Holidays in the United Arab Emirates are convenient beaches, interesting excursions, modern and historical sights. But before visiting the UAE, you should study the rules. Dubai is a popular resort where official laws and local traditions apply.
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Communication with local residents
The majority of Dubai’s population is incoming migrant workers. You can meet with local residents in the public service, in the service sector in leadership positions. When communicating with them, you must follow the official and traditional rules of conduct in Dubai for tourists. The main thing is not to be intrusive. Do not try to get acquainted on the street, if you need help or advice on business, the indigenous and visiting population of Dubai will always respond with practical advice.
What you need to know about communicating with the locals in Dubai, basic rules:
- Photographing. It is forbidden to take photos and videos inside mosques, you cannot shoot people and women praying without their consent.
- Greetings. Charmingly shake hands with a man; this rule does not apply to female tourists in Dubai. You can shake hands with a local resident, but only on her initiative.
- “Right hand rule”. It is now obsolete, but in small villages, resort areas it is recommended to transfer and receive money, objects only with the right hand. This is tribute respect local traditions.
- Praise. Always say that food, drinks are wonderful – in a hotel, restaurant or at a party.
In Dubai, rules of conduct for tourists have been issued, they can be obtained in the customs zone of international airports. If you or your friends are lost in shopping centers, amusement parks, first go to the police. They know English, they will help you find the right person with the help of surveillance cameras, they will tell you the way. You should only ask the locals this as a last resort.
Rules of conduct in public transport
In the UAE there is a public transport division – general purpose and only for women. To implement the latter, cars in the metro are only for the weaker sex, there are taxi services that transport only women and girls. According to the rules of conduct for tourists in Dubai in public transport, men are prohibited from entering such subway cars, joint trips on “female” taxis.
What not to do in the subway, taxi and bus in the UAE:
- Food and drinks. They can only be consumed in special places, even chewing gum is prohibited. Behind violation these rules threaten fine up to 100 dirhams.
- Girls on their knees. For European countries and Russia, this is a common occurrence when a girl sits on a young man’s lap in the subway or bus. In the UAE, similar actions prohibited.
- Do not attract the attention of local women in any way – do not try to give them a seat on the bus, subway, do not offer help to carry or lift heavy bags.
- Obey the traffic rules in Dubai. For violation threatens a serious fine, an attempt to give a bribe will be immediately stopped.
For tourists in Dubai, all conditions for comfortable movement are created. There are not so many “female” cars in the metro, they can be distinguished by the corresponding signs and drawings, the color is pink. Solo travelers will not have any problems with the joint movement of mixed groups.
How to behave on the beach
There are two types of beaches in the country – public and hotel. For the former, rules of conduct for tourists have been created; in Dubai, they also apply to hotel beach areas. Before going to the sea, to the waters of the Persian Gulf, you need to know them in more detail. The UAE has a beach police, with minor violations, they will first give a warning, but then a fine or arrest may follow.
How tourists should behave on the beaches of Dubai, rules:
- You can dream of food and drinks with you. But the use of alcohol is prohibited, even low-alcohol drinks.
- You cannot appear in a state of intoxication. This applies to all public places in the UAE and Dubai.
- If red flags are set on the beach, entry into the water is prohibited. Causes – slight water pollution, high tide, low tide, storm warning.
- On public beaches, Tuesday and less often Thursday are women’s days. According to the rules of conduct for tourists in Dubai, men are not allowed to enter the beach area.
- Women and girls are not allowed to sunbathe topless. But allowed open swimwear.
Rescue and medical services work in the beach areas. They are designed for locals, tourists and independent travelers. If you need medical assistance, advice – you can always contact the employees of these services. Before going to the beach, you need to read the rules of conduct on the water in Dubai and other emirates of the UAE.
Tourist dress code
The laws of the country do not contain rules for foreigners that require girls to cover their heads and wear only long skirts. But tourists are advised to comply with the unspoken laws of the UAE – dress modestly, behavior is not defiant. If these rules are not followed in Dubai, they may not be allowed into restaurants, bars, public places, shops.
Men wear dress pants, wearing shorts in the city is uncivilized behavior. Bright colors in clothes, open chest, wearing T-shirts are not welcome. But This allowed on the territory hotel complexes.
About dress code rules in UAE:
- It is forbidden to wear swimwear outside the beaches, pools. Even a skirt or trousers worn over it does not give women the right to appear on urban territory.
- Swimsuits are modest, completely covering all intimate parts of the body.
- Locals value cleanliness and a neat appearance. With tourists dressed modestly and in clean clothes, the local population is more willing to communicate, sellers show respect.
The public dress code in Dubai is mostly judged by the locals. Tourists can be warned or fined by the police only for gross violations of the rules in Dubai. In the first days of your arrival, take a closer look at how people dress on the street, in public places and shopping centers. This will help you put together the right wardrobe.
What can you do at the hotel
On the territory of hotel and hotel complexes, internal laws may apply. So, in the hotels of Sharjah, the use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. This is not covered in the rules of conduct for tourists in Dubai. Tips you need to study before settling, they are usually written on the official website of the hotel.
There are two types of hotels in the UAE – tourist and business travelers. The former has more loyal laws and regulations. In Dubai, in beach hotels you can walk in bathing suits, drink alcohol in the rooms. This is prohibited in city hotels, since most of the guests are visitors from Muslim countries.
What not to do in UAE hotels:
- Smoking in the lobby, restaurants and bars is prohibited. For this, special closed zones have been created.
- Exposing the torso and legs is not welcome. Men can wear long breeches; women can wear skirts just above the knees. Exception – night clubs Dubai.
- It is not always possible to bring food and drinks to the room. But this is almost out of the control of the hotel staff.
- Keeping order. According to the rules of Dubai, shouting, breaking the silence at night is prohibited.
For questions about the correct behavior, it is recommended to contact the administration of the hotel complex. They will explain what you can do on the territory of the hotel, and what is strictly prohibited.
Communication in markets, shopping centers
In the UAE and Dubai, trade rules are traditional for Arab countries. Here you can and should bargain. The exception is shopping centers and supermarkets with a fixed price for goods. But even here the seller can give a discount at his own discretion. Bargaining begins with signs of attention to the seller and his goods. It is recommended to allow the choice, the quality of souvenirs, gold jewelry, textiles. This will definitely cause a response and the location of the seller.
How to communicate with sellers in the markets and shops:
- No rudeness or insults allowed. Even in a playful tone.
- Don’t mention God, any references to religion.
- Smile, show respect .
With a successful bargain, you can bring down up to 40-50% from the initial price. The owner of the goods can treat you with coffee or oriental sweets. It is important to follow the rules for tourists in Dubai, not to abuse attention. Women can bargain, but without coquetry. Local Arabs prefer business communication, with notes of respect and attention.