Dubai is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world with its modern architecture, luxury experiences, and vibrant nightlife. However, Dubai is also part of the United Arab Emirates, an Islamic country with conservative laws and cultural norms. This leads many visitors to wonder – do you have to be married to kiss in Dubai?
Quick answer
No, you do not have to be married to kiss in Dubai. Public displays of affection (PDA) like kissing, hugging, and holding hands between unmarried couples is tolerated to an extent, especially in places like hotels, beaches, clubs, and other tourist areas. However, couples should still practice discretion and avoid excessive PDA to respect local sensibilities.
Laws regarding public displays of affection in Dubai
There are no specific laws that prohibit kissing in public places in Dubai. However, the Dubai government does have general public decency laws that prohibit “indecent and immoral behavior in public places”. These laws are subject to interpretation by law enforcement.
Kissing between unmarried couples falls into a gray area. Light kissing is often overlooked, especially in places frequented by tourists. However, intense or excessive kissing could potentially lead to indecent behavior charges, which involve fines or jail time if convicted.
Emirati locals tend to practice discretion when it comes to PDA out of cultural norms, even if legally married. Foreign couples and tourists have more flexibility but are advised to avoid passionate kissing and intimate touching in public out of respect.
Places where public kissing is more accepted
- Hotels
- Beaches and beach clubs
- Bars and nightclubs
- International venues and events
- Tourist attractions
Places where caution is advised
- Near mosques, religious sites, and family areas
- Public streets, markets, and malls in conservative areas
- Public transportation
- Government and municipal buildings
Social norms and cultural attitudes towards PDA
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures with a sizeable local Emirati population as well as expats from all over the world. Social attitudes towards public displays of affection vary.
Many young locals have adapted to Dubai’s cosmopolitan environment and are accepting of some open displays of affection among foreigners. However, the older generation tends to be more conservative.
Western expat couples tend to have an easier time blending in, while more caution is advised for couples from conservative cultures like Asia who are visiting Dubai.
In upscale beach clubs, hotels, and nightclubs frequented by foreigners, light kissing and touching is generally tolerated though overt sexual behavior can still cause offense.
During occasions like New Year’s Eve, rules may be relaxed to accommodate international tourists and revelers who celebrate with kisses at midnight. But restraint is still advised outside of events.
Tips for couples visiting Dubai
- Avoid excessive PDA like intense kissing, groping, sitting on laps etc. in public areas.
- Light hand holding, hugging, and quick kisses on the cheeks are generally ok in tourist spots and hotels.
- Read the environment and avoid PDA if locals seem uncomfortable.
- Save passionate kissing and intimacy for private hotel rooms.
- Avoid behavior that could be perceived as sexual or lewd.
- If in doubt, ask hotel staff for guidance about what is appropriate.
Potential penalties for public indecency
If caught engaging in behavior deemed indecent, couples can face a range of penalties under Dubai’s laws prohibiting public indecency:
- Fines of up to 5,000 AED ($1,300 USD)
- Jail time of 6 months to 1 year if unable to pay fines
- Deportation for serious offences
- Even unmarried couples sharing hotel rooms can be prosecuted
Foreigners may be detained pending investigation. Dubai also has laws against adultery that can lead to jail time and deportation. While enforcement is not consistent, consequences can be severe if caught.
The burden of proof required for conviction under public indecency laws is also low relative to Western countries. Witness statements or police reports are often sufficient.
While rare, some couples have been jailed and deported from Dubai for public kissing and indecent acts so it’s important to show restraint and respect local sensibilities.
Changing attitudes and legal reforms
In recent years, the UAE has been working to update laws and relax rules regarding moral offenses as Dubai continues to promote itself as a modern, progressive destination.
In 2020, the UAE announced plans to abolish laws criminalizing unmarried couples living together, premarital sex, alcohol consumption, and suicide. This could pave the way for relaxing attitudes towards public affection as well.
However, public decency laws are still in place prohibiting lewd and offensive behavior. Change is gradual so couples are advised to continue exercising judgment when showing affection in public in Dubai.
Conclusion
While legally permitted to an extent, public kissing and overt displays of affection between unmarried couples are still culturally taboo in Dubai. Restraint and respect for local sensibilities are advisable to avoid offense or legal problems.
Conditions are more relaxed in tourist-friendly areas but excessive intimacy can still cause discomfort or lead to charges of public indecency. Couples visiting Dubai are safest keeping kissing and contact subtle, or better yet, private.
With growing international tourism, Dubai is slowly adapting to foreigners’ expectations but public propriety laws still hold couples visiting to a higher standard of behavior in public than they may be used to back home.
In summary – be discerning about PDA, don’t flout local values, and when in doubt, save the passionate kissing for behind closed doors.
| Place | Acceptable PDA |
|---|---|
| Hotels | Hand holding, hugging, light kisses |
| Beaches | Hand holding, quick kisses |
| Nightclubs | Dancing closely, light kissing |
| Public areas | Hand holding, arm around shoulder |
| Religious sites | None |
This summarizes appropriate levels of public displays of affection in different public places in Dubai as a guide for visiting couples.
While social norms are gradually relaxing, erring on the side of discretion helps avoid unwanted attention or legal issues when visiting Dubai as an unmarried couple. Save your passion for private quarters until attitudes further liberalize.
Respecting local cultural values earns goodwill as Dubai continues its delicate balance of welcoming tourists while retaining its Islamic identity and heritage.
Other questions visitors may have
Do unmarried couples share hotel rooms in Dubai?
Yes, most hotels in Dubai do allow booking for unmarried couples. However, it is advised to book rooms with twin beds versus a shared double bed to avoid potential issues at check-in. Hotels cater heavily to foreign tourists so unmarried couples can usually share rooms if visiting Dubai.
Can you hold hands in public in Dubai?
Yes, holding hands in public places is generally accepted for both married and unmarried couples in Dubai, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Excessive public intimacy may raise eyebrows, but simple hand-holding poses no issue.
What should unmarried couples avoid in public?
Unmarried couples visiting Dubai are advised to avoid open mouth kissing, groping, lap sitting, lying close together, and other blatantly intimate behavior when in public view. Practice discretion and limit affection to subtle gestures like hand holding or light pecks on the cheeks.
Do Dubai locals engage in PDA?
No, even legally married Emirati couples rarely display affection openly in Dubai due to cultural and religious norms. Behavior deemed appropriate for foreigners and tourists is still taboo for citizens of the UAE. Locals exercise utmost discretion when in public as a sign of piety and respect.
Foreign couples have more flexibility, but should still limit public intimacy out of deference to prevailing local values in Dubai and the UAE.