The UAE is a welcoming place for newcomers, and most of what you need to know comes down to courtesy and respect. A small number of rules are different from what many new residents are used to, some carry significant penalties, and a few differ between the seven emirates.
Information current as at 23 September 2026. Next scheduled review: 5 January 2027.
This guide provides general information only. It is not legal, medical, immigration or professional advice and must not be relied on as such. UAE laws, regulations, fees and official guidance change, sometimes without notice, and can differ between emirates. Always confirm the current position with the relevant UAE authority before acting, and take advice from a UAE-licensed lawyer on any matter with legal consequences. See the full legal notice at the end of this page and our Terms of Use.
Penalty figures are given only where they appear in the text of the law as reported by UAE law firms. Where figures are not confirmed from such sources, we describe penalties in general terms and point you to the authority concerned.
This guide separates three things: what the law says, what official guidance recommends, and what is simply good manners. Where the position is not clearly set out in official sources, we say so and recommend the cautious course.
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates, established on 2 December 1971, each with its own ruler. Islam is the religion of the state and shapes the calendar, the working week, public holidays and many social norms. The UAE is also home to residents of more than 200 nationalities. Reported
Four values help explain much of daily life. Practice
Prayer times, Ramadan and Islamic holidays set the rhythm of the year. Non-Muslims are not expected to take part, only to be respectful.
Family is central to Emirati life. Friendly questions about your family are a normal part of getting to know someone.
Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates are offered to guests as a matter of honour.
A person's dignity and privacy are protected socially and in law. This is the area newcomers most often underestimate (see Section 8).
The UAE has a codified legal system. Key federal laws for residents include the Crimes and Penalties Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021) and the law on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes (Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021). Law Individual emirates also regulate certain matters, such as alcohol, so the answer to "is this allowed?" can depend on where you are.
This table summarises commonly reported differences. It is a general overview only; check with the relevant emirate authority for your circumstances.
| Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah | Ras Al Khaimah | Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Licensed venues and licensed retailers; minimum age 21 Reported | Licensed venues and retailers; minimum age 21 Reported | Not permitted Reported | Licensed venues; minimum age for sale and service 18 from 1 January 2026 Reported | Licensed venues, more limited availability; minimum age 21 Reported |
| Dress | Modest in public; resort areas more relaxed | Modest in public; resort areas more relaxed | Stricter decency standards Reported | Modest in public | More conservative outside hotels |
| Government working week | Monday to Friday, Friday a shorter day Reported | Monday to Friday, Friday a shorter day Reported | Monday to Thursday; Friday to Sunday weekend Reported | As federal | As federal |
Carrying alcohol into or through an emirate where it is not permitted is reported to be illegal. If you live in Sharjah or travel through it, plan accordingly. Reported For choosing where to live, see our Housing Guide.
All of the following is general etiquette guidance. Practice
Women are not required to cover their hair in daily life in the UAE; a head covering is required when entering a mosque. Practice The general standard in public places is modest: shoulders and knees covered, and nothing sheer, very tight or revealing. Venues, malls and emirates may set their own dress codes, and security staff may ask visitors to comply. Always follow such requests. Reported
| Setting | General guidance |
|---|---|
| Malls, souks, public transport | Shoulders and knees covered; avoid sheer or very tight clothing; men should not be bare-chested |
| Government offices, courts, hospitals | Conservative dress: sleeves, long trousers or long skirts |
| Beaches and pools | Swimwear at the beach or pool only; cover up when leaving; topless sunbathing is not permitted Reported |
| Hotels and restaurants | Follow the venue's own dress code |
| Clothing with slogans or images | Avoid anything offensive or with religious or political references |
| Sharjah | Dress conservatively at all times in public |
Emirati men often wear the kandura (long robe) with a ghutra (headcloth) and agal (cord). Emirati women often wear the abaya and shayla. Newcomers are not expected to wear traditional dress, and wearing it as a costume is best avoided. Practice
As reported in September 2026, following changes published by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre: Reported
Fees, hours and rules may change, including during Ramadan. Check szgmc.gov.ae before you visit.
In Dubai, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding offers cultural programmes for newcomers. Check its website for its current programme.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims who are able to fast abstain from food, drink and smoking from dawn to sunset. It is a month of prayer, reflection, charity and community. The UAE follows the official announcement of the moon-sighting committee, and because the Islamic year is shorter than the Gregorian year, Ramadan arrives around 11 days earlier each year. Official
| Event | Expected date | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First day of Ramadan | Monday 8 February 2027 | Astronomical calculations reported by UAE media Reported |
| Eid Al Fitr | Tuesday 9 or Wednesday 10 March 2027 | Reported |
| Eid Al Fitr public holiday | Expected 9 to 11 March, or to 12 March if Ramadan lasts 30 days | Reported |
These are planning dates only. Official dates are announced by UAE authorities, usually the evening before. Do not make non-refundable plans on the basis of expected dates.
