Dubai is mostly a modern city, glittering skyscrapers and a bit of Aladdin feeling. However, what is often lost sight of is the fact that it is still an Arab city. Even if Dubai is very modern, there are some rules and laws, which seem to us Europeans very strange and perhaps “unnecessary”. Nevertheless, these also apply to us as soon as we travel to Dubai. Although, of course, we are not directly arrested in all violations, we should adapt to the cultural realities of the country. After all, we are only guests.
In addition to the rules, I noticed a few other things in Dubai that are simply different from ours. A few I found just funny 🙂
1. Dress codes in malls
Covered legs, upper arms and décolleté are obligatory (short trousers are considered bathing pants and are therefore only allowed on the beach). Is not really a problem, since it is always mega cold in the malls. Brrrr these air conditioners.
2. Kissing in public is prohibited
Important for all who are in love: everything goes beyond it, of course!
3. Unmarried must not live together
… and do not rent a common apartment. So be careful, if you intend to emigrate there.
4. Women ride in the metro in an extra car and have their own entrance
So flirting in the train is not in it.
5. During the fasting month, tourists are also prohibited from eating and drinking in public
For me this is the absolute horror. I must always, always, always drink and never go without water bottle out of the house. That’s why I stay at the hotel pool during Ramadan (it is allowed in most hotels).
6. On the street drinking of alcohol is prohibited
After all, there are no alcohols on the walkway.
7. In Dubai one does not go to the pharmacy or the supermarket
… everything can be delivered directly to the apartment. So do not drag watery boxes at 50 degrees. Yeah
8. Do not leave the car for refueling
… the tanker refills and is paid through the window.
9. On the children’s chocolate pack is not the typical (for us) familiar child pictured
… but an Arab boy. Actually nothing special. But I stared at the pack forever and thought: mh something is different but … but what only? Somehow it dawned to me then: Oh our child is blond and the boy is not. Interesting, I was previously not aware that the packaging is adapted for different customer circles.
10. In Dubai, almost no real emirati, but rather Indians and Pakistani
And Emirati does not work. In restaurants, taxis or shops only non-Emirati are employed.
What do you think about these rules for tourists? Do you think this is superfluous because we are not believing Arabs? Or is it absolutely okay for you, since we as guests in the country travel?
Have you ever been to Dubai? If so, what do you particularly notice?