Are public displays of affection allowed in Dubai?
Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.
Related Questions
Can unmarried couples live together in Dubai?
Yes — cohabitation by unmarried couples was decriminalised under Federal Decree-Law 9 of 2021. Landlords and employers can no longer use unmarried status as grounds for eviction or complaint. Hotels have accommodated unmarried couples for years. The law also decriminalised consumption of alcohol in private homes. This was a significant social liberalisation in UAE law.
What is the dress code for public places in Dubai?
Shoulders and knees should be covered in shopping malls, government buildings, souks, and on public transport. Swimwear is only appropriate at pools and beaches. Lingerie-style clothing or anything deemed indecent can result in a fine or request to change. No specific law requires headscarves for non-Muslims, but respectful modesty is appreciated.