No kissing, no sex, no photos - how to avoid arrest in Dubai

Dubai sells itself as a playground — and in many ways it is. But the United Arab Emirates runs on strict regulations, and Westerners regularly discover that behavior considered harmless at home can mean arrest there. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) published a guide for its citizens visiting the UAE, after a string of arrests of Australians for offenses ranging from unpaid hotel bills to public displays of affection. (Each year, DFAT reported, almost 1,000 Australians are arrested overseas.)

The UAE's seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm al Quwain — apply Islamic law with varying strictness. Sharjah and Ajman are the strictest; Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with their big tourist industries, are more relaxed. But the baseline rules apply everywhere. DFAT's advice, in short:

Mind your manners, literally. Swearing and rude gestures — including the middle finger — are criminal offenses carrying significant penalties.

Keep affection private. Public displays of affection, even holding hands or kissing, are socially unacceptable and have led to arrests.

Don't bounce a cheque. Bounced cheques and unpaid bills can mean imprisonment or fines.

Dress modestly. Away from beaches and pools, clothing that is tight, transparent, above the knee, or bares the stomach, shoulders or back can be deemed indecent.

Don't photograph strangers. Taking photos of local people, particularly women, without permission is illegal and can lead to arrest or fines.

Respect Ramadan. During the holy month, non-Muslims are expected to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours.

Know the red lines. Sex outside marriage was banned; homosexual acts and prostitution carried severe punishment. The UAE has zero tolerance for drugs — trafficking can bring the death penalty or life imprisonment — and zero tolerance for drink driving: any alcohol in the blood is illegal. Even common medications can be controlled substances, so check before packing them.

Note: this guide reflects the law as of 2011. The UAE has since relaxed several of these rules — federal reforms in 2021 decriminalized consensual sex outside marriage and unmarried cohabitation — but visitors should still check current DFAT or equivalent travel advice before traveling.