Good manners are the cheapest travel upgrade there is. They cost nothing, they fit in any bag, and they change how people treat you. A greeting in the right style, a covered shoulder at the right moment, or a polite “no thank you” instead of a sharp one can turn a transaction into a conversation.
This guide begins with principles that work almost anywhere, then goes deeper on Dubai and the wider UAE as a worked example, since it’s where this series has been focused. If you’re heading elsewhere, the first section still applies, and I can rewrite the second for another destination.
Two honest notes first:
- Etiquette isn’t the same everywhere, even within one country. A beach resort, a traditional market, a mosque, and a business meeting can each follow different norms. Use this as a starting point, not a rulebook.
- Laws and customs change. The details below reflect recent guides, but check your government’s travel advice and official local tourism sources before you go.
Part 1: Universal Etiquette Principles
These habits work in almost every country.
1. Do a little homework
Ten minutes of reading before you go prevents most awkward moments. Look up:
- Dress expectations (daily life and religious sites)
- Greeting customs
- Tipping norms
- Photography rules
- Anything that’s illegal there but normal at home, such as certain medications, alcohol rules, or public behavior
2. Learn five phrases
Hello, please, thank you, sorry, and “do you speak English?” in the local language. Even clumsy attempts are usually appreciated, because they signal that you’re trying.
3. Watch first, then follow
When you’re unsure, observe what locals do: how they greet each other, whether they take shoes off, how they queue, how loudly they speak. Then match it.
4. Ask before photographing people
Always ask before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially women, children, and people at work or at prayer. A smile and a gesture toward your camera work in any language. If someone says no, accept it graciously.
5. Dress for the setting, not just the weather
Modesty expectations differ widely. Carry a lightweight scarf or shawl and a long-sleeved layer. They solve most dress dilemmas.
6. Keep your voice and temper down
In many cultures, losing your temper in public is more embarrassing for the person doing it than for the person it’s aimed at. Staying calm and polite gets better results almost everywhere, and in some countries, public outbursts can have legal consequences.
7. Remember: you’re subject to local law
The key rule for tourists is simple: tourists are subject to local law. “That’s legal where I’m from” isn’t a defense. twocontinents
8. Be a gracious guest
Say thank you, be patient with language gaps, avoid comparing everything to home (“In my country, it’s better”), and don’t treat locals as part of the scenery.
Part 2: Dubai and the UAE, Step by Step
Dubai is famously cosmopolitan. It’s home to millions of residents from around the world, and day to day it feels international and welcoming. But it’s still a Muslim country with its own laws and customs. Guides describe the city as liberal by regional standards but still expecting modest dress and respectful public behavior. thebettervacation
The good news is that the rules are easy to follow once you know them.
Dress Code
The reality: Dubai has no rigid legal dress code for tourists, but modesty is expected in public. You do not need to cover your hair or wear a robe. Most locals and visitors wear ordinary, comfortable clothes. thebettervacation
Do:
- Cover shoulders and knees in public places such as malls, souks, government buildings, and traditional neighborhoods. Guides suggest this as the standard modest baseline. Shorts and T-shirts are suitable in many places, as long as they’re not very short or revealing. twocontinents
- Carry a light layer. Air-conditioning in malls and restaurants can be cold, and a scarf or cardigan is handy for modesty too.
- Save swimwear for the beach and pool. Swimwear is fine at private beaches and around private pools, but visitors should cover up elsewhere. Walking through a mall or hotel lobby in a swimsuit is not appropriate. b2n
- Dress more conservatively at religious sites. At places like the Jumeirah Mosque, women should cover their hair, arms, and legs, and everyone should dress conservatively. thebettervacation
Don’t:
- Wear see-through, very short, or very tight clothing in public areas.
- Wear clothing with offensive slogans or images.
- Assume rules are the same in every emirate. Sharjah, for example, is generally more conservative than Dubai. Check before you go.
Greetings and Social Behavior
Do:
- Greet politely. “Salaam alaikum” (peace be upon you) is a warm, appropriate greeting, and the reply is “wa alaikum as-salaam.” A smile and “hello” also work fine.
- Wait for the other person to offer a handshake, especially across genders. Some people, particularly devout Muslims, prefer not to shake hands with the opposite sex. A hand over the heart with a slight nod is a respectful alternative. If someone offers a hand, accept it politely.
