United Arab Emirates

UAE employers may ask foreign employees to deposit their passports with the company as part of their terms and conditions of employment. This is illegal under UAE labour law. 

It is normal practice for hotels to take a photocopy of your passport or Emirates ID.

You cannot stay in a hotel if you’re under 18 years old and not accompanied by an adult.   

Only cross roads using designated pedestrian crossings. It is illegal to cross in other places and you may face a fine or even imprisonment. Take care when crossing, as vehicles often do not stop at zebra crossings marked on the roads.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, it may cause offence if you: 

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car 
• play loud music or dance 
• swear in public 

Find out how Ramadan is observed in the UAE or get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. 

You should also: 

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants 
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens 
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time 
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk 
• be patient and show tolerance - fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening 

Dress modestly in public areas like shopping malls: 

• women should cover shoulders and knees, and underwear should not be visible
• avoid transparent clothing or any attire that features imagery or phrases that could potentially offend others
• swimming attire should only be worn on beaches or at swimming pools
• cross-dressing is illegal 

Some venues, events or buildings may have specific dress codes.

It is illegal to swear and make rude gestures, including online, as they are considered obscene acts. You could be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials.

Showing affection in public is frowned upon. You can be arrested for kissing in public.

Consensual sexual relationships between a man and woman outside marriage are generally legal if both are aged 18 or over. This includes extra-marital sexual relationships. However, if either person’s spouse or parent/guardian files a criminal complaint, both parties of an extra-marital consensual relationship can get a prison sentence of 6 months or longer.  

If a person aged 18 or over has a sexual relationship with a person aged 17 or under, they will be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a minor. If both people are aged 17 or under, they will both be prosecuted but punishment is likely to be limited to a caution, parental supervision, judicial supervision, professional training or psychiatric treatment.  

If you are unmarried and give birth to a child in the UAE, you will only be able to get a UAE birth certificate if:   

• both you and your partner get married
• you and your partner provide a joint declaration, certified by a notary public, to acknowledge the child - further information is available from the Ministry of Health and Prevention

If you become pregnant outside of marriage, your medical insurance may not cover you. Consult your medical insurance provider before getting pregnant, or giving birth in the UAE.

Financial crimes, including fraud and the non-payment of bills (including hotel bills) can often result in a prison sentence, a fine, or both. You could also have your bank accounts and other assets frozen.  

If you are arrested for a financial crime and are not resident in the UAE, it is likely you will not be allowed bail. If you are convicted, you may have to stay in prison until the debt is paid or waived, and you’ve served your full sentence.

Drinking or possessing alcohol is illegal in the Emirate of Sharjah, 30km north of Dubai.

It is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in a public place anywhere in the UAE. British nationals have been arrested and charged under this law, often in cases where they have come to the attention of the police for a related offence, such as disorderly or offensive behaviour. 

The legal age for purchasing and drinking alcohol is 21 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and in all Northern Emirates except Sharjah, where drinking and having alcohol in your possession is illegal.  

If you are resident in Dubai and want to buy alcohol to drink at home, you must get a liquor licence. Liquor licences are no longer required for residents in the other Emirates excluding Sharjah.  

Liquor licences are not required in Dubai to purchase and consume alcohol in licenced venues like hotel bars, restaurants, and pubs. However, a liquor licence is required for consuming alcohol in private places like homes or private parties. While this requirement might not be strictly enforced in private settings, it remains a legal requirement.   

Outside licensed venues, you can only buy alcohol with a liquor licence from the 2 official liquor distributors in Dubai, MMI and African & Eastern. Tourists can get a temporary liquor licence which is valid for one month, from either supplier. This licence is only for use in Dubai.    

Liquor licences are not required for non-residents in the other Emirates where alcohol is available. You can buy and drink alcohol in licensed venues, such as hotels, restaurants and clubs.

There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences.   

The penalties for trafficking, smuggling, using and possessing illegal drugs (including residual amounts) are severe. Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty. Possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs, including cannabis, can lead to a minimum 3-month prison term or a fine of between 20,000 UAE dirham and 100,000 UAE dirham. The Emirati authorities count the presence of drugs in the blood stream as possession.   

Some ‘herbal highs’ and products containing cannabidiol  (CBD) are illegal in the UAE.   

Possessing, concealing or making transactions with money from drugs-related offences is illegal. You could get a prison sentence and a fine.  

UAE airports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers. You can be arrested for carrying drugs, even residual amounts.

Some skincare products and e-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in the UAE such as CBD oil. If you are found in possession of such products, they will be confiscated and you could face criminal charges. A list of narcotic, psychotropic and controlled drugs where this rule applies, allowed quantities and documents to be presented can be found on the UAE Ministry of Health website.

Fundraising and acts of charity are heavily regulated in the UAE. This includes online and social media activity. Check whether any of the activities you are planning to do in the UAE, or while travelling through the UAE, is illegal. Get legal advice if necessary.

It is illegal to take photos of some government buildings and military installations. Hobbies like bird watching and plane spotting may be misunderstood, particularly near military sites, government buildings and airports.  

Do not photograph people without their permission. Men have been arrested for photographing women on beaches. 

You may need a licence to use equipment like satellite phones, listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras or binoculars. Get advice from the UAE Embassy in the UK.

You must apply for the appropriate permissions to carry out media activity, including the production, transmission or distribution of printed, digital, audio, video or visual information. Failure to do so could result in imprisonment and a substantial fine.  

Information about media activity and how to obtain the necessary permits can be accessed by registering on the National Media Council website.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the UAE, and same-sex marriages are not recognised.  

The UAE is in many respects a tolerant society and private life is respected. However, there have been reports of individuals being punished for same-sex sexual activity, particularly where there is any public element, or where the behaviour has  caused offence. This applies both to foreign national residents and tourists.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Heavy rain in the UAE can cause flooding. Check weather forecasts from the National Centre of Meteorology, and follow advice from the local authorities. Sources for up-to-date information include local radio and online media outlets The National and The Khaleej Times.