Safety in Dubai: What You Need to Know Before You Go

When people talk about safety in Dubai, a city where strict laws shape everyday behavior. Also known as public order in the UAE, it's not just about avoiding crime—it's about understanding what’s legal, what’s frowned upon, and what can land you in serious trouble. Unlike other global cities, safety here isn’t just police presence. It’s about respecting cultural and legal boundaries that tourists often don’t expect.

For example, public displays of affection, anything from holding hands to kissing. Also known as PDA, it’s not banned everywhere—but in Dubai, even a hug can be seen as inappropriate in public. The same goes for unmarried couples sharing a room, a common practice elsewhere but treated differently under UAE law. Also known as cohabitation rules, hotels may ask for proof of marriage, especially during Ramadan or if you’re flagged by local authorities. And while you can’t smoke in public areas, you also can’t vape, chew gum on the metro, or carry more than 400 cigarettes without declaring them. These aren’t suggestions—they’re enforceable laws with fines starting at AED 500, and for foreigners, deportation is a real risk.

What makes safety in Dubai confusing is how normal things in other countries become risky here. Taking a photo of a government building, using a dating app like Grindr, or even giving a thumbs-up can have consequences. The city is modern, clean, and safe from violent crime—but the real danger comes from ignorance. You don’t need to be a legal expert, but you do need to know the basics: what’s allowed in hotels, what’s okay in public, and what’s a hard no. The posts below cover every real-life scenario travelers and expats face—from sleeping with your partner in a hotel to whether Coca-Cola is banned (it’s not) to how much money you actually need to stay out of trouble. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you step off the plane.