United Arab Emirates

Good to know

• Strict laws and local respect — In the UAE, Sharia applies even to non-Muslims (with varying flexibility from emirate to emirate). Behave discreetly: no public displays of affection or physical contact, no rude gestures or insults (including on social media), no nudity; homosexuality is punishable. It is a serious offence to spread images or statements harming the country's reputation. Do NOT photograph government, military, airport, mosque sites or police operations (immediate arrest). Drones are banned without authorisation. During Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight.
• Alcohol: strict rules — Alcohol is served only in licensed bars and restaurants (in hotels), for over-21s: drinking in public places is forbidden, and being visibly drunk is an offence (even just in transit). Driving after drinking even a tiny amount is a criminal offence carrying prison. BEWARE of the emirate of Sharjah, where alcohol is totally banned (purchase, possession and consumption) and dress must be particularly modest.
• Drugs: zero tolerance — The Emirates have one of the world's strictest drug laws: even minute traces (milligrams, even in a test on return) are harshly punished, from 4 years up to the death penalty for trafficking. There is no distinction between soft and hard drugs. As noted above, some common medicines count as controlled substances: always travel with the prescription and the Ministry of Health permit.
• Driving and on foot — An International Driving Permit is required; roads are excellent but speed limits are enforced by a dense network of cameras (very high fines). Electronic tolls are charged automatically (Salik in Dubai, Darb in Abu Dhabi), usually included in rentals. Cross the road ONLY at crossings: jaywalking is punished with fines up to 10,000 AED. Distances are long and a car is almost essential outside the cities.
• Debts, scams and lost property — Always settle any outstanding matters before leaving: even unpaid traffic fines or bills can cause detention on your next entry or airport transit. Beware of fake job or business offers requesting advance payments (a common scam). If you find lost property, hand it to the police within 48 hours (failure to do so is penalised).