Non-Muslims are not required to fast. Many restaurants and cafes operate during the day, and the official UAE government portal notes that non-Muslims can find dining options in designated areas. Official Reported
However, official and widely published guidance is clear that people should not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public places during fasting hours, and past legislation made this an offence. The treatment of this conduct under current legislation is not clearly set out in official sources, so the cautious course is to treat it as prohibited. Reported
In practice: eat and drink at home, inside restaurants and in designated areas; do not eat or drink in the street, on public transport, in a vehicle where you can be seen, or in front of people who are fasting.
| Date | Occasion | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 30 November 2026 | Commemoration Day | Observed nationally; not a separate public holiday in recent official holiday calendars Reported |
| Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026 | Eid Al Etihad (National Day) | Public holiday Reported |
| Friday 1 January 2027 | New Year's Day | Public holiday Reported |
| Expected 8 February 2027 | Start of Ramadan | Subject to moon sighting Reported |
| Expected 9 to 11 or 12 March 2027 | Eid Al Fitr | Subject to moon sighting Reported |
| Expected 15 to 18 May 2027 | Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha | Subject to moon sighting Reported |
| Expected 6 June 2027 | Islamic New Year | Subject to moon sighting Reported |
| Expected 14 August 2027 | Prophet Muhammad's Birthday | Subject to moon sighting Reported |
| 2 and 3 December 2027 | Eid Al Etihad | Expected public holiday Reported |
Under the UAE's public holidays resolution, the Cabinet can move certain holidays to the start or end of the week. Reported Always rely on the official announcement nearer the date. For events, see our Dubai Events 2026 and Abu Dhabi Events 2026 guides.
Greetings. "Eid Mubarak" is the standard greeting at both Eids. Practice
When a senior figure passes away, an official mourning period may be declared at federal or emirate level. Most recently, the Ruler's Court of Dubai declared ten days of official mourning from 21 September 2026 following the passing of the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Reported
During mourning periods, flags are flown at half-mast, broadcasters adjust their programming, and entertainment and official events may be cancelled or postponed. Any suspension of government work is set out in each announcement. Reported
General guidance: be mindful of the tone of your social media posts, check whether events you have booked are proceeding, and follow official announcements. Practice
Practice
Practice
Serve halal meat, keep it separate from any pork, avoid alcohol in cooking, and ask about dietary requirements as you would for any guest.
The following is a general summary of reported rules and is not a statement of the law. Confirm the current position with the relevant emirate authority or licensed retailer. Reported
Practice
Spiced rice with meat or fish
Slow-cooked wheat and meat
Fried dumplings with date syrup
Sweet vermicelli with egg
Spiced milk tea
This section summarises selected laws in general terms. It is not legal advice and is not a complete statement of any law. Laws are applied to the facts of each case by the UAE authorities and courts. If you have a concern about any matter below, take advice from a UAE-licensed lawyer.
Article 44 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 makes it an offence to use technology, with the intent of infringing a person's privacy and without their consent, to photograph others in any public or private place, or to share, copy or keep such images, among other conduct. The penalty set out in the law is imprisonment of at least six months and/or a fine of AED 150,000 to AED 500,000. Sharing images of accident victims is also covered. Law Reported
General guidance: do not photograph, film or post identifiable people without their consent. Do not photograph government, military or other restricted sites.
Article 43 of the same law makes it an offence to insult another person, or attribute to them something that may expose them to punishment or contempt, using an information network. The penalty set out in the law is imprisonment and/or a fine of AED 250,000 to AED 500,000. This can include messaging apps, comments and reviews. Law Reported
Insults and defamation in person are separately covered by the Crimes and Penalties Law. Law
General guidance: do not post or send insulting or accusatory content about any person or business. Raise complaints directly with the business or through official channels.
UAE law prohibits publishing content that insults the state, its symbols, its leaders or religions, or that threatens public order. This extends to online posts, reposts and messages. Law General guidance: do not post or share such content.
Under Federal Law No. 3 of 2021 on the Regulation of Donations, fundraising requires a permit from the competent authority, and individuals may not collect donations from the public. Promoting unlicensed donations online is separately an offence under Article 46 of the Cybercrime Law. Law Reported General guidance: give only through officially licensed organisations, and do not collect money for any cause, including for a colleague or on social media, without confirming it is permitted.
