Dubai dazzles visitors with futuristic towers, luxury hotels, and enormous shopping malls, yet beneath the modern skyline lies a deeply traditional society shaped by religion, honor, and strict social codes. Understanding Dubai Travel Etiquette is essential for anyone visiting the United Arab Emirates, because behavior considered normal in Europe or Israel can sometimes lead to anger, fines, or even arrest in public spaces across the emirate.
In Dubai we can see impressive skyscrapers, wide roads, and luxury cars. For a moment we will feel like we have arrived in New York or Hong Kong. Modernity is evident everywhere, and it may make us forget that we are in a Muslim country that is governed by Sharia law
Dubai is home to about ten million people, and only about a tenth of them are citizens of the emirates. The rest are foreign workers from India and Pakistan, as well as from the US and Europe. The foreigners are dressed like us, but most of the locals are dressed in a white robe called "Kandura" which is similar to our "Kitel". We, who know our Palestinian neighbors in the villages in Judea and Samaria, are trapped by the stigma that the people wearing the galabiyas are primitive. Well, in the UAE this is not the case
Understanding Dubai Travel Etiquette
Most of the locals I have met are highly educated and very intelligent. Almost everyone has studied at the most prestigious universities in the world, especially Oxford in England and Harvard in Boston. Dubai has branches of New York University and the Sorbonne University. They speak fine English, and among them are more women who have graduated from universities abroad, and are more educated than men. They are broad-minded
I asked one of my acquaintances why he is wearing this simple robe? After all, in his wealth, he can afford custom-made suits. He replied that it is a matter of proud tradition. That Muslim man said that the candor for them is like the Kipah I wear or the Tzizit under my shirt. I was surprised he even knew what a Tzizit is, while I did not know what a candor is. The lesson is that we must not underestimate the emirates. They are religious people who respect faith in God, and observance of mitzvos and kosher. That is why they value the Jews, who seem to them to be similar in faith
Respect and Public Behavior in Emirati Society
They have standards of respect. Respect for themselves, others, and traditions. Behavioral norms of disrespect are received with hostility and denial. In the mild cases, we encounter an angry look from locals, and a conspicuous attitude of disrespect might even result in arrest and deportation from the country. For example, about a month ago a couple of English tourists ended up spending an evening on the marina promenade of Dubai, and took a taxi back to the hotel. During the ride, the woman and her husband began to hug and kiss in the back seat. The taxi driver veered off the track, driving them to the police station, where they spent the rest of the night in custody
Emirates love tourists and love their traditions more. In the UAE there is no alcohol, no casino, and no dance clubs for locals. On the other hand, hotel areas are considered "ex-territory" where tourists and locals are allowed to behave freely as in Israel and overseas. Only in hotels we can get liquor and dress like in Thailand, but in the public areas of the city there are different rules of conduct that we need to be familiar with. Their modest practices can arouse envy in the religious public in Israel
Public Behavior Rules in Dubai
Here are the rules of etiquette and behavior that will not get you in trouble: i
We must dress modestly in public, in tourist sites, and in malls. Immodest dress is considered burglary and an expression of disrespect. Both women and men are not allowed to walk around wearing shorts or dresses above the knees, and shirts that expose the shoulders. T-shirts and tights are strictly prohibited. Some police officers enforce this
All religious worship is forbidden in public. Therefore, we are not allowed to organize a Minyan prayer in public, but only in the local synagogues or in our hotel rooms. I have heard of friends praying Mincha in minyan at the terrace to the Burj Khalifa tower. This provoked resentment among the locals who did nothing to stop the prayer, but in the future the police might intervene. Don't do it
The locals take the corona's instructions seriously. Signs for keeping a distance on the floor of the terminal or on a sidewalk on the street are carefully kept. Anyone who overlaps in the Israeli style may face a heavy fine
Public Displays of Affection
Make sure not to show affection in public, such as walking hand in hand, hugs and kisses. Even between a husband and wife
Only married couples are allowed to get a double room in hotels. Unmarried couples are required to rent two separate rooms. This regulation is not strictly enforced
Muslims and their religion must not be insulted, and the royal family must not be slandered. It is better not to talk about politics at all, and not to mention the Palestinians
Loud Behavior and Hand Gestures
The locals do not shout, nor speak loudly on the mobile phone. They also expect tourists to respect the quiet, rather than belittle them with noisy behavior
A mosque is a sacred place. It is forbidden to photograph mosques because in their eyes it is considered sacrilege. Serious offense! Many tourists sin especially in the amazing Sheikh Zaire Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Photography Restrictions and Privacy Laws
Do not photograph government buildings or terminals at airports
It is forbidden to photograph local people without asking their permission first. In their culture, it is an expression of disrespect and invasion of privacy
Loud Behavior and Hand Gestures
Do not initiate handshakes to strangers unless the local reaches out first
Local women will not shake our hand. So are some of the clergy
We, the Israelis, "speak with our hands" and accompany our words with hand gestures. In the Emirates it is considered impudence and aggression
A person is not allowed to point, and waving a triple finger can result in arrest
The UAE has separate bathing beaches for women and for men, more than in Israel. Therefore, when we go to the beach, we must be careful and check that we do not accidentally enter the beach of women, and vice versa
In stores, prices for the products are not displayed. Do not bargain with the sellers. This is considered an insult that could cause sellers to evict us from their store
Learning Dubai Travel Etiquette allows visitors to experience the city with far greater confidence and respect. Behind the glittering skyline and luxury lifestyle stands a conservative culture that values modesty, tradition, and public discipline. Travelers who understand these unwritten rules often discover that Dubai is not only impressive in wealth and architecture, but also fascinating in the way it blends rapid modernization with deeply rooted cultural identity.
Before traveling to Dubai, it is worth taking some time to understand both the local culture and the practical aspects of visiting the emirate. Those looking for kosher food, Jewish services, and helpful recommendations for observant visitors may also find Kosher Dubai travel guide useful when planning their trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Travel Etiquette
Can tourists wear shorts in Dubai?
Tourists can wear shorts in some hotel and beach areas, but modest clothing is recommended in malls, markets, and public places. Very short clothing or revealing outfits may attract unwanted attention or complaints.
Is public kissing allowed in Dubai?
Public displays of affection are strongly discouraged in Dubai. Kissing and intimate behavior in public have occasionally led to police involvement and legal problems for tourists.
Can tourists drink alcohol in Dubai?
Alcohol is available mainly in hotels, bars, and licensed restaurants. Drinking or appearing intoxicated in public places outside tourist zones can create serious legal trouble.
Is it legal to photograph people in Dubai?
Photographing local residents without permission is considered disrespectful and may violate privacy laws. Tourists should be especially careful near women, government buildings, airports, and mosques.
What topics should tourists avoid discussing in Dubai?
It is best to avoid criticism of Islam, the royal family, or sensitive political subjects. Conversations about regional conflicts can also create discomfort in social situations.
Why is Dubai considered strict despite being modern?
Dubai combines global business culture with conservative Islamic traditions and Sharia based laws. While the city appears highly westernized, many social rules remain deeply influenced by local customs and religious values.