Dubai Laws for Expats
From visa requirement laws to cultural and societal laws, complying with the laws in Dubai is probably one of the most important things to do, as it ensures that your stay in Dubai is risk-free from being deported or imprisoned due to the difference in laws back in your home country.
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With Dubai’s luxurious lifestyle, it is no surprise that many professionals and families are considering moving to Dubai. That said, it is important to understand the city-state laws and regulations to avoid any hassle regarding your stay.
What are the laws in Dubai? Are you eager to understand how the laws and regulations are different from those in your own countries? Do you know the dos and don’ts in the city-state? This article has got your back by providing all the necessary bite-size information.
In this article, we will cover the laws and regulations that an expat in Dubai might want to fully understand, from visa and employment laws to cultural laws that are often forgotten by foreigners, such as alcohol and dress code laws.
Dubai Laws: Living in Dubai
The legal system of the UAE is a blend of Islamic Sharia (traditional Islamic religious) Law and civil law. The system has also been extended to include the common law as being practiced in Dubai International Financial Center Courts (DIFC Courts).
Thanks to the system, Dubai is one of the safest cities with a very low crime rate amongst the Emirates. It is also recommended that expats should stick to the rules as Dubai has strict law enforcement in which even minor violations of the law are often noticed.
Visa Requirement Laws
Foreigners planning to move to Dubai must pay extra attention to the visa requirements. Here are some key points worth mentioning:
- Work visas require sponsorship by an employer, which usually has specific job titles and minimum salary requirements
- Residence visas are required for anyone staying longer than 90 days, and health insurance is needed for all types of visas
- Citizens from a list of countries are eligible for a visa on arrival or e-visa, while others need to complete their visa application in advance
- Passports must have at least six months from the expected time of arrival in the UAE
Employment Laws in Dubai
The UAE Labor Law No.8 of 1980 outlines the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees in Dubai. Employers must adhere to these laws to provide fair treatment for their workers, and employees must follow these compliances to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship with employers.
Below are some of the laws that are of most concern by employees:
- Employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 days paid annual leave per year
- An employee cannot work more than eight hours per day or six consecutive hours without a break (exceptions depending on industry type and job position)
- Every employee must have a fixed-term employment contract that is no more than three years
It is recommended to read the labor law guidelines in Dubai to get the most accurate information for your industry and position.
Dubai Laws: Culture and Society
Dubai has stringent laws concerning its culture and society, from obvious ones like theft, fraud, and assault to Dubai-specific laws that expats in the city have to follow closely to avoid landing in hot water. Below are some common rules and laws that one might violate.
Bounced Cheque Laws in Dubai
Bounced cheques occur when the writer of the cheque has insufficient funds available to fulfill the payment amount to the payee, causing a payment failure. This sounds trivial to most, as you can always write a new check or top-up your bank account.
But in fact, this is a criminal offense in Dubai. A bounced cheque means breaking an agreement, which could result in imprisonment. So, whenever you are making a cheque payment, make sure you have a sufficient amount to complete the transaction, especially when paying a large sum like paying rent.
Dubai’s Dress Code
Dressing modestly is a cultural norm that is an essential part of Dubai but is often forgotten by foreigners in the city. To avoid getting into unnecessary trouble, it is imperative for expats to understand the dress code laws to ensure a trouble-free experience in Dubai.
Here are the laws:
- Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothing.
- Women should always cover their shoulders and knees in public areas.
- Nakedness is prohibited everywhere in the city.
- Clothing with offensive language, symbols, or images is strictly prohibited.
Although Dubai is becoming more tolerable and open to dress code standards, it is still worth mentioning that it is best to keep it traditional when it comes to visiting religious and worship places.
Driving in Dubai
More laws and rules have been implemented for driving, aiming to reduce the number of road accidents, like in many other countries. Needless to say, driving without a license is going to get you in trouble. It is also illegal to:
- Tailgate
- Break the speed limit
- Lane hop
- Street race
- Using mobile phone
Especially for using mobile phones, you can see many people using them while driving. But don’t risk it, Dubai has been monitoring the issue more and more often, and you may face a fine if caught.
Public Display of Affection in Dubai
Kissing and cuddling in public areas can be seen as obscene acts whilst holding hands with a heterosexual partner is acceptable. Homosexuality is against the law in Dubai, so public displays of romantic gestures in a same-sex relationship can be troublesome.
It is against Dubai’s law to be in a sexual relationship with anyone under 18. Although sexual relationship is allowed when you’re over 18, cohabitation is limited to only married couples or otherwise illegal and could put you at risk of imprisonment or fines.
