Dubai gets thousands of visitors from Europe every year, but many remain unaware of the strict laws there, even suffering jail sentences as a result. This article explains more detail about the laws in Dubai.
Around 800,000 (yes that’s eight hundred thousand!) visitors from the UK alone travel to Dubai each year to enjoy what has been described as ‘paradise on Earth’. What most are ignorant of are the strict and often surprising laws in place in this paradise.
A Muslim state, Dubai has a different view of many things compared to the Western world, especially when it comes to personal relationships and drugs. If you were to visit Dubai without being aware of these laws you are potentially leaving yourself open to finding yourself being hauled off to jail for seemingly innocuous ‘crimes’ , unaware you that even did anything wrong.
There was a widely publicised case in which a couple from the UK were jailed for ‘openly expressing affection’ on a public beach in Dubai, but there have been many other examples;
- 4 year jail sentence for possessing 2 grams of cannabis.
- Jail term for man ‘possessing’ poppy seeds after eating a sandwich at Heathrow on his way to Dubai.
- 4 year jail sentence for microscopic traces of cannabis on a person’s shoe.
- One month in jail for kissing a man on the cheek in a Dubai restaurant.
- A lesbian couple jailed for one month for kissing on a Beach.
- Couple jailed for one year for kissing and cuddling in the back of a taxi.
The list goes on… In the year over 2006-2007 alone over 200 UK visitors were arrested for similar ‘crimes’.
This shows that anyone planning a trip to Dubai should really do their homework before departing, for instance there are almost 400 substances which are banned in Dubai. Many of these substances are in everyday use in the West, such as Poppy Seeds (mentioned above), Codeine (a common painkiller), Melatonin (used to combat jetlag), and remember it is also illegal to drink alcohol in public.
There is growing frustration with what appears to be a level of hypocrisy in the state, with public consumption of alcohol banned, yet many hotels providing free alcohol. Homosexuality and public displays of affection banned but prostitution legal etc..
Often in the holiday spirit it is very easy for Westeners to forget where they are and fall into breaking these laws, even many of the quarter of a million UK expats occasionally get caught out so it is no surprise that short term visitors are vulnerable. You should also be aware that if you do find yourself in trouble with the law in Dubai, the British embassy are unlikely to be able to help. The Foreign office urges vigilance when visiting Dubai, and offers advise, such as ensuring any medication is left in original packaging and to carry any prescription documentation with you as proof of validity. There are also restrictions on allowable hand luggage which you should verify before you depart.
The differences in law between The UK and Dubai are not only something new to holidaymakers, but also provide challenges for those in the profession moving from the West to the UAE. Expatriate lawyer Ewan Sheriff is one such person, previously a highly successful lawyer in Scotland, Ewan and the rest of the Sheriff family moved to Dubai in 2010 looking for fresh challenges and a better life for the Sheriff household. Ewan has had to learn a new legal system from scratch, but has relished the task. Mr Sheriff holds eighteen years of high-profile experience in the Commercial, Real Estate and Asset Management arenas, with high-exposure firms located in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, respectively.
At the end of 2009, having long held an interest in the Middle East and it’s business opportunities, Ewan Sheriff sought to embrace the regions richer lifestyle for himself, his wife and his 3 children. The Sheriff family relocated from Edinburgh, UK to Dubai, UAE in April 2010 and have never looked back. Ewan Sheriff himself has embraced mastering the legal system, and continues to enjoy the cultural offerings of the region. Being a keen sportsman, Ewan continues to root for his Celtic football team from abroad, as well as running, swimming and playing football in Dubai. He and his wife remain avid travellers and his family keen skiers.
Dubai is one of the top vacation destinations, because of the city’s proximity to the sea makes its beaches one of the most sought after destinations in the world. Have a bird’s view of the city and you will find that its entire coastline is full of excellent beaches, and the beaches are dotted with a multitude of hotels and resorts. We will guide you around the best Dubai beach hotels.
Jumeirah Beach Club Resort: This resort is located in amazingly landscaped gardens facing the Arabian Gulf in the exclusive Jumeirah Beach area. The 26 storey hotel is very easily accessible to Dubai City and the Dubai International Airport. This breaking wave formed hotel has 618 oceanfront guest rooms for an excellent view of the Persian Gulf. This Dubai resort offers a number of water sport activities.
Royal Mirage The Palace Hotel: Situated on the Jumeirah Beach, it looks like a fortress. Your pathway to the entrance of the hotel is lit by big fires and oil lamps, giving an impression that you are entering a medieval fortress. This Dubai hotel has more than 240 suites of different class to suit your budget. You will find well decorated rooms with all facilities, and themed restaurants for Mediterranean, Arabian, Asian, and International cuisine.
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi: This hotel, knows as the ‘watersports powerhouse’ beacuse it provides more water sport activities as compared to the other hotels. The hotel has different restaurants to pamper you: French, Mediterranean, Arabian, and Asian.
Dubai Marine Beach Resort: This beach resort features the best beaches, and near the city, and all the important destinations. The resort offers 195 guest rooms of various categories. The restaurants at the resort are exemplary and you have a fine range of different cuisine to choose from.
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah is said to be one of the best places in the Middle-East where you can have a leisurely vacation. The resort located next to the sea, so you can be sure that you will enjoy the Jumeirah beach to your utmost. The rooms are well decorated and feature all facilities, while the restaurants has excellent foods. Hilton Jumeirah in Dubai offering many outdoor things to do to keep you fit and occupied.
Jebel Ali Hotel & Golf Resort: Boasts of its own marina and a popular golf course. Its a 5 star hotel, located about an hour’s drive from Dubai City and the airport. This is that golf course where ‘Dubai Desert Classics’ tournament was started. The rooms are very comfortable, the restaurants amazing, and the service high class. You can find there a number of outdoor activities to keep you fit and healthy.
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach: This resort is just 30 minutes away from the city and the airport. This Jumeirah beach resort has 255 high class rooms which boast of all the modern facilities. The hotel offers watersport facilities and other outdoor activities provided you.
When you having a holiday in Dubai, stay at any of the Jumeirah Beach resorts to make your stay unforgettable.
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