The Dubai laws tourists must know are these: drink alcohol only in licensed venues and never be drunk in public; carry no illegal drugs, CBD or unapproved controlled medicines; keep affection private; dress modestly away from beaches and pools; never photograph people without consent; and don't swear, make rude gestures or post offensive content, including online. The same laws apply to tourists and residents, and not knowing a rule is not a defence.
This is the general guide for every nationality. If you travel on a UK passport, our page on Dubai laws for British tourists adds FCDO advice and UK consular help. American travellers will find practical planning in the Dubai travel guide for Americans.
| Topic | Rule | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | 21 and over; licensed venues or private places only | Arrest for drinking or being drunk in public |
| Drugs | Any amount, including traces in the blood and CBD | Minimum 3 months in prison or AED 20,000 to 100,000 fine |
| Medicines | Up to 3 months' supply; controlled drugs need approval | Confiscation or detention if not permitted |
| Public affection | Keep it private | Kissing in public can lead to arrest |
| Photography | No people without consent, no government or military sites | Prosecution under the cybercrime law |
| Swearing and gestures | Illegal in person and online | Fines, jail and possible deportation |
| Driving | Zero alcohol limit | Car can be impounded; release fee of AED 50,000 plus fines |
| Overstaying | Leave by your permitted date | AED 50 per day |
Alcohol laws in Dubai
Alcohol is legal in Dubai for adults aged 21 and over. You can drink in licensed hotels, bars, restaurants and clubs, and tourists can buy alcohol in licensed shops by showing their passport. What is illegal is drinking in a public place or being under the influence in public.
- Where not to drink: beaches, parks, streets and public transport.
- Other emirates: Sharjah bans alcohol completely, so don't carry it on a day trip there.
- Driving: any amount of alcohol while driving is illegal. Use a taxi, the metro or a ride-hailing app.
Licensing, shops and prices are covered in our full guide to Dubai alcohol laws.
Drugs, CBD and medicines
The UAE has a zero tolerance approach to drugs. Possession of any amount of an illegal drug, including cannabis, carries a minimum three-month prison sentence or a fine of between AED 20,000 and AED 100,000. Trafficking can carry the death penalty.
- Traces count: drugs detected in your bloodstream are treated as possession, even if you took them before arriving.
- CBD is illegal: this includes oils, gummies and vape refills that are legal in many other countries.
- Medical cannabis: a prescription from another country does not make it legal in the UAE.
Prescription medicines are a separate issue. You can bring up to three months' supply for personal use, in the original packaging, with a prescription or medical report issued within the last three months. Some common medicines, including some painkillers and sleeping tablets, are controlled in the UAE and need approval through the Ministry of Health and Prevention's online permit service before you travel.
Dress code
There is no single dress law for tourists, but modest dress is expected in public places. Swimwear belongs at beaches and pools. In malls, souks and government buildings, cover shoulders and knees. Mosques require long sleeves and trousers or long skirts, plus a headscarf for women. Clothing with offensive slogans or images should be left at home, and cross-dressing is illegal.
For outfit ideas by venue, see our Dubai dress code guide.
Visiting a mosque or planning a day out in old Dubai? Ask us what to wear and what to expect before you go.
Ask about dress and etiquettePublic affection, relationships and LGBTQ+ travellers
Kissing in public can lead to arrest, and intimate behaviour in public is an offence. Holding hands is commonly seen but best kept low-key. In private, the rules have relaxed: unmarried couples can share a hotel room, and consensual sex between unmarried adults aged 18 or over is generally legal. Extramarital relationships can be prosecuted if a spouse files a complaint.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and same-sex marriages are not recognised. Our LGBTQ+ guide to Dubai covers the practical side.
Photography, drones and social media
Photographing skylines, attractions and your own group is fine. Photographing other people without their consent is illegal, as is photographing government buildings and military sites. Filming accidents or emergencies and sharing the footage can also lead to prosecution.
- Social media: posting photos of people without consent, defamatory reviews, or offensive content about individuals, religion or the state can be prosecuted under the UAE cybercrime law.
- Swearing online: this is illegal in the UAE, including in private messages that someone reports.
- Drones: don't fly a drone in Dubai unless you have confirmed the current registration and permit rules with the authorities first.
More detail is in our guide to Dubai photography rules.
Swearing, gestures and behaviour
Swearing and rude gestures are illegal in the UAE. Gestures made at other drivers are a common cause of arrests and can lead to fines, a jail sentence and deportation. Insulting religion, the ruling families or the state is treated very seriously. If a dispute starts, stay calm, stay polite and let the police or venue staff handle it.
Ramadan rules
During Ramadan, don't eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public during fasting hours. Avoid loud music and dancing in public, and dress more conservatively. Hotels and many restaurants continue to serve non-fasting guests during the day. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin in February, with exact dates set by the moon sighting. Our Ramadan rules for tourists page has the detail.
Driving and visa rules
- Drink-driving: zero tolerance, whatever the amount.
- Impounding: police can impound your car for traffic violations, and the FCDO says the release fee can be AED 50,000 on top of the fine.
- Overstaying: AED 50 per day after your permitted stay ends. Check your exit date on your entry stamp or e-visa.
- Weekend: the UAE weekend is Saturday and Sunday, so government offices close on those days.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 999
- Ambulance: 998
- Fire: 997
Embassy contacts and other helplines are in our list of Dubai emergency numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists drink alcohol in Dubai?
Yes, if you are 21 or over. Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants, and tourists can buy it from licensed shops by showing their passport. Drinking in a public place or being drunk in public is illegal, and neighbouring Sharjah bans alcohol completely.
What happens if a tourist is caught with drugs in Dubai?
Possession of any amount of an illegal drug, including cannabis, carries a minimum three-month prison sentence or a fine of AED 20,000 to AED 100,000. Drugs detected in your bloodstream count as possession, CBD products are illegal, and trafficking carries far heavier penalties.
Can couples kiss or hold hands in public in Dubai?
Kissing in public can lead to arrest, so keep affection private. Holding hands is widely seen but still best kept low-key. Unmarried couples can share a hotel room, but same-sex sexual activity is illegal.
Can I bring my prescription medicines to Dubai?
Yes, within limits. Carry up to three months' supply in the original packaging with a recent prescription or medical report. Some medicines are controlled in the UAE and need prior approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, so check each medicine before you travel.
Is it illegal to take photos of people in Dubai?
Photographing people without their consent is illegal, and posting those photos online can lead to prosecution under the UAE's cybercrime law. Government buildings and military sites are also off limits. Skylines, attractions and your own group are fine.
What is the fine for overstaying a tourist visa in the UAE?
The overstay fine is AED 50 for each day you remain after your permitted stay ends. Check the exit date on your entry stamp or e-visa and extend or leave before it passes.
Do the same laws apply to tourists and residents?
Yes. UAE law applies equally to everyone in the country, and not knowing a rule is not a defence. Foreign nationals convicted of some offences can also be deported after serving their sentence.