UK tourists issued Foreign Office warning to avoid ‘arrest’ in holiday hotspot

The government body for travel has urged travellers to take note of key differences when travelling to Dubai to avoid imprisonment abroad

A government body for travel has urged tourists to be wary when travelling to one much-loved holiday hotspot.

The Foreign Office’s United Arab Emirates ‘Safety and Security’ page has issued a warning about public conduct by holidaymakers heading to Dubai to avoid “arrest.”

Listed under the ‘Laws and Cultural differences’ section, the FCDO refers to 17 specific rules tourists must follow including abiding by: “dress code,” “showing affection in public,” “swearing and rude gestures” and even “posting online” rules.

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Dress code in the UAE requires tourists to wear “modest” clothing in public areas.

Guidelines state women should cover “shoulders and knees, and underwear should not be visible” and “swimming attire should only be worn at beaches or at swimming pools.”

The guidance adds: “Cross-dressing is illegal.”

UAE regulations are also strict regarding showing affection in public.

The website states: “Showing affection in public is frowned upon. You can be arrested for kissing in public.”

Other rules tourists headed to Dubai may not know include the ban on swearing or making rude gestures, “including online.”

The Foreign Office urges travellers to be particularly aware of this rule, as it could lead to being “jailed or deported.”

Guidelines state: “It is illegal to swear and make rude gestures, including online, as they are considered obscene acts.

“You could be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials.”

And for any social media fans, there is one rule regarding posting online many may not know.

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UAE rules are strict regarding material posted about the country online.

If posts are perceived to be “critical of the UAE government, companies or individuals, or relates to incidents in the UAE,” it could get you in hot water while abroad.

The website states: “It is illegal to post material, including videos and photographs, online that is critical of the UAE government, companies or individuals, or which relates to incidents in the UAE.

“This includes material which appears to abuse, ridicule or criticise the country or its authorities. Material that is culturally insensitive may also be considered illegal.”

A final rule which may be unfamiliar to some is the laws regarding alcohol.

While many hotels, pubs and restaurants serve alcohol, it is illegal to be under the influence of alcohol in a public place in the UAE.

FCDO guidelines also specify one particular place in Dubai which an alcohol ban is fully in place.

Sharjah, 30km north of Dubai, has a ban on drinking or possessing the beverages.

Foreign Office guidance states: “It is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in a public place anywhere in the UAE.

“British nationals have been arrested and charged under this law, often in cases where they have come to the attention of the police for a related offence, such as disorderly or offensive behaviour.

“The legal age for purchasing and drinking alcohol is 21 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the Northern Emirates except Sharjah, where drinking and having alcohol in your possession is illegal.”

For travellers heading abroad to Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE it is important to double check the Foreign Office guidelines before flying off to avoid any issues.