Some medicines that are available at home are controlled in the UAE and may need prior approval. The Emirates Drug Establishment operates a permit service for importing medicines for personal use. CBD and cannabis-derived products are not permitted. Official Reported
General guidance: before you travel, check each medicine against the official lists and permit requirements, carry your prescription and supporting medical documents, and consult a doctor about any medicine you are unsure of. Do not rely on this guide for this purpose.
Public displays of affection, offensive gestures, and loud or aggressive behaviour in public can lead to complaints and legal action. General guidance: keep physical affection private and remain calm in public, including when driving.
Dubai Metro has cabins reserved for women and children and for Gold Class ticket holders, and prohibits eating and drinking past the fare gates. Fines apply for breaches. Official Municipal rules in Dubai and Abu Dhabi restrict the misuse of balconies and building exteriors, such as hanging laundry in view. Reported Check the RTA and your local municipality for current rules.
Using technology, including VPNs, to commit an offence or to access prohibited services can itself be an offence. General guidance: follow the rules of your internet provider and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.
If you are involved in any legal matter, contact your embassy or consulate and a UAE-licensed lawyer as early as possible.
Guaranteeing a loan or transferring money for someone you do not fully trust can leave you liable. Keep financial matters formal and documented.
Write reviews carefully. Accusatory or insulting posts can expose you to a defamation case — raise disputes through official channels instead.
Assume nothing is private. Messages, calls and posts can form part of a case.
Rules on photography, alcohol, medicines and online speech differ significantly. Check before you act.
Fines are steep and strict, and drink driving has serious criminal consequences. See our Driving and Vehicle Guide.
Visa, Emirates ID, tenancy and utility deadlines lead to fines. Keep on top of them.
If you are unsure whether something is permitted, do not do it until you have checked. A two-minute search or a question to your employer, your landlord or a licensed adviser can save you a great deal of trouble.
The following is a general summary. Family and personal status matters depend on individual circumstances, nationality and religion. Take advice from a UAE-licensed lawyer before relying on any of it.
Practice
| Sector | General position |
|---|---|
| Federal government | Monday to Friday, with a shorter Friday; Saturday and Sunday weekend Reported |
| Sharjah government | Monday to Thursday; Friday to Sunday weekend Reported |
| Private sector | Set by each employer within the Labour Law, which provides for up to 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week as standard working time Law |
Since 2 January 2026, the Friday sermon and prayer take place at 12.45pm at mosques across the UAE, as announced by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat. Official Reported Many schools and offices finish earlier on Fridays, and roads near mosques are busy around this time.
Practice
For business setup and employment questions, see our guides library.
Practice
| Arabic | Meaning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| As-salamu alaykum | Peace be upon you | Greeting |
| Wa alaykum as-salam | And upon you peace | Reply |
| Shukran | Thank you | Everywhere |
| Afwan | You're welcome | Reply to thanks |
| Min fadlak / min fadlik | Please (to a man / to a woman) | Requests |
| Inshallah | God willing | Future plans |
| Mashallah | God has willed it | Admiring achievements or children |
| Mabrook | Congratulations | Celebrations |
| Yalla | Let's go | Informal |
| Khalas | Finished, enough | Informal |
| Ramadan Kareem | Generous Ramadan | During Ramadan |
| Eid Mubarak | Blessed Eid | During Eid |
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Emiratis are understanding of cultural differences and rarely expect expats to know everything. If you make a genuine mistake, a sincere apology is usually accepted. The effort to learn and respect the culture is what matters most.
Now that you understand the culture, explore our practical guides on everything from visas and housing to schools and banking — all designed to make your UAE relocation smooth and successful.
We use tags throughout this guide so you can see how dependable each statement is.
A requirement or prohibition stated in UAE legislation, with the instrument named.
Information from a UAE government source, such as a ministry, authority or official portal.
Information we have found in credible media reporting or announcements but which we have not been able to confirm directly against a primary official source.
Etiquette and good manners rather than law. Helpful and appreciated, but not legally required.
A detail that can change. Confirm it with the named authority before you rely on it.
This guide is general information about culture and customs for newcomers to the UAE. It is not legal advice, it does not cover every rule that may apply to you, and it does not replace the advice of a qualified professional.
Laws, fees, timings and policies change. Always check the current position with the relevant UAE authority, or a UAE-licensed lawyer, before acting.
Where an item is marked Reported, it has not been confirmed against a primary official source.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Details that change often, such as dates, fees, working hours and minimum ages, will be reviewed before Ramadan 2027 and before the 2027 National Day period.