Dubai travel advice and laws to be aware of

Travellers should remember that UAE is a Muslim country, and there are several laws and regulations that are different to the UK. In some cases, breaking these laws can lead to serious penalties.

Visitors to the country can get a temporary liquor licence for a maximum of one month if they want to drink alcohol in licensed venues. You can get this from one of the two official liquor distributers, and you will need to confirm you understand the rules and regulations. If you are caught drinking or under the influence on public streets, then you could be arrested.

Swearing, rude gestures and kissing in public can also lead to you being arrested, according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and in some instances, you could be deported. Visitors are also advised to dress modestly during their visit.

It is also illegal to import pork products or pornography, while there are extreme punishments for drug related offences. Drug trafficking can result in the death penalty, while possession can lead to a prison sentence.

Sex outside of marriage is also illegal, and you are not allowed to share the same hotel room with someone of the opposite sex who you are not married to or who you are not closely related to. This rule isn’t enforced by every hotel, so it is worth checking before booking your stay. LGBTQ+ rights are suppressed in the United Arab Emirates - same-sex marriage is not recognised and homosexuality is illegal. The UAE is generally quite tolerant and respects privacy, but public affection or behaviour that is deemed to cause offence could attract police attention, and punishments have included prison, floggings and death.

When it comes to driving in the country, you can normally use your UK driving licence when you use a rented car. There is a high rate of traffic accidents compared to the UK, as the World Health Organisation reports that you are more likely to be killed on the roads, with 18.1 of every 100,000 people killed in road traffic accidents compared to 3.1 in the UK.

If you are travelling as a pedestrian, you should only cross roads with pedestrian crossings, otherwise you could face prosecution.

When you are travelling around the city you will be keen to take pictures of your holiday, but you should also avoid taking photos of strangers without their permission, unless you’re in a busy tourist location. When it comes to tipping, it isn’t usually expected, and most restaurants will automatically add a service charge to you bill.

It typically takes around seven hours to fly from London to Dubai, and the time zone for Dubai is GMT +4, which means that it is four hours ahead of the UK. The currency is the dirham, which is often abbreviated to AED or Dhs.

What is the weather like in Dubai?

Dubai is often busiest between December and February, as this is when tourism peaks and you are likely to experience long waiting times and bigger crowds. However, many people often avoid visiting during July and August when the country can be at its hottest, with temperatures above 40 degrees considered normal during this time of year.

It usually stays warm throughout the year and rainfall in Dubai is quite rare, but your best chance of experiencing rain is during the winter months. When it does rain in the city it can be quite heavy, but it usually doesn’t last very long.

Temperatures peak in July and August, and can reach as high as 40 degrees, while the coolest temperatures are between November and March, with temperatures still ranging from 20-25 degrees.

How to stay safe in the UAE

The UAE is generally a safe place to visit according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, with many visits from British tourists being trouble-free. This includes low crime rates, with a United Nations report showing a lower homicide rate compared to the UK. Personal attacks are also rare, but they can still happen. Tourists are advised to take usual precautions as with any holiday, keeping their valuable belongings close by and only use licensed taxis and public transport.

For sexual assault cases, UAE law often requires the victim to demonstrate proof that it wasn’t consensual. If it is then found to be consensual then both parties could be prosecuted for sex outside of marriage.

When it comes to spending time on one of Dubai’s stunning beaches, you should be vigilant of rip currents. These currents can be difficult to get out of and are potentially life threatening, especially if there are no lifeguards around. You should look out for red flags along the coastline that warn of potential dangers, and you should only look to swim at approved beaches.

Terrorist attacks do happen in the UAE and threats have been made towards the Gulf region. UK Counter Terrorism Policing has provided advice for travellers who find themselves part of a terrorist incident. Tourists are advised to stay aware of potential dangers, particularly when travelling through busy public areas.

What to do on holiday in Dubai

Shopping is a popular reason for many people to travel to Dubai, and the city has several complexes that offer the chance to browse and buy luxury goods.

The Dubai Mall is one of the largest and busiest options, and it is the largest in the world in terms of the amount of land that it covered. As well as the many shops, there are also plenty of entertainment options, including an aquarium, an ice rink a cinema and a VR park. Shoppers also have a broad choice of restaurants and fast food places to enjoy, while plenty of hotels are situated nearby.

If you’re particularly keen to get the most out of your shopping experience, the Dubai Shopping Festival takes place each year in January, and you can often get discounts as high as 75% on various items.

If you are looking to enjoy a more traditional shopping experience, you can visit one of the souks that can be found at Dubai Creek. These retailers offer various jewellery and fabrics to suit all tastes.

One of the most well-known landmarks in Dubai is the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. The sail-shaped building is a luxury hotel that is on a small island along the main coastline. It is not open to guests, but you can reserve a booking for dinner or afternoon tea if you don’t mind spending a bit more money on the experience. You can also enjoy a good view of the hotel when visiting the nearby beach.

The Burj Khalifa is another impressive structure, and it has been the tallest building in the world since construction was completed in 2009. In total it is 828m high and visitors can book tickets to go to the top of the structure to get amazing views of the city.

If you are looking to look at a tourist spot away from the large structures, the Miracle Garden provides the world’s largest floral installation, with various colourful designs to explore. The garden was first launched in 2013 and it currently has 150 million flowers that are arranged to create stunning designs and arches.

There are also plenty of museums, parks, resorts and water parks to explore. This includes various theme parks, including Legoland, Laguna Waterpark, Motiongate Dubai, and the Riverland waterside district.

Tourists can also visit the three Palm Islands – Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Deira Island. They are artificial islands that were first built in 2001, and work is still ongoing for two of them. They are designed in the shape of palm trees, and they include leisure centres and various forms of entertainment for tourists.

Interesting facts about Dubai

• Dubai’s official language is Arabic, but English is one of the most widely spoken.
• Gold is a popular luxury item, and there is even an ATM that dispenses gold bars.
• An estimated 92% of people living in the UAE are believed to be under the age of 55.
• Weekends in Dubai take place on Friday and Saturday each week, instead of Saturday and Sunday.
• The Dubai Metro Red Line is the longest driverless metro line in the world, covering 52.1 km.
• Camel racing is a popular sport in Dubai and in recent years they have used robot jockeys.

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If you have any unanswered questions, please visit our Winter Sports FAQ’s page for more information.