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Quick tips for living in the UAE

With its highly westernised appearance and warm, welcoming culture, the UAE can be deceptive for expats:

it is still a very conservative Islamic country, with many laws and customs unfamiliar to people who have never lived in the Middle East.

Many expats either forget or do not learn about local customs, traditions and etiquette. It’s worth brushing up on these to avoid getting caught out, inadvertently breaking the law, or just generally causing offence. Getting it wrong can result in a fine, deportation or even imprisonment.

If you respect the religious customs and laws, in return there is a large amount of freedom offered to expats. If it’s your thing, there are numerous bars and clubs where you can dance the night away and drink alcohol; you can wear a swimsuit on the beach, and you are free to practice your faith: there are Buddhist temples, Catholic and other Christian churches..

Quick tips to remember

  • You need to buy a permit to buy alcohol; alcohol is not allowed in the Emirate of Sharjah and it is illegal to drink and drive in the UAE.
  • Each Emirate has its own set of specific rules and regulations, so make sure you research these if you are planning to travel around the country. For example, you must obtain an alcohol permit in each separate Emirate to drink there.
  • It is illegal to cohabitate with a member of the opposite sex to whom you are not related or married, even if you have children — you can go to prison.
  • Premarital sex and abortion are illegal.
  • There is zero tolerance for drug use and drug trafficking can carry the death penalty.
  • Public displays of affection between men and women such as kissing, cuddling and holding hands are  frowned upon.
  • It is not permitted to eat pork in the UAE, but it is available in certain supermarkets in expat areas.
  • It is a criminal offence to swear or make rude gestures.
  • Avoid criticising the royal family, religious leaders and Emiratis.
  • Although there is an underground gay scene in the UAE, homosexuality is illegal.
  • A typical working week is Sunday to Thursday because Friday is the Islamic holy day.
  • During the month of Ramadan, it is not permitted to eat/drink/smoke in public from 4 am in the morning to 7 pm, for anyone, including expats. Breaking this law is punishable by a month in jail. These rules do not apply to pregnant women and very young children.
  • Restaurants will not open until 7 pm during Ramadan.
  • Electronic cigarettes are illegal in the UAE.
  • It is offensive to show the sole of your shoe to another or cross your leg over your knee, showing your shoe. Shoes are considered dirty and feet are the lowest part of the body.
  •  There are no street addresses in Dubai (you will need to open a PO box to receive letters). Do not bounce a cheque and avoid getting into debt — you will go to prison and will not be able to leave the country until the debt is paid.
  • In cases of sexual assault, under UAE law it is for the victim to demonstrate that the attack was not consensual. In rape cases the victim and the perpetrator can be prosecuted for sex outside marriage, the victim can be arrested, with punishments including jail, deportation, flogging and even stoning to death.
  • There are no provisions for pensions in the UAE. Ask our Aetna experts for advice on how to plan for the future.

Additional sources

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