Guide to safe living in UAE
- Bathing suits are OK in hotel pools and private beaches
- Men are also expected to dress decently with no bold overtones. Absolutely no cross-dressing
- Holding hands and kissing are unacceptable and can lead to arrest
- During Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month, people are expected to abstain from alcohol, dancing, chewing gum, smoking and singing in public during the day
- Eat/drink with your right hand as the left hand is considered to be unhygienic in this part of the world
- Don't show the soles of your feet or shoes as this implies disrespectful to others -- that you are comparing the person to soles or 'dirt / trash'
- If a Muslim is praying, do not walk in front of him or stare at him
- If you have not accepted Islam as religion, take prior permission before entering a mosque
- Do not point fingers at others as this is considered disrespectful
- Taxi passengers should avoid sitting in front seat of the taxicab; 'small talk' can be misinterpreted as over-friendliness or even a form of propositioning by taxi drivers
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications are often considered illegal or a controlled substance. Keep your medicines in their original containers and bring a letter from your doctor as well as a copy of your prescription with you
- Possession of illegal drugs, or the presence of an illegal substance in a blood or urine test, clothing, body or in your luggage, could lead to arrest
- Don't drink and drive. Alcohol is served at bars in major hotels but is intended for hotel guests
- Drinking or possession of alcohol without a Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal and may lead to fines and imprisonment
- Avoid making obscene hand gestures, using inappropriate (foul) language to anyone
Source: Handbook on how to avoid jail