Dubai Drug Laws
Dubai laws have zero tolerance for drugs. This not only applies to narcotics that are basically illegal worldwide, but it also extends to some prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Here is the list of banned drugs in Dubai if you insist on bringing some.
If you’re caught with one of the banned drugs in your Dubai place or the airport, you could face an automatic imprisonment of at least four years before deportation back to your own country. To play safe, it is recommended that you bring absolutely no drugs with you when making your way to Dubai.
Alcohol Laws in Dubai
Alcohol is a typical drink among foreigners, however, that is not the case in Dubai. Dubai has strict laws on alcohol consumption and possession. Alcohol is only sold at licensed venues such as restaurants and hotels, and it is illegal to drink or be intoxicated in public places.
If you wish to purchase alcohol, expats in Dubai must obtain a liquor license. To get a license, the following criteria must be fulfilled.
- One must be above 21
- The holder of the permit must be non-Muslim
- UAE residents must hold a valid Emirates ID
- Tourists need their passports
You must comply with these rules before consuming or possessing alcohol while living in Dubai, or otherwise face serious consequences.
Photography and Media in Dubai
Dubai prohibits taking photos of certain government and military installations and people without their consent. With Dubai’s magnificent infrastructure, it is tempting to take a few, but be sure you know the rules before doing that.
If you would like to carry out media activities related to the transmission or distribution of visual and audio information, you will be required to obtain appropriate permission from the Media Regulatory Office website in advance. Failure to do so can result in arrest and deportation.
Disrespectful and Indecent Acts in Dubai
Being disrespectful to the government, businesses, and people is considered illegal in Dubai. This includes using swear words (in person and online) and insulting gestures. There were cases in which people were either detained or arrested, depending on the seriousness of the incident.
It is also illegal to go online using a VPN in Dubai, which is treated as potential cybercrime activity.
Penalties for Violating Dubai Laws
While you are living in the UAE, you are subject to its laws. Each Emirate has its own dependent judicial system, legal procedures, and penalties vary throughout the country. Dubai’s penalties range from fines and imprisonment to deportation and blacklisting.
Fines/ Imprisonment in Dubai
Violations of the law can result in hefty fines of up to AED 50,000, even for minor offenses such as swearing and being disrespectful. Here are the sentences you can expect if you happen to violate any of the laws:
| Types of Offenses | Sentence |
| Being disrespectful | One year imprisonment and an AED 10,000 fine |
| Filming an accident scene | Six months of imprisonment and a fine between AED 150,000 to 500,000 |
| Possession of illegal drugs | A minimum of three months of imprisonment or a fine of between AED 20,000 and AED 100,000 |
| Drinking alcohol in public areas | A small fine and/or imprisonment for six months |
Deportation
Regardless of the severity of the violation, foreigners may face deportation upon committing offenses. Common reasons include:
- Violating immigration rules such as overstaying a visa
- Committing a minor/major crime
Deportation can result in long-term reputational damage to an individual and adversely affect career prospects. It is, therefore, crucial to adhere to all local laws and regulations to avoid getting in hot water. Expats have the right to appeal whenever they feel like the decision of deportation is unfair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do foreigners need to know about rules and regulations in Dubai?
Dubai has laws around visas, employment, family matters, property ownership, public behavior, and more. Major rules include requiring residency visas to live/work long-term, bans on public drunkenness and kissing, and women/men’s specific dress codes.
What legal protections and responsibilities do expats have?
Expats have rights regarding employment contracts, but the legal system is based on Sharia law, and Arabic is the official language in courts. Responsibilities include following visa rules and cultural norms around modest dress, public displays of affection, and alcohol consumption.
What limitations or obligations do expats face when living in Dubai?
Long-term expats need valid residency visas sponsored by employers to live in Dubai legally. They also must adhere to laws on speech, media access, and religious proselytizing. Alcohol consumption is restricted, and drug trafficking penalties are severe. Certain behaviors are off-limits in public.
How well-suited is Dubai as a place for expatriates to live and work?
Dubai offers expatriates attractive jobs and tax-free salaries, world-class amenities, and a safe environment. However, severe penalties for non-compliance with laws, cultural adjustment challenges, and limited rights make it best suited for those comfortable with its legal system and social norms.
Conclusion
Dubai has a lot of unusual laws that you might not have experienced back in your home country. Fully understanding all these laws will save you from landing in hot water and resulting in fines or even imprisonment and deportation.
Are you moving to Dubai from The US, Canada, The United Kingdom, and China? We have more detailed guidelines regarding things you must consider before moving.
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Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.
Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.
Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.
Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
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