Date freely in UAE, but respect local customs

Certain laws in the UAE are influenced by the Islamic principles and by local customs and values.

Q-I am a Dubai resident and come from a culture where we are encouraged to date our future spouses for a few months before marriage. I have received conflicting reports about the legality of unrelated men and women hanging out in the UAE. Can you tell me the legalities of pursuing such a courtship in the country? Will I fall in trouble, legally speaking?
A-It is understood that you are a resident in Dubai and you belong to a culture that encourages you to date your future spouse for a few months before marriage. We understand that you are looking to pursue courtship and want to understand the laws on this matter.
Certain laws in the UAE are influenced by the Islamic principles and by local customs, values, and cultural and traditional practices. It may be noted that Dubai's population largely comprises people of different expatriate communities and the city provides a liberal environment for social interactions for all its residents.
Men and women may freely meet at public places including but not limited to restaurants, cafeterias, public parks and such other places, as long as they do not resort to doing anything indecent or vulgar or commit a violation of the prevailing laws of the United Arab Emirates. In this regard, it may further be noted that any indecent act committed flagrantly is deemed an offence punishable with a minimum imprisonment term of six months.
This is in accordance with the provisions of Article 358 of the Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 On Penal Code, which reads as follows: "Shall be sentenced to detention for a minimum term or six months, whoever has flagrantly committed an indecent act.
"Shall be sentenced to detention for a minimum term of one year, whoever has perpetrated an indecent act with a girl or boy who did not complete fifteen years of age, even if not committed openly."
However, there does exist a code of acceptable behaviour when it comes to courtship and dating in the country, which must be respected and adhered to by all residents.
KNOW THE LAW
Men and women may freely meet at public places in the UAE as long as they do not resort to doing anything indecent or vulgar.
Ashish Mehta is the founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates. He is qualified to practise law in Dubai, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and India. Full details of his firm on: www.amalawyers.com. Readers may e-mail their questions to: news@khaleejtimes.com or send them to Legal View, Khaleej Times, PO Box 11243, Dubai