New to UAE? Avoid doing these things

Public displays of affection in UAE can be considered indecent and should be avoided in public areas.

Know these rules to stay safe in UAE

By Anita Iyer

Published: Sat 13 Jan 2018, 4:33 PM

Being new to the city can come with its own set of challenges. While you adjust to your new life as an expat in UAE, you need to be informed about the rules and regulations to avoid being penalised or worst - deported.
Here are a few things you should strictly avoid doing in the UAE:

Recording calls

Downloading a free call recording app to record phone calls might sound harmless but it is a punishable offence in UAE. You can be fined or jailed for nearly seven years, as it is an invasion of privacy under local laws, which prohibits recording calls without a person's consent.
Publishing news, pictures or comments about a person's private life is also a punishable offence.
More details

Photography without consent

If you are addicted to posting pictures about Dubai on social media, you might want to be careful. Wanting to capture a traditional slice of life might make for a brilliant shot, but you need to take the person or persons' permission before photographing them, in this case - Emiratis.
Clicking a picture without the subject's permission is an intrusion of privacy and you can be punished for it.

Speeding

One of the first things expats do after coming to Dubai is apply for a driving license. Be careful before pressing that accelerator too hard on UAE roads as most roads have state-of-the-art radars to catch violators for various traffic violations.

The fine for violating a red light signal is Dh800, apart from the confiscation of the vehicle for 15 days, and 8 black points. If you exceed the speed limit over 60km per hour, you can be fined Dh1,000 and your vehicle will be confiscated for 30 days along with 12 black points.
Latest list of traffic violations and fines in Dubai

No visa, no work

It is not just illegal but a criminal offence to work in UAE without a valid employment contract/visa approved by the Ministry. With plans to relocate to UAE, you can visit the country and search for a job but it is not permitted to work without a work visa. Once you get a job, you need to exit the country and re-enter on the company visa. Not complying with this rule can invite a heavy penalty and a permanent ban in the UAE.
Working on visit visa in UAE is illegal

Dressing sense

Much has been written about the dressing restrictions for women in the country, which are mostly untrue, however it is advisable to dress modestly while visiting malls, public spaces or places of worship. Residents and tourists are generally expected not to wear revealing clothes that might offend cutural sensitivities or be prepared to be reprimanded by somebody.

Public displays of affection in UAE can be considered indecent and should be avoided in public areas. It is advisable to update yourself on the rules and laws here before travelling such as road safety rules, crossing roads using pedestrian crossings, not littering in public areas, swearing or violent behaviour in public etc.
anita@khaleejtimes.com