Dubai Customs and Cultures

There is always the question of Dubai customs when people consider this destination for their vacation.

We westerners in our humble ignorance sometimes assume that other cultures need to adapt to us, when in reality, it is us who need to embrace the world, if we want to be travelers, that is.

And so we do need to do our research and find out about other cultures customs; not only because it is the respectful thing to do, but because we could even sometimes end up in jail.

And that is not what cultural travel is about.

So when recently I was contacted by Joe Johnson from www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk I thought it would be a great opportunity to shed some light about different misconceptions about Dubai customs.

So here’s Joe’s guest post for today:

In a short decade or so Dubai has shot from being a relatively unknown outpost on the UAE coast to one of the world’s premier tourist destinations, business hubs and a genuine major world city.

The rapid rise of this city can be attributed to the huge amounts of cash generated by oil in the area, making stakeholders extremely rich and attracting global business to the city.

As a result some of the most impressive structures in the world have sprung up in the city, including the current record holder for the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Dubai customs and culture. Burj Khalifa during day. Photo: Joe Johnson.

Dubai is also home to some of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world, along with over 60 mega malls, several water parks, an indoor ski slope, miles of golden sands and year-round sunshine.

The perfect holiday destination then, right? Dubai sounds close to perfection, especially for those who want to combine sunbathing with sheikh city living on a grand scale.

But there are some downsides to Dubai, or rather some ‘caveats’ that westerners need to be aware of.

Unlike the average European resort, holidaymakers here need to be a little more aware of their behaviour and conduct since Islamic and Arabic culture dominates here.

Below are some general rules you need to abide by to avoid offending locals, or worse, committing an illegal act:

Drugs

Drug possession is serious offence in most countries but it carries especially grave penalties in Dubai.

Even possession of a miniscule amount of a Class C drug can result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Punishments are also dished out for possession over the counter drugs like codeine, and some foodstuff, like poppy seeds, available from any supermarket.

Be ultra-careful about what you bring into the country because the zero tolerance policy means that if you are found to be carrying just a small amount of a banned substance, you will be punished.

Alcohol

Dubai and the wider Middle East’s policy on alcohol is fairly well known around the world – drinking alcohol or being drunk is not illegal here, IF you are inside a hotel or bar.

Dubai customs and cultures. Mall. Photo: Joe Johnson.

But being visibly intoxicated on the street carries a punishment depending on the severity of the incident – and prison is again a possibility.

Nevertheless there are plenty of areas in Dubai where you can have a drink and enjoy yourself, not least the bar-lined Bur Dubai district. Just be sure to catch a taxi back to your hotel.

Clothing

Due to the prevailing religious beliefs here, showing too much flesh can be a problem. Again your clothing choices come down to being intelligent about assessing the situation.

For example, walking down a busy street in the middle of the day wearing only a Bikini (no matter whether you’re a man or woman for that matter) is likely to attract unwanted attention from the law.

In the same token, paddling in the sea fully clothed is not necessary. Dress as you please in your hotel and on the beach, but cover up sufficiently when walking around the city.

PDAs

No, I’m not talking about the outdated handheld computers, but rather public displays of affection. If like me, you loathe them, Dubai won’t be a problem for you.

However, if you’re on your honeymoon, or indeed are in the honeymoon period of your relationship, it may not be the ideal place to visit.

Holding hands is widely tolerated, and kissing in public can be punishable with prison, so best not to do it at all. Anything beyond kissing and you’re asking for trouble…

Dubai customs and cultures. Outskirts. Photo: Joe Johnson.

Joe is a Middle East and North Africa enthusiast, he also recommends Egypt, click here to find more information on this fascinating country.

So there you go, I think I am much better informed to go visit Dubai and learn about their culture, without the fear of not only making a faux pas, but maybe a huge mistake.

Was Dubai a bit scary for you? Were there any surprises in the article?
Do you think you can comply with the customs over there?

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