The UAE is one of the most popular places for recreation . However, when going here, it should be remembered that this country is Muslim. Despite the fact that the guests here are fairly loyal (in fact tourism is one of the main income items in the country's economy), there are some laws of the UAE that a tourist should know and that must be observed so as not to fall into a critical situation.
Most of the laws in the United Arab Emirates are similar, but one should still remember that the state is federal, it consists of seven separate monarchies , and in some of the emirates the punishment for sin can be more severe than in others.
Ramadan
In general, the laws of the UAE are based on the rules of the Shari'a, and the harshest of them refer to Ramadan, the sacred month for all Muslims. At this time prohibited:
- noisy entertainment (bars and discos at this time simply closed);
- sale of alcohol during the day (even in tourist places);
- public use of drinks and food, as well as smoking (applies to tourists).
The time of Ramadan is determined by the lunar calendar, every year it comes in different months. It is best not to travel to the UAE in Ramadan at all.
No alcohol law
In all Muslim countries, there is a ban on alcohol, spreading to local residents. But what about the dry law in the UAE for tourists ? At discotheques or in bars, restaurants, especially those that relate to hotels , you can safely consume alcohol. However, going beyond the boundaries of these institutions, one should observe public order.
For being in a state of intoxication in a public place, a fine is expected. True, the tourists are often treated with understanding, but to fall into such a state on the eyes of a policeman still should not. And even more so, you should not get drunk for driving a car - the status of a foreign tourist will not be saved here, and you will have to serve a prison sentence. And about "running away" from a police car, there can not be a speech at all.
By the way, the amount of punishment drunk to the severity does not affect - a serious penalty will have to pay to those who got behind the wheel only after a glass of beer.
Where in the UAE the dry law operates especially strictly, so it is in the emirate of Sharjah : here alcohol is not sold at all - neither in restaurants, nor in bars, and for a drunken appearance in a public place there is a very serious fine. Here, however, there are special institutions "Wanderers Sharjah", designed for workers of foreign origin, where alcohol can be purchased.
Drugs
The use, possession or transportation of drugs is subject to a very serious penalty. The police have the right to compulsorily take a blood test from a person who is suspected of being in a state of drug intoxication. And if the traces of prohibited substances are found to the guilty (even if he took the prohibited drug before coming to the country), he faces imprisonment.
Please note: the list of banned drugs in the UAE is slightly different from what is familiar to us. For example, codeine containing painkillers fall under the ban. Therefore, if necessary, take drugs with you is better to start consulting in the embassy of the UAE, whether it is allowed to import specific substances (medicines) into the country, and at the same time to take with them a doctor's prescription.
Dress code
Within the hotel and the resort area, there are no restrictions on clothes, except for the fact that men do not have the right to appear undressed, and women - even topless. But when you go to a shopping center, when walking around the city or on a tour, it is better for men to wear long trousers instead of shorts, and women - a long skirt (short is a skirt that opens the knees). Too open t-shirts should not be worn by anyone.
Women should refuse not only from the big decollete, but also from the clothes opening the stomach or back, and also from the transparent one. For violation of the "dress code" can impose a large fine, but even if this does not happen, a person dressed "not according to the rules" may simply not be allowed into a store, cafe, exhibition or any other object.
Attitude to the ladies
The laws of the UAE for women are strict enough not only for clothing, but they mostly concern local women. But tourists are strongly advised not to photograph women without their permission, and even ask them for directions. It is best not to talk to them at all and not to look at them.
What else can not be done in the UAE?
There are a number of rules that should be observed:
- On the streets, you should not show your feelings: hugging and kissing in public places. The maximum that heterosexual couples can afford is to hold hands. But homosexual couples generally do not have to show themselves in any way, because for non-traditional orientation punishment is very strict (for example, in Dubai - 10 years of imprisonment, and in the emirate of Abu Dhabi - as many as 14).
- Foul language in the streets and make indecent gestures is forbidden - even when using them in conversation with each other.
- It is undesirable to photograph without their permission and men.
- It is very accurate to photograph buildings: if it "accidentally" turns out to be a government building, the palace of the sheikh , a military object - avoiding the charge of espionage will be very difficult.
- It is forbidden to gamble. And such are "any games in which one of the parties will have to give in case of a loss a certain sum of money." That is, by and large, betting on money is also prohibited. "Player" can receive 2 years in prison, the organizer of gambling - up to 10 years.
- You can not smoke outside the designated areas.
- You can not dance in public (in places not designated for this).
- It is advisable not to eat on the go.
- Do not exceed the speed - even in a sober state.
Many tourist portals recommend when traveling to the UAE to take more money with you than planned to spend, in case you have to pay fines.
Interesting Facts
In the UAE there are very pleasant laws for citizens: for example, newborns expect "seed capital" in the equivalent of $ 60,000. A young person over 21 years of age without a permanent income (including this applies to students), marrying a compatriot, can receive an equivalent $ 19,000 as an interest-free loan, and if a child's family is born, you will not have to repay the loan, the state will do it instead.