There are some countries that are extremely attractive for those who want to live and work abroad. Dubai is one of them. It is a fast developing economy with plenty of well-paid jobs available. It offers great lifestyle to all. The residential properties are newer and more luxurious than in most other countries. There are plenty of shops, pools, beaches and sports to enjoy.
Despite all this, Dubai has very strict laws. It is not uncommon for foreigners to actually break the law without even knowing it. The sentences for offences, which are considered minor in the West, are usually quite harsh. Thus, you need to make sure that you will not break the law in Dubai and get jailed or deported.
There are strict restrictions regarding the items you can take through the customs in Dubai. You cannot bring with you more than 2,000 cigarettes, 2 kilograms of tobacco and 400 cigars. In addition, you are not allowed to import more than 2 liters of alcohol per person, provided that you are not Muslim. Keep this limit just to be on the safe side. Any books, magazines, DVDs, CDC and tapes with inappropriate content, particularly pornographic ones, will be confiscated at the airport, so do not bring them with you, if you have any.
If you want to drink alcohol in Dubai, you need to by a special license for this. Keep in mind that it allows you to purchase limited amounts of liquor. In addition, the alcohol you purchase is charged with a 30% tax, so you might want to consider making purchases from duty free shops. Make sure you do not drink alcohol in public.
The laws regarding drug usage in Dubai are very stringent. Possessing even the smallest amounts of the most harmless drugs can get you in jail for more than four years. If any blood tests show that you have taken drugs, you will be jailed as well, no matter whether you have done this at home or in Dubai. Make sure you do not get into this kind of trouble at all costs.
The cohabiting of unmarried couples is illegal. The cohabiting laws are particularly strict for gay couples. Any woman, who gives birth in Dubai and is unable to show a marriage certificate, will have serious problems registering her child. She may also be imprisoned. Adultery and sex outside of marriage, in general, are illegal in the emirate. Displays of affection in public are also not tolerated. Hence, you should be careful about your personal life when living in Dubai.
Many expats are overly worried about the dress code, but it is not a problem. Both men and women should be covered. T-shirts are fine, but the wearing of short skirts and attractive tops outside of beaches and clubs is not tolerated. Men should not wear shorts in the streets.
Last, but not least, avoid being late with credit card payments and make sure your checks never bounce. Any of these offences can get you imprisoned.
