Dubai's Dark Side: The Strict Rules That Could Land Tourists in Jail

[Social Media]

 

Dubai is often seen as a paradise of luxury, attracting visitors with its glittering skyline, five-star hotels, and glamorous nightlife. However, behind the city’s opulent facade lies a stringent legal system that can quickly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare for unsuspecting tourists. The strict rules governing behavior in Dubai are not just cultural guidelines—they are enforceable laws with serious consequences.  

 

Eighteen-year-old Londoner Marcus Fakana learned this the hard way. His consensual relationship with a 17-year-old fellow tourist resulted in a one-year jail sentence, as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) imposes severe restrictions on sexual relationships involving minors, regardless of consent. Even for adults, relationships outside of marriage can be fraught with legal risks. While generally permitted, extra-marital relationships can lead to imprisonment if the other person’s spouse or parent files a complaint.  

 

The UK Government warns travelers to be vigilant about other less obvious legal pitfalls in Dubai. For instance, taking photos without someone’s permission is not just a breach of privacy but a punishable offense under UAE law. Simon Hood, Executive Director at John Mason International, explains, “Snapping a quick photo of someone without their permission is a serious no-go and can land you in trouble—even if it’s just in the background. It’s not just about courtesy—it’s the law.”  

 

Other seemingly harmless activities can also have grave repercussions. Using a VPN to bypass internet restrictions, a common practice in many countries, is illegal in Dubai. Many tourists inadvertently break the law by leaving VPNs running on their devices, unaware of the potential consequences. Posting critical or defamatory content online—whether about the government, companies, or individuals—is another legal minefield.

 

An Irish man, for example, faces several years in prison for sending a ninja emoji in a dispute over stolen belongings, an act deemed offensive under UAE law.  

 

Public displays of affection, including kissing, are frowned upon and could lead to arrest. The UK Government also warns against using profanity or making rude gestures, as these are considered obscene acts that could result in jail time or deportation. Alcohol consumption is similarly restricted. Tourists may drink in licensed establishments, but being intoxicated in public or drinking without a license in a private residence is illegal. Even road rage incidents involving offensive gestures can lead to hefty fines, jail, or deportation.  

 

Same-sex relationships are another area where Dubai’s legal system diverges significantly from Western norms. Same-sex sexual activity remains illegal, and same-sex marriages are not recognized. These laws are rigorously enforced, leaving little room for personal discretion.  

 

Dubai’s allure lies in its blend of modern luxury and traditional values, but for tourists, understanding and respecting its laws is essential. What might seem like an innocent action elsewhere could result in severe penalties in the UAE. Visitors should take heed of these rules, as ignorance is no defense under Dubai’s unforgiving legal system. The city’s glittering appeal comes with a sobering caveat: its strict laws leave no room for missteps.  

 

Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-12-16

 

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

The UK Government warns travelers to be vigilant about other less obvious legal pitfalls in Dubai.

It's up to the individual to be responsible for their own actions and research the laws in a place that is ruled by a different, not nanny state, system.

 

I can't be sympathetic to those that behave like boors wherever they are, with no regard to local mores.

 

In the UAE, one has to be careful, as what is permitted in one emirate may not be in the next one, and there is no indication of where the borders are.

 

I don't know why the title references "the Dark Side". It's their country, their rules.

[EVENKEEL]

That's so funny considering some places are wall to wall hookers.

[save the frogs]

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

An Irish man, for example, faces several years in prison for sending a ninja emoji in a dispute over stolen belongings, an act deemed offensive under UAE law.  

 

That's pretty funny. 

Is there some historical significance with ninjas in UAE? Ninjas stole the crown jewels in the king's palace in the 16th century? 

Why dont we have ninja emojis on AN by the way?

 

[cowellandrew]

But the girl's mother reported the relationship to Dubai police after returning to the UK and seeing pictures and messages between the pair.

[loong]

2 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

It's up to the individual to be responsible for their own actions and research the laws in a place that is ruled by a different, not nanny state, system.

 

What do you suggest that people should do? Spend years studying law in Dubai before going on holiday?

[spidermike007]

The UAE is a truly despotic place. I hope I never need to go there. Their regime is horrific. Go there at your own risk. 

[mikeymike100]

3 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

That's so funny considering some places are wall to wall hookers.

Quite so i was on an extended business trip in Dubai and I was having a quiet drink in my hotel bar, which is quite legal, when a woman sat next to me and quite brazenly offered sex. Being very wary i made excuses and left.

However as you say they, prostitutes, are everywhere, at the airport, shopping malls, hotels etc.

 

 

[EVENKEEL]

58 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

The UAE is a truly despotic place. I hope I never need to go there. Their regime is horrific. Go there at your own risk. 

Dubai is a great destination for anyone wanting to experience the mid east. Planning on a trip there next year with the kid.

[mikeymike100]

12 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

Dubai is a great destination for anyone wanting to experience the mid east. Planning on a trip there next year with the kid.

Yes, but its a bit weird. They have some great shopping malls there, huge, even one with a ski slope, real snow and everything, but you see the local men with their wives, the women all in black covered head to foot behind their husband then you see obvious tourists, the women in shorty shorts and tube tops and that's fine. So many tourists go for the great shopping there, great plush hotels etc. Some of these hotels have expensive night clubs, restaurants and obviously alcohol is served, so they think its like the West, but of course its NOT.

