Mistakes to Avoid as a New Resident or Visitor to Dubai

Starting a new life in Dubai

Are you moving to Dubai or coming here for an extended period of time? Living in Dubai can be exciting — the city offers luxury, career opportunities and a multicultural environment. But the culture of Dubai also has its unwritten rules. What is common at home can be considered disrespectful or even illegal in Dubai. In the following lines, we will look at the common missteps of newcomers and advise how to avoid them in order to fit into the local environment without problems.

Hot, but decently

It can be hot in Dubai, but leave revealing clothes for the hotel pool instead. In public, and especially in traditional parts of the city, modest dress is expected — draped shoulders and knees, no deep necklines or miniskirts. Walking without a shirt off the beach is a faux pas. Cross-dressing(a man dressed as a woman and vice versa) is even against the law and can lead to detention. In short, choose tasteful and light clothes that respect local customs. In mosques and religious premises, the rules are even stricter.

Public displays of affection

Do you hold hands with your partner? In Dubai, it is accepted for heterosexual couples. But kissing, hugging or passionate gestures in public do not belong here. Local laws consider such behavior indecent, and you can get a reprimand or fine for it. This rule applies equally to tourists as to residents. Homosexuality is illegal in the UAE, so be especially careful — public romantic gestures between people of the same sex could put you in serious trouble. Lesson? Rather, show love and affection in the privacy of your home, and maintain restraint in public.

Inappropriate gestures and words can make you hate

At home, you may occasionally wither a curse or in inflammation chauffeured You make a rude gesture.. In Dubai, quickly forget about it! Rude swearing, public vulgarisms or an erect middle man are criminalYou could end up in jail or be deported for them. Likewise insultingof religion, disrespect for rulersAny mockery of local traditions is strictly prohibited.

No alcohol on the street, no drugs

Like other modern metropolises, you can indulge in licensed bars or at home, but drinking in public or appearing drunk is illegal. To buy and store alcohol at home, as a resident you need a special license. Also, in public you will not see people smoking outside the reserved zones - it is fined. Drugs are completely taboo — even a small amount or a positive drug test can mean harsh punishments. Do not assume that small offenses will be “lost” - in Dubai, the laws are strictly enforced.

Also, thanks to these rules, we feel really safe in Dubai. You don't get annoyed by drunk people on the street — and we know how annoying it can be. And if you think that Dubai is boring because of its laws, you are mistaken. On the contrary, there is a lot of fun, just everyone knows where the limits are

Photography and privacy

Dubai is photogenic, but be careful what (and whom) you photograph. Do not photograph local people without permission, especially women in traditional dress — this is considered an invasion of privacy and can be reported as an offence. Also do not point the lensto government buildings, military facilities or incidents (e.g. traffic accidents).

Rules in residential communities

As a new resident of Dubai, you may be anchored in a modern tower or a quiet gated community — living here is comfortable, but at the same time requires a bit of consideration. Locals take seriously the calm after ten in the evening, so loud music or exuberant celebrations belong more in the establishments of the city than in the living room. Cleanliness is a matter of course here - garbage is thrown away only in designated places, and linen should not hang over the balcony, so as not to spoil the impression of the building. Fines for violation of these rules are not symbolic, so it is worth adhering to them. Most residences have a 24-hour reception and security, so it is natural to lock the apartment and respect the rules when visiting, from registering guests to maintaining the adequate capacity of the apartment. And although today even unmarried couples can already live together, a little discretion is still appreciated. Thanks to such customs, life in Dubai seems orderly and friendly - and good neighborly relations will quickly return to you.

Good manners bear fruit: Why it's worth it

You might say there's a lot to remember. Why, in fact, put so much effort into cultural sensitivity? Here are the main benefits that you will get with decent behavior and respect for the local culture:

• Better relationships and reputationt: When you treat yourself with respect, you gain trust from neighbours, colleagues and local authorities. People in Dubai are used to foreigners, but they will always appreciate it if a foreigner tries to understand their culture. The result can be friendships across cultures and seamless integration into the community. In business as well as in neighborhood life, respect breeds respect.
• Less stress and annoyancein: By following the rules, you will avoid conflicts with the law and unnecessary stress. You will not have to worry about fines or unpleasant situations. Dubai can be a wonderful place to live if you accept its rules— if you identify with them, a great and safe experience awaits you here. Instead of being afraid to make mistakes, you can fully enjoy everything the city has to offer.
• Professional success:In Dubai's multicultural environment, often work success also depends on the ability to adapt. If You will show cultural intelligence, both employers and business partners notice this. You will show that you are diplomatic and know how to navigate in an international environment - these are highly valued qualities. So you can get better job opportunities and career growth.

Dubai is ready to welcome you with open arms, and now you know what mistakes to avoid in order to impress in the best light. If you are planning to move to Dubai permanently or are looking for ideal housing, Move Homes is here to help you. We are experts in the Dubai real estate market and will be happy to guide you every step of the way — from choosing suitable housing to arranging all the formalities.