- Use your right hand for eating, passing items, and giving or receiving things. The left hand is traditionally considered less clean in many parts of the Arab world.
- Accept hospitality gracefully. If you’re offered Arabic coffee or dates, accepting at least one is polite. When you’ve had enough, a gentle shake of the cup signals “no more.”
- Be patient. Conversations and business often start with polite small talk, and rushing can seem abrupt.
Don’t:
- Point your feet or the soles of your shoes at someone. Sitting with your foot facing another person can be considered disrespectful.
- Use rude gestures. Obscene hand gestures in public can lead to serious trouble, even prison, according to local guidance. gulfnews
- Swear or shout in public, including at drivers, staff, or on the phone. Getting angry in public can land you in trouble. rihlattravelnews
- Stare, or comment on people’s clothing or appearance.
Public Displays of Affection
What to know: Holding hands is generally acceptable, but kissing and hugging in public are not. In Dubai small gestures like hand-holding are usually tolerated, but kissing and more intimate displays can be treated as breaches of decency rules and may bring a warning, a fine, or intervention. gulfnewstwocontinents
Do: Keep affection light and discreet in public, whether you’re a couple, a family, or friends.
Don’t: Kiss, cuddle, or get physically intimate in malls, streets, taxis, parks, or on beaches. Save it for private spaces.
Tip: Rules around couples and shared hotel rooms have been relaxed in recent years, but practices can still differ and enforcement can vary. Check current official guidance if this applies to you.
Alcohol
What to know: Alcohol is legal for non-Muslim adults in licensed venues. Licensed hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, and beach clubs serve it, and tourists no longer need a personal alcohol licence to buy from licensed liquor shops, though prices are high. The legal drinking age is 21. thebettervacation
Do:
- Drink only in licensed venues.
- Keep within your limits. Being intoxicated and causing a scene is a bad idea anywhere, and particularly here.
- Use taxis or ride-hailing after drinking.
Don’t:
- Drink in public. Streets, public beaches, parks, and public transport are off-limits for drinking. twocontinents
- Be drunk and disorderly. This may bring a fine or worse. gulfnews
- Drive after drinking. The limit is zero tolerance. thebettervacation
- Buy alcohol on behalf of locals or others who aren’t permitted to purchase it.
- Carry alcohol outside licensed venues, unless you’re transporting a legal purchase directly home, and check the current rules.
Photography and Social Media
Do:
- Ask permission before photographing people. Guidance specifically recommends asking first, especially when the subject is a woman. gulfnews
- Take photos of landmarks, skylines, markets, and scenery freely, where signage doesn’t say otherwise.
- Think twice before posting images that include strangers.
Don’t:
- Photograph government buildings, military sites, or airport security areas without permission. Guides warn of strict penalties. twocontinents
- Film or share content that identifies, embarrasses, or criticizes people. The UAE has strict privacy and cybercrime laws, and posting an image or comment can have legal consequences even if it seems harmless.
- Fly a drone without checking the current registration and permit rules. Restrictions are strict.
Ramadan Etiquette (If You Visit During the Holy Month)
Ramadan is a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, and a time of reflection, family, and generosity. Visiting then can be special, with beautiful evening atmosphere and shared iftar meals, but you’ll need to adjust your behavior.
Do:
- Dress extra modestly. Both visitors and locals are expected to dress modestly during Ramadan. pickyourtrail
- Be discreet if you eat or drink during the day. Hotels and some restaurants offer screened or designated areas. Guides suggest being discreet about eating and drinking in public and taking advantage of open iftars. twocontinents
- Try an iftar, the sunset meal that breaks the fast. Many hotels and restaurants welcome visitors.
- Expect changed opening hours, slower mornings, and busy evenings.
- Be extra patient. People may be tired and hungry.
Don’t:
- Eat, drink, or smoke openly in public during fasting hours. That includes in the street, in parks, and in your car. rihlattravelnews
- Play loud music or behave boisterously.
- Dress in revealing clothes.
Visiting Mosques and Religious Sites
Do:
- Check visiting hours and whether tours are offered. Some mosques welcome non-Muslim visitors on guided visits.
- Dress modestly: long sleeves, long trousers or skirts, and for women, a headscarf. Many places lend abayas or scarves.
- Remove your shoes before entering prayer areas.
- Speak softly, move quietly, and follow staff instructions.
- Avoid visiting during prayer times unless the site says visitors are welcome.
