The Expat’s Guide to Culture in Dubai
Dubai attracts expats with its tax-free income, top-tier healthcare, modern infrastructure, and vibrant lifestyle. With expats making up nearly 89% of the population, it’s one of the most expat-friendly cities in the world.
Still, culture shock is real. Despite recent reforms—like easing alcohol rules and cohabitation laws—Dubai maintains strong ties to tradition. In this Pacific Prime Dubai article, we’ll walk you through key cultural norms every expat should know.
9 Things to Know About Culture in Dubai
In the UAE, the official legal system is Sharia or Islamic law. It’s supplemented by a non-religious legal system and works alongside it as a moral guide to behavior and etiquette.
Although Dubai is taking a slightly more relaxed approach, as previously mentioned, expats must still show respect and follow traditional customs when required. Here are some pointers:
1. Ramadan Imposes Special Rules, Even for Non-Muslims
Taking place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed by Muslims as a month of fasting and abstaining from things considered impure for the mind and body. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-control, and devotion through prayer and charity.
Even if you’re not Muslim in Dubai, you’re expected to follow certain rules, such as not eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum in public during the day. These public restrictions apply to both Muslims and non-Muslims, with exceptions for pregnant women and small children.
2. Expats (Especially Women) Should Dress Appropriately
Dubai authorities require people to dress appropriately, though many tourists seem to flout this rule. If you’re planning to live in Dubai, it’s wise to respect local customs. Dressing modestly shows cultural awareness and helps avoid unwanted attention or fines.
Women should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover their knees, shoulders, and midriff. Men can show their shoulders, but should also cover their knees and midriff. These guidelines apply in public places like malls and government buildings and help maintain respect for local norms.
3. Alcohol Consumption isn’t Encouraged
While you can get served alcohol in hotels or licensed bars, it’s very expensive. Buying alcohol in shops is nearly impossible due to strict regulations. A license is needed to buy or sell alcohol, which is why many expats stock up at Duty-free shops in the airport.
Most people prefer to drink at home. But if you plan to drink at venues, remember it’s a criminal offense to be drunk in public. Always book a taxi or arrange safe transport before heading back, as authorities enforce this rule strictly for everyone’s safety.
Moreover, drug use is strictly prohibited in Dubai. The country has a zero-tolerance policy, and this includes cannabis and even some prescription medications. Possession or traces of drugs in your system can lead to serious legal consequences.
If you need to bring medication into Dubai, check the legal status of your prescription first. Some medications that are legal elsewhere may be banned or controlled in the UAE. Always carry a doctor’s note and declare it when entering the country.
4. Cohabiting Before Marriage is Frowned Upon
While rules on living with the opposite sex before marriage are easing, it’s still wise to check with authorities or landlords before moving in with an unmarried partner. Children born out of wedlock can now get birth certificates, but social norms around family remain conservative.
Public displays of affection toward the opposite sex—like holding hands, kissing, or hugging—are considered inappropriate. This behavior can lead to fines or arrest. When meeting someone of the opposite sex, avoid physical contact and stick to a polite nod or smile instead.
5. Homosexuality is Illegal
It’s illegal to express homosexuality in the UAE, as is the case in many other Middle Eastern countries. While Dubai may appear more liberal due to its expat and tourist population, the laws remain strict and can carry serious consequences for those who violate them.
Even though Dubai is more relaxed compared to other emirates, LGBTQ+ individuals are strongly advised to be discreet. Public displays of affection or behavior that may suggest homosexuality can result in fines, arrest, or deportation, so caution and privacy are essential.
6. Swearing and Rude Language is Offensive
Similar to many other cultures in the world, swearing and rude language are offensive in Dubai. However, the difference is that you can be fined if you’re caught.
To make matters more confusing for expats, certain hand gestures that are positive in their home countries are rude in Dubai. For example, giving a thumbs-up in Dubai is the same as showing the middle finger.
7. Dogs are Considered Unclean
Did you know that dogs are considered unclean for religious reasons in Dubai? So while you can own a dog in the city, you should be aware that it may be hard to find dog-friendly facilities like parks and kennels.
Speaking of pets, there are also strict rules to follow. You must have a license to own a pet, and all pets must be microchipped, vaccinated, and registered with the relevant authorities.
8. Photography Can Be a Sensitive Issue
Taking photos of government buildings, airports, military sites, or people—especially women—without permission is prohibited. It’s not just rude; it can be a criminal offense. Always ask for consent before photographing locals or private property.
Dubai has strict privacy laws, and violating them (even unintentionally) can lead to fines or arrest. Posting images online without consent, especially of someone in a compromising situation or without their hijab, can be considered defamation or invasion of privacy.
9. Public Behavior and Noise Should Be Kept in Check
Dubai values peace and order. Loud arguments, aggressive behavior, or causing public disturbances can lead to legal trouble. This includes road rage, shouting in public, or disrespecting law enforcement or officials.
Even playing loud music in public or at home can result in complaints from neighbors. Respect for others’ space and maintaining a calm demeanor are signs of good character and cultural awareness.
Get in Touch with Pacific Prime Dubai Today!
Moving to Dubai involves more than just adjusting to the culture—it also means getting your practical needs in order, including visas and health insurance. Ensuring you have the right coverage is essential for meeting local regulations and protecting your health.
At Pacific Prime Dubai, we specialize in helping expats navigate the complexities of international health insurance in the UAE. With 25 years of experience and a team of knowledgeable advisors, we offer impartial advice and tailored plans to suit your unique needs and budget.
Whether you’re an individual, family, or employee relocating to Dubai, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to get started, or use our free online tool to compare plans and receive a personalized quote.
With over 5 years of experience in the field, Suphanida spends the majority of her day synthesizing complex pieces of insurance-related information and translating this into easy-to-understand, engaging, and effective content across a variety of media such as articles, infographics, whitepapers, videos, and more.
Suphanida is also responsible for planning and publishing three whitepapers released annually by Pacific Prime: The State of Health Insurance Report, The Cost of Health Insurance Report, and The Global Employee Benefits Trends Report. Additionally, she handles the LinkedIn profiles of Pacific Prime’s Founder and CEO, as well as Global HR Lead.
Suphanida’s strengths lie in her strong research and analytical skills, which she has gained from her BA in Politics from the University of Warwick and Erasmus Mundus Joint MA in Journalism from Aarhus University and City, University of London.
Being of Thai-Indian origin and having lived, studied, and worked in Thailand, the UK, and Denmark, Suphanida also has a unique, multicultural perspective that helps her understand the struggles of expats and globetrotters.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling to new places and immersing herself in different cultures.
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