Dubai is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, attracting over seven million visitors in the first six months of 2022.
Given its popularity, it's important to know what you can and can't do when you're visiting Dubai.
Can you hold hands in public in Dubai?
The Dubai Executive Council has published a code of conduct that says what is acceptable when you are out in public in Dubai.
The code states that only married couples are allowed to hold hands in public. Even in the case of married couples, the practice is tolerated but not encouraged.
In theory, you can hold hands in public in Dubai, however, you risk offending the locals and going against their cultural customs.
Can you hug in public in Dubai?
Forms of physical affection, such as hugging, would be seen as offensive to Dubai locals. The country frowns on public displays of affection and therefore sharing a hug in public can attract negative attention.
However, hugging in public would not be considered as offensive as kissing in public and if it was brief, it would likely be ignored. A friendly hug between friends or family is likely to be allowed.
Can you kiss in public in Dubai?
While married couples are allowed to hold hands in public, kissing is considered offensive to public decency. UAE government guidelines define kissing as "inappropriate behavior."
Couples who kiss briefly to say goodbye may get away with it, but if the kiss is too long or is seen by the wrong person, it could be a different story. There have been cases in which couples have been arrested and charged for public displays of affection in Dubai.
In 2017, a couple was sentenced to a month in prison after they were found hugging and kissing in a gas station bathroom.
Similarly, in 2010 a British couple were jailed for a month and then fined for kissing in public. /Telegraph/
