Information only. Not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies — consult a qualified attorney for your jurisdiction before acting.
UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi)
VERIFIED · MAY 202634 ENTRIESMIDDLE EAST
UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) is in Middle East. Review the laws below before your trip. Country pages link to official sources, and the verdict layer is sorted worst-first.
HEADS UP
Swearing (even on WhatsApp) = jail. Unmarried couples now OK (changed 2020). Alcohol needs license.
DO NOT BRING
Any drugs · Pork in Sharjah · Cross-dressing · Bounced check
Medications
7 entriesSubstances
5 entriesItems
5 entriesActivities
8 entriesDigital
5 entriesCOMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
- Trace amounts of cannabis or CBD detected in blood or luggage can trigger prosecution, even from products legal in the country of origin.
- Public displays of affection between unmarried couples can still draw police attention despite cohabitation being legalised in 2020.
JURISDICTION NOTES
- Each emirate sets its own alcohol licensing rules, with Sharjah fully dry and Dubai requiring a permit for residents.
- Federal cybercrime law treats WhatsApp and social media insults as criminal offences regardless of where the recipient is.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Last verified · May 2026
Information only. Not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies — consult a qualified attorney for your jurisdiction before acting.