Dubai's harsh laws for tourists

Dubai, UAE is famous for its glitz and glamour of 5-star hotels, fancy restaurants and infinity pools. However, the city also has a dark side that few tourists understand - extremely strict laws. Here are some seemingly harmless actions of tourists that can land them in jail when visiting Dubai.

Take a photo

In its UAE travel advice, the UK government notes that taking photos of some government buildings, military bases and private homes without permission is illegal in Dubai.

Simon Hood, CEO of transport company John Mason International, said even taking a quick photo of someone in a public place could be breaking the law and getting into trouble.

Use a virtual private network (VPN)

According to Simon, people in the UK can use VPNs to access restricted websites or for security reasons. But in Dubai, using a VPN to access blocked websites is illegal.

"Many tourists are using this app on their electronic devices but forget to turn it off when they arrive in Dubai. And they find themselves breaking the law," Simon said.

Speak without thinking on social networks

According to the UK government website gov.uk, it is illegal to post videos, photos, or content that criticizes the government, businesses, individuals, or is related to incidents in the UAE. An Irish tourist is facing several years in a Dubai prison for sending a ninja emoji to an acquaintance to suggest that the person was a shoplifter.

Simon added that sharing anything, such as posting photos of strangers or videos of an accident, could also expose tourists to "defamation and insult" charges as well as fines or jail time.

Prohibited items and substances

The US government warns that poppy seeds, even if they are just an ingredient in bread, are on the list of controlled substances when entering the UAE. Codeine-containing drugs are also on the list.

“If you carry these without a prescription or valid documentation, you could get into trouble,” says Simon.

Drones, e-cigarettes, and hoverboards also require special permits. Books about magic or witchcraft, like the Harry Potter books, may be subject to extra scrutiny at customs.

One of Simon’s customers used newspaper to wrap a consignment. Customs flagged the shipment because of the provocative images and headlines on the newspaper, delaying the shipment by several weeks and incurring additional costs.

Premarital sex

Consensual sex between people over 18 is legal in Dubai, provided the other person or their family does not file a complaint. But if the partner is under 18, the visitor will be sentenced to prison. If both are under 18, they will also be prosecuted but may not face jail time.

Same-sex marriage and sexual activity are not recognised in the UAE. Kissing in public is frowned upon by the government and visitors can be arrested.

Vietnamese tourists pose when coming to Dubai

Swearing

Swearing and making rude gestures, even online, are illegal and considered rude. Visitors face jail time or deportation.

While driving, passengers who use offensive gestures or vulgar language towards other drivers will be fined, imprisoned or deported.

Alcohol, drugs

Drinking alcohol and being drunk in public is illegal in the UAE. Guests can buy and drink at licensed hotels, restaurants and bars. If they want to drink at home, they need to apply for a license.

The UAE government has declared zero tolerance for drug-related offences. Possession of small amounts of illegal drugs can result in a three-month prison sentence, while drug trafficking can result in the death penalty.

Herbal medicines and products containing cannabidiol (CBD - a natural compound found in cannabis) are illegal. Even skin care products and e-cigarettes containing CBD oil have led to criminal charges.

Dress like a woman

It is illegal for men to dress as women. Women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees, and should not show underwear. Swimsuits should only be worn at the beach or pool.

Ramadan regulations

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited from sunrise to sunset. Non-Muslims must also observe this rule in public.

Simon added that even outside of Ramadan, eating and drinking on public transport is considered illegal.

TH (according to VnExpress)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/luat-le-ha-khac-voi-khach-du-lich-cua-dubai-400707.html