UAE issues list of prohibited public behavior

Dubai Executive Council issued a list of the inappropriate Public Behavior, obliging Dubai Locals, Expatriates and Visitors on respecting its Social, Cultural, Religious and Customary ethics.

The list has been circulated throughout Dubai’s Governmental Departments and Private Companies.

Under the Article of Public Moral Code, the list stressed on the importance of respecting the UAE’s icons, including but not limited to it’s Governors, Flag, National Symbols…etc.
According to the list, any insolence of the aforementioned will be considered a crime.

Visitors of all public places in the Emirate, including but not limited to Governmental Buildings, Shopping Malls, Restaurants and other are obliged to wear suitable clothes at all times. Individual wearing improper/indecent clothes will be banned of entry.

The list obliges visitors of both genders to wear accepted swimming attires at beaches and swimming areas (in respect of society’s culture & values). It also prohibits wearing swim wear afar swimming areas as stipulated by the General Dress Code applicable to the rest of the Emirate (Decent Clothing).

Nudity of all sorts and kinds is strictly prohibited and is penalized with imprisonment and ejection.

Under the Article “Behavior Between Sexes”, the list strictly prohibits several actions in public such as: any kind of; kissing, cuddling, fondling, sexual harassing, harassment of women, hand holding or any other act that can be considered as abrasion of modesty. Any individual who conduct such act will in violation to Public Decency which can be penalized with imprisonment and ejection.

Only married couples are permitted to hold hands in decent ways that does not harass public civility.
Hence Dancing and disturbing Loud Music in Public places such as beaches, parks and residential hoods is forbidden; its allowed in its designated places.

Drivers caught under alcohol effects will be legally accountable for the consequences which may lead to expulsion.

Drivers should use head sets. All vehicle passengers including driver are obliged to wear seat belts. Children must be seated in the back seats. Road way must be vacated to Police, Ambulance and Fire department cars. Drivers are prohibited from stopping to watch accidents. Pedestrians must be respected.

Smoking is restricted to its permitted areas. Violators will be held accountable.

Verbal abuse of all kinds, offensive hand gestures or any other aggressive or malevolent gestures is a violation panelized with fine and imprisonment. All nationalities and religions must be respected. Old civilians, disabled and pregnant woman should be given priority when necessary. Whistling, Loud conversations and laughter should be avoided.
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Spreading or circulating false roomers, news’s or jokes that harasses public security, peacefulness and health will be punishable.

Being cautious while taking photographic pictures is necessary. Photographing women and families on purpose without taking permission is publicly un accepted in Dubai.

The list has allocated a special article on the Islamic Religion & Other Religions, obliging those concerned to switch off music in public places or in Cars in proximity to Mosques or when the Call for Prayer ‘Muslim Athaan’ is on.

In the Month of Ramadan, Eating, drinking and smoking in public places is strictly forbidden. Those who breach will be legally accountable.

The list has stressed on restricting any religious activity, Islamic or non Islamic unless permitted through competent authorities.