Local Rules for Travellers
Dubai and Abu Dhabi feel international and relaxed, but UAE law is strict in areas where many visitors don't expect it: drinking in public, swearing or rude gestures (even online), kissing in public and tiny traces of drugs can all lead to arrest. These are the rules worth knowing, checked against official UAE sources and the UK government's official travel advice for the UAE.
There is zero tolerance for drug offences. Possessing even the smallest amount of an illegal drug, including cannabis, can lead to at least 3 months in prison or a fine of AED 20,000 to 100,000. The authorities count drugs found in your bloodstream as possession.
Some 'herbal highs' and products containing CBD are illegal in the UAE. Some skincare products and e-cigarette refills contain CBD oil; if found they are confiscated and you could face criminal charges.
Narcotic, psychotropic and other controlled medicines are restricted. The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention publishes the list of these medicines, the quantities allowed and the documents you must show, and runs a permit service for importing medicines for personal use.
It is illegal to drink alcohol, or to be under its influence, in any public place anywhere in the UAE. That includes walking back to your hotel drunk.
You must be over 21 to buy or drink alcohol. Alcohol is sold in licensed venues, mainly hotel bars and restaurants, and only for personal use.
Source: Visit Abu Dhabi (Department of Culture and Tourism) ↗
In Dubai you do not need a liquor licence to drink in licensed venues such as hotel bars, restaurants and pubs, but a licence is required to drink in private places such as homes or private parties.
Swearing and making rude gestures, including online and in messages, are illegal because they are considered obscene acts. You could be jailed or deported.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and people have been arrested for kissing in public.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Do not photograph government buildings, military installations, ports or airports.
Source: Visit Abu Dhabi (Department of Culture and Tourism) ↗
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the UAE, and same-sex marriages are not recognised.
During Ramadan, non-Muslims are asked not to eat, drink or smoke in public places during daylight hours.
Source: Visit Abu Dhabi (Department of Culture and Tourism) ↗
Dress modestly in public places such as shopping malls: women should cover shoulders and knees, and underwear should not be visible. Cover shoulders and legs when visiting government offices.
All visitors to the UAE must have medical insurance cover.
Source: Visit Abu Dhabi (Department of Culture and Tourism) ↗
Drinking and driving is illegal no matter how small the amount, and your insurance is likely to be invalid after an accident.
To hire a car you need a passport copy, a credit card and a valid driving licence from your home country or a valid international driving permit. Which one is accepted depends on the country that issued your licence, so check before you travel.
Source: Visit Abu Dhabi (Department of Culture and Tourism) ↗
Civil drone use in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2022. Don't fly a drone without checking the current rules with the General Civil Aviation Authority first.
Every rule on this page is labelled, so you can tell what is enforced by law from what is simply polite.
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the source.