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| Emergency Numbers: |
| Ambulance and air rescue |
999 |
| Police |
999 |
| Tourist security |
800 4888 |
| Road services (AAA) |
800 4430 |
| Al Ameen (to report criminal activity or harrassment) |
800 4888 |
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| Always bring your passport with you. |
| This is like the SOP in every trip. I know it would be safer if you leave it in your hotel room, but it's also very important to take it with you everywhere in case of emergency. It also serves as your valid ID in case
you forgot to bring your driver's license, or if you don't own one yet. |
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| Greetings |
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| “Dubai is home and host to visitors from around the world and is a melting pot of cultures, but the Arabic greeting ‘al-salaam alaykum’ (peace be with you) (the reply will be ‘wa alaykum e-salaam’/peace upon you) is always welcome and is a great icebreaker. Never offer your hand to an Arab woman unless she offers hers first. Upon entering an Arab home it’s customary to remove your shoes—make sure your socks are clean.” |
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| Clothing |
| “Dubai’s dress code is liberal, but dress modestly out of respect and save the beachwear for the beach. On the Jumeirah Mosque tour, men should wear trousers with a shirt, and ladies a long skirt or loose trousers, long-sleeved blouse, and head scarf. Slip-on shoes are best as shoes are removed before entering the mosque. " |
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| Ceremony |
| “Emiratis are open-minded, tolerant, and hospitable. Integral to that hospitality is the coffee ceremony. Always accept the tiny cup in your right hand—it’s polite to drink at least three—and after finishing gently shake the cup side to side; this is a signal that you’ve finished." |
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| Manners |
| “At meal times your Arab hosts will be generous with portions, so forget calorie counting! Be prepared to sit in the traditional manner (on the floor); women should wear a long skirt. Try not to sit so that the soles of your feet are presented to another person; it’s impolite. Food is eaten with the right hand but you may use your left to drink.” |
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| Smoking |
| “If here during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, remember not to smoke, eat, or drink in public from sunrise to sunset. Kids are an exception and can discreetly drink and eat as usual. Hotels keep eateries open for non-Muslims, as do some malls; your concierge can advise you.” |
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| Alchohol |
| Alcohol is widely available at bars, restaurants, hotels, and leisure clubs. You cannot purchase alcohol from a supermarket. It is against the law to walk in the street drinking alcohol or to be drunk in a public place. You are not allowed to drink and drive; and this means a total ban on the consumption of alcohol whilst in charge of a motor vehicle; this includes the day after the night before. If you are caught drinking and driving you will face a prison sentence, if you are in doubt about the alcohol limits in your blood take a taxi.
Note: Alcohol is banned in Sharjah. |
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| Drugs |
| There is a zero tolerance in Dubai in relation to drugs and illegal substances. The penalties are extremely harsh and should you be found with the slightest amount of any substance you could face the death penalty. Passenger baggage is screened quite throughly when entering Dubai.Bringing drugs into the country, even ones you have a prescription for or bought over the counter in your country can lead to jail time. A full list of banned medication can be found here. |
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| Homosexuality |
| Gay and lesbian travelers should be particularly careful, as homosexuality is a criminal offense with possible deportation, and should also avoid any public displays of affection or cross dressing. |
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| Photography |
| When taking a photograph in Dubai, please bear in mind local people wearing national dress may take exception if photographed without their permission. Please avoid taking pictures especially of women wearing national dress. |
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| Nudity |
| Topless sunbathing is not permitted on the beaches |
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| Women |
| Women should dress sensibly and avoid wearing revealing outfits when in busy areas. This is especially true when traveling to districts like Karama, Deira and Bur-Dubai where the streets are packed with men, especially on evenings and weekends. While swimsuits and bikini's are a common sight on Dubai beaches, avoid sunbathing topless or wearing micro bikinis - even in the private beach of a hotel.
Note: Women are not allowed to wear swimwear on public beaches in Sharjah. |
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| Sex |
| Public display of affection are frowned upon and public sexual acts can lead to jail time followed by deportation. |
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