The first thing that you need to consider when you are visiting Dubai is the modesty of your outfit. This is very important because as I’ve mentioned before, Dubai is a conservative country and it is strongly advised for you to dress modestly when you are out in public places. You might be surprised when I tell you this but Dubai is actually a pretty liberal country when it comes to their dress code. Yes, they do have rules and regulations on how people should dress in public areas but it’s not as strict as other countries in the Middle East. So what does dressing modestly mean? It means that you must have your shoulders and knees covered at all times. This rule applies for both men and women. If you are wearing a shirt, make sure that it covers your shoulders and if you are wearing a dress or shorts, make sure that they at least reach the middle of your thigh. You should also wear something loose and comfortable when walking around in Dubai’s hot weather. Make sure that your clothes are made from light, breathable fabric so that you won’t feel too hot under the sun. Cotton material is the best choice for this purpose.
The UAE has a reputation for being a sheltered, conservative society. While Dubai is certainly more open and liberal than other nearby cities, there are still many rules and regulations that you must follow. Like in many countries, kissing and cuddling in public is not welcomed. This can include displays of affection between married or unmarried couples. For example, holding hands is allowed but kissing is not. Public displays of affection (PDA) are frowned upon by the Emirates culture and may be met with fines, jail time or deportation. Solo travelers are advised to keep their PDA at home too; holding hands with someone you're not married to can get you into trouble here. Dubai is a very modern city, so it's important to remember that morals and values are different here than what you may be used to in your home country. Keep your romantic gestures for the privacy of your hotel room or avoid them altogether; it's best to err on the side of caution when visiting an unfamiliar place.
Despite the fact that Dubai is a highly liberalized city, drugs are still illegal in the UAE and there is a death penalty for serious offenses. There are no controlled substances in the United Arab Emirates and hence, it's illegal to take medicines from home with you (unless you have a doctor's note). UAE law does not allow prescription or over-the-counter drugs into the country unless accompanied by a doctor's letter of approval. Be sure to bring your prescriptions or a letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is and why you need it. If your medicine is not legal in UAE, you will have to abandon it at customs. You can carry medication on your person or in your hand luggage. Make sure you have enough supplies to last your entire stay, plus some extra just in case of travel delays or lost luggage. You should also keep them in their original packing so that they are clearly identifiable. It is advisable to keep all medicines in their original container because if the medication looks like a recreational drug, you may be subject to arrest and prosecution.
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ENTRIES END AT NoVember 2, 2023 at 9:00 PM CST
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