Best in Australia

By: Dr. Maher Al Khedr  

Documents in Dubai:

Before entering the country

If you have an Australian passport, you can obtain a travel visa upon entering UAE. However, if you intend to work there, you’ll need a work permit from the UAE Ministry of Labor.

Citizens of Australia can use their domestic driving license (as well as the citizens of GCC, US and EU) and don’t need an international driving license.

Inside the country

You must keep your ID with you at all times in the UAE. You also must have your driving license with you while driving.

Dubai Marina is an artificial canal city and a district in Dubai in UAE

For job

Work contract must cover all aspects of labor. So before signing them, make sure you’ve read all the suggestions.

Special permissions

As a foreigner, you have the right to drink alcohol but only if you have a special drinking license. However, you won’t obtain one if you’re under 21.

You must obtain permits from the government if you want to conduct any type of charity (including online).

Some technical equipment (radio transmitters, satellite phones, binoculars, listening or recording devices), any weapon, ammunition or armor also require licensing. So, it’s highly suggested to contact the embassy before taking any of these with you.

What’s strictly prohibited by the UAE laws?

Drugs

Apart from the prohibition of recreational drugs, the UAE laws also bans some prescribed medications. That’s why we suggest counseling with the embassy and your doctor before going to Dubai.

Keep in mind that the presence of prohibited drugs in your blood is qualified possession in the UAE.

Being drunk

As we mentioned above, you can freely purchase alcohol in hotels/bars (provided you have a license). You can also drink in the privacy of your apartment or hotel room. In some cases, the hotel staff won’t even ask for your license. However, acting drunk can cause you much trouble, i.e. you can get arrested.

Driving drunk is a much more severe crime, so we highly suggest against it. Chances are you’ll get to jail or be deported.

Certain types of relations and manifests of affection

Homosexual relations

Showing affection to your partner in public

Sex or children out of wedlock

Doctors require marriage certificate if they find you’re pregnant so if you’re not, it’s best to look for a medical help outside the country

Of course, what you do in your room is a private matter. However, if someone reports your forbidden love to local authorities you can get arrested.

Rude behavior

Obscene language and hand gesture

Staring at women, trying to flirt with them

Clothes

Don’t put on too open clothes. Cover your shoulders and legs. Never demonstrate underwear.

You can wear swimsuits at pools or on beaches (but you must get dressed when you leave these places).

Girls can put on short dresses and skirts to some nightclubs. Men who put on women’s clothes can have serious problems.

Driving in the UAE

Driving is a popular tourist attraction in Dubai. There are many rental companies here. The city is renowned worldwide for luxurious cars. It is also great for driving with many major roads and exceptional infrastructure.

General

You are permitted to drive if you’re 18+ years old. However, you can rent a car only if you’re 21+.

As we said before you need to have a driving license with you and you mustn’t be drunk.

You must at all times fasten your seatbelts.

No phone-talking while driving unless you have a hands free.

Check if your car is registered and has insurance.

Driving on the desert is one of the exciting experiences for travelers

Desert

If you want to drive off-road, ask the rental company if it is permitted for the type of car you rented.

Family

Children between 4 and 8 years old must sit in a booster seat. Children under 13 years old aren’t permitted to sit in the front seat of a car. You can’t smoke in a car with a child under 12.

Fines

Drinking and driving – up to 7,300 AUD.

Exceeding the speed limit:

by 10 to 15 km/h – 116 AUD.

by 80 km/h – 1315 AUD.

Ignoring the red light – 440 AUD.

Talking over the phone without hands-free – 365 AUD.

Driving in Dubai

Despite large fines, many foreigners consider driving in Dubai hard and unsafe, as few people here are disciplined drivers. For example, they can change lanes without turning indicators on or cut in front of your car.

If you’re hesitant about driving in Dubai, but still want to get this awesome experience, we suggest ordering a car with a local chauffeur. Some firms provide these types of services, for example, car rental company in the UAE Spider Cars Luxury Car Rental .

Other things to remember

Jumeirah Mosque is a main mosque in Dubai city in UAE

Religion

Islam isn’t imposed on foreigners or citizens. The UAE respects the freedom of religion and expects reciprocity. Keep in mind that some people will pray five times a day here. Don’t disturb them. During Ramadan, it’s best not to eat in public because it’s hard for fasting people to see others eating.

Photographing

Don’t take pictures of government buildings and locals.

Smoking

Shisha and hookah bars are basically a lifestyle here. There are also many smoking areas.

Keep in mind that vape and electronic cigarettes are banned.

Smoking is prohibited:

to people under 18 years old

during Ramadan

in closed public spaces (malls, sports, educational and health facilities, residential areas, houses of worship)

in parks and beaches

Smoking shisha outside licensed facilities.

Social posting

Sharing criticism on the UAE government and life on social networking websites is prohibited. Don’t post photos of accidents (e.g. fire).

We hoped this article helped you to understand Dubai and local restrictions better. Remember, it’s a great and safe place if you comply with the law.