Don’t:
- Photograph people praying.
- Touch religious items or walk in front of someone who is praying.
- Enter without checking what’s allowed.
Dining and Hospitality
Do:
- Accept food and drink offered by hosts, at least a small amount, as refusing can feel rude.
- Eat with your right hand if you’re eating without cutlery, and share from communal dishes in front of you.
- Say “shukran” (thank you) often.
- Check the bill for a service charge before tipping. Tipping is appreciated for good service, and 10% is common where no service charge is added.
- Be prepared for family-style, shared meals. It’s part of the experience.
Don’t:
- Order or ask for pork products in venues where they aren’t served, and don’t expect them to be widely available. Many restaurants are halal.
- Waste food in someone’s home. Taking a little at a time and finishing it is better than leaving a mountain.
- Complain loudly about service. Raise concerns calmly and privately.
Taxis, Transport, and Everyday Public Behavior
Do:
- Queue politely and give up your seat to older passengers, pregnant women, and anyone who needs it. Dubai’s metro has designated women-and-children cabins, so check signs before boarding.
- Respect separate areas where they exist, including women-only metro carriages and queues.
- Keep your voice down on public transport.
- Wear a seatbelt, and follow traffic rules strictly. Fines are significant.
Don’t:
- Eat or drink on the metro. It’s prohibited and fined.
- Put your feet on seats.
- Litter or spit. These are fined.
Medications and Drugs
This is one of the most important sections in the guide, and one where good intentions don’t help.
Visitors are strongly advised to keep drugs out of their lives entirely while in the UAE. The UAE has very strict drug laws, and some medications that are perfectly legal (even over the counter) in other countries are controlled or banned there. thebettervacation
Do:
- Check the rules before you travel for any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, especially painkillers, sleep aids, anxiety medicines, ADHD medicines, and anything containing codeine.
- Carry medicines in their original packaging, with a prescription and a doctor’s letter.
- Check the UAE’s official guidance on what must be declared or approved.
Don’t:
- Assume that “it’s a normal medicine” is enough.
- Carry anything you can’t document.
- Accept packages or items from strangers.
A Note for LGBTQ+ Travelers
Laws and attitudes in the UAE differ sharply from many countries, and the situation is sensitive. Visitors should research current laws and official travel advice before going, keep public behavior discreet, and be mindful that online posts, dating apps, and public affection can all have legal implications. Community resources and your government’s travel page are good places to start.
Do’s and Don’ts at a Glance
Do
- Dress modestly in public (shoulders and knees covered)
- Greet politely, and let others lead on handshakes
- Use your right hand for eating and giving
- Ask before photographing people
- Drink only in licensed venues
- Respect Ramadan customs if you visit during it
- Dress modestly and be quiet at mosques
- Check medication rules before you travel
- Stay calm and polite, even when frustrated
- Save your documents and keep local emergency numbers handy
Don’t
- Walk around in swimwear outside the beach or pool
- Kiss or hug in public
- Drink in public or drive after any alcohol
- Eat, drink, or smoke openly in daytime Ramadan
- Photograph government, military, or airport sites
- Photograph or film people without permission
- Make rude gestures or lose your temper in public
- Carry medicines or substances without checking the rules
- Post content that could embarrass or defame others
Common Etiquette Mistakes (and How to Recover)
- Dressing for the beach in the city. Fix: Carry a cover-up and change before heading into town.
- Offering a handshake across genders. Fix: Wait to see what the other person does. If you misstep, a smile and a nod smooth it over.
- Taking a photo of someone without asking. Fix: Apologize with a smile and offer to delete it.
- Eating in public during Ramadan. Fix: Apologize, and move to a discreet area.
- Raising your voice at staff. Fix: Breathe, lower your voice, and apologize.
- Assuming something legal at home is legal here. Fix: Research first. Ask your hotel if you’re unsure.
If you make a mistake, a sincere apology and a respectful attitude go a long way. Most people are understanding when they can see you’re making an effort.
The Bottom Line
Etiquette isn’t about fear or fuss. It’s about showing the people you meet that you see them, respect their home, and care about being a good guest. In Dubai, that mostly means dressing modestly, keeping affection and tempers private, drinking only where it’s allowed, asking before photographing people, and being careful with medications.
Do those few things, stay curious, and say “shukran” often, and you’ll find that hospitality flows both ways.
Travel well, and travel kindly.