honor of a person. Swearing is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine.

7. What about taking photography of the people?

This is a very serious offence that has caught many people in the past. The UAE is very strict about preserving the privacy of individuals and taking a picture of someone without their knowledge or consent is taken very seriously.