I was there for several months and still don't know what's legal and illegal. However just using common sense does get you a long way.

[KannikaP]

My two sons are both musicians in Dubai & bahrain. Last year my youngest, 31, was renting an apartment from a Scouse guy, Came home one afternoon to be confronted by a couple of plain clothed police, who asked if he had had a 'smoke'. He replied 'yesterday' to which he was detained........for 70 days, before being released without charge. It cost me personally GBP 23000 to get him released. it seems the Scouse was into heavy drug supply, and has subsequently got 5 years, and his suppliers both got Life. 

I have been there several times in last few years, and absolutely hate the place, just mile on mile of skyscrapers, highways, very expensive restaurants and shopping malls, mostly full of customerless shops. Much prefer Bahrain.

 

[Jingthing]

I won't be going. 

[Thingamabob]

7 hours ago, cowellandrew said:

But the girl's mother reported the relationship to Dubai police after returning to the UK and seeing pictures and messages between the pair.

Yes indeed. The girl's mother has effectively subjected the young man to jail time in Dubai. She must be a thoroughly nasty piece of work 

[JonnyF]

Foregners have to learn and respect the laws of a foreign land.

 

Except in the UK of course, there you get a free pass...

[roo860]

4 hours ago, Jingthing said:

I won't be going. 

You'll be OK with a camel, that's legal 😉 

 

I'm pulling your 🦵, only your leg😊

[mikeymike100]

2 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Yes indeed. The girl's mother has effectively subjected the young man to jail time in Dubai. She must be a thoroughly nasty piece of work 

Maybe, but just maybe she was thinking of her daughter?

[candide]

7 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

Quite so i was on an extended business trip in Dubai and I was having a quiet drink in my hotel bar, which is quite legal, when a woman sat next to me and quite brazenly offered sex. Being very wary i made excuses and left.

However as you say they, prostitutes, are everywhere, at the airport, shopping malls, hotels etc.

 

 

Actually in most Muslim countries it's tolerated, as long as (for non-Muslims) she's not Muslim.

[Thingamabob]

2 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

Maybe, but just maybe she was thinking of her daughter?

I would imagine her daughter is distraught. Her mother has turned a holiday romance into a nightmare. One, for her daughter's boyfriend, who now languishes in a foreign jail. Two, for her daughter, who will likely live with the guilt and trauma for the rest of her life.

[CanadaSam]

<deleted> place, only somebody who wants to throw away their money for things you can get in many, many other places in the world would go there.  Same for almost all "muslim" countries.

[pacovl46]

Yeah, but it's SO safe down there is what you always hear. Best place in the world, next to no crime and then you look into human rights and all the other bullsh.t laws they have down there and then it becomes a hard pass! No desire whatsoever to ever go there! 

[EVENKEEL]

Utapao Airport has direct flight to Dubai which makes the trip easy for those living near Pattaya. The taxis in Dubai are metered, hotels prices are not bad, even for some 5 star hotels, plenty of sights and things to do in a weeks time. The Gold Souq is not to be missed. Just so much over the top opulence to see there. I'm looking forward to sharing the experience with my kid in the near future.

 

I understand the hesitation from many about the place. My first time passing through there on a job assignment I felt the same. One thing that I did there was dress nicely in slacks and dress shoes so I didn't look like the other idiot tourists in crappy shorts and t shirts. 

[Cryingdick]

15 hours ago, loong said:

 

What do you suggest that people should do? Spend years studying law in Dubai before going on holiday?

 

I suggest bringing enough money that you are above the law if you go to Dubai.

[thaibeachlovers]

20 hours ago, loong said:

 

What do you suggest that people should do? Spend years studying law in Dubai before going on holiday?

 

Are you for real? Can learn everything one needs to know in a short google search.

 

If one doesn't want to know, don't complain when it comes back to bite one.

[thaibeachlovers]

8 hours ago, CanadaSam said:

<deleted> place, only somebody who wants to throw away their money for things you can get in many, many other places in the world would go there.  Same for almost all "muslim" countries.

Apparently never been there so talking out of his <deleted>. Tourism isn't just about buying stuff.

Speaking as one that has visited Dubai in particular, as well as the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi and Malaya, you obviously don't know anything about "muslim" countries.

[thaibeachlovers]

18 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

was there for several months and still don't know what's legal and illegal. However just using common sense does get you a long way.

Common sense being the key words. Only idiots that think every country is like the woke west get into trouble by thinking they can behave like boors wherever they are on the planet. Happily they can't.

[Hawaiian]

20 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

The UAE is a truly despotic place. I hope I never need to go there. Their regime is horrific. Go there at your own risk. 

My sentiments exactly. 

[Hawaiian]

15 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Apparently never been there so talking out of his <deleted>. Tourism isn't just about buying stuff.

Speaking as one that has visited Dubai in particular, as well as the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi and Malaya, you obviously don't know anything about "muslim" countries.

There are Muslim countries and there Muslim countries.  Prosecuting foreign tourists for minor infractions, IMO, is plain stupid.

[ukrules]

20 hours ago, loong said:

 

What do you suggest that people should do? Spend years studying law in Dubai before going on holiday?

 

It's simple, add it to your list of places to never visit and keep it there.

[EVENKEEL]

Dubai is a sailors dream. All the years I've been going there, never a problem. The same goes for the rest of the ship's crew, never an incident. I find it amusing that grown men would be afraid.