Our Guest, Karteekka Tyaggi, a corporate attorney, shares her experiences and takes time out of her demanding schedule to speak with Emirates Reporter, contributing valuable insights and key legal awareness tips for residents and visitors to observe while living in or before entering the UAE.
Dubai, UAE- It was just another regular work day when I received a frantic call from a friend, who was facing a defamatin lawsuit because she deicded to write an extremely “angry” public review about a restaurant she had recently visited. When I probed a little more, her defensive response was, she was paying for the service, which was below standard and naturally, when she posted the review, she was angry and disappointed. This may just leave one wondering how can posting an honest review land someone in a legal trouble! But the truth is, if your “honest review crosses the four corners of permitted “constructive criticism”, it can certainly be seen as libel or commonly known as defamation.
To be honest, this was just one of several SOS calls we receive on a regular basis from friends, acquaintances and sometimes, just someone who randomly finds my details on facebook and whatsapp help groups.
Living in the UAE is an incredible experience, but it’s also a country with laws that may be very different from Western or Asian legal systems. When living in the UAE, people need to be aware of basic cultural nuances and legal implications of their actions especially because ignorance of law is not an excuse!
Here are some key laws and regulations every expat should understand before or while living in the United Arab Emirates.
- Public Displays of Affection (PDA)
In the United Arab Emirates, public decency laws are rooted in cultural and legal standards that emphasize modesty in shared spaces. Kissing, hugging in an intimate manner, or other overtly romantic or sexual behavior in public areas (such as malls, beaches, parks, or inside vehicles visible to the public) can lead to police warnings, fines, or even detention under public indecency provisions of the UAE Penal Code. Holding hands between married couples is generally tolerated, but excessive physical affection may still attract complaints if deemed inappropriate. Because enforcement can depend on circumstances and public complaints, expats are advised to exercise discretion in public settings.
2. Alcohol and Public Intoxication
In the UAE, alcohol may be consumed in licensed venues (such as hotels, bars, or private residences where permitted), but public intoxication remains a criminal offense under the Penal Code. Being visibly drunk in public places, including streets, malls, public transport, or causing disturbance while intoxicated can result in arrest, fines, or detention. Disorderly conduct, aggressive behavior, or offensive language while intoxicated can lead to additional charges.
3. Banned Drugs and Narcotics Substances Abuse
Drug offences in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, which remains the primary law in force. While the UAE maintains a strict anti-drug regime, the 2021 reforms introduced rehabilitation options for first-time users and clearer distinctions between use and trafficking, though trafficking and serious offences still carry very severe penalties and possible deportation for expatriates. Prescription medications are tightly regulated, and some drugs legal abroad may be classified as controlled or prohibited in the UAE. Travelers must carry proper prescriptions and, where required, obtain prior approval before bringing medication into the country. A very important note to expats and travellers travelling from destinations (example India), where poppy seeds (khus-khus) are commonly used as cooking ingredient. Carrying them even casually for cooking purposes can land you in some serious trouble!
4. Photography without Consent
Photography is regulated under privacy and cybercrime laws, and taking photos of individuals without their consent can lead to fines or criminal charges. Publishing or sharing such images online, especially if they harm a person’s dignity or reputation, may result in more serious penalties. It is also prohibited to photograph government buildings, military sites, airports, police facilities, and certain critical infrastructure areas. Expats should exercise caution when taking or posting photos to avoid violating privacy or national security regulations.
5. Importing Counterfeit Goods
The UAE strictly prohibits the import, sale, or possession for commercial purposes of counterfeit goods under its trademark and intellectual property laws. Customs authorities actively seize fake branded items, and offenders may face heavy fines, confiscation of goods, business closure, and potential imprisonment. Even travelers bringing counterfeit products in bulk quantities may face penalties if deemed for resale. The UAE maintains strong enforcement mechanisms to protect brand owners and combat commercial fraud.
6. Sexual and Explicit Content
The production, distribution, possession with intent to distribute, or online sharing of pornographic or sexually explicit material is illegal under UAE Penal Code and Cybercrime Law provisions. This includes digital content stored on devices, shared via messaging platforms, or uploaded to websites. Content deemed contrary to public morals, including explicit images or videos can result in imprisonment, fines, and deportation for expatriates.
7. Banned Toys (Adult/Intimate Products)
The import and commercial sale of banned toys/Adult/Intimate Products is generally restricted, as such items may be classified as products violating public morality regulations. Customs authorities may confiscate shipments, particularly for commercial quantities. While discreet personal possession is not always actively prosecuted, importing such items through mail or in luggage carries a risk of seizure. Regulations and enforcement practices can vary, so caution is advised when attempting to bring such products into the country.
8. Gambling
Gambling is generally prohibited under the UAE Penal Code, which criminalizes games of chance where money or valuables are wagered. Participating in, organizing, or operating gambling activities, whether in person or online, can result in fines and imprisonment. Online gambling platforms are also illegal, and accessing or promoting such websites may trigger liability under the Cybercrime Law. While certain regulated developments have recently emerged in limited hospitality contexts, unauthorized gambling remains a criminal offense.
9. Importing or Selling Gambling Equipment (e.g., Chips, Gaming Tables, Devices)
Importing, manufacturing, buying, selling, or possessing gambling tools intended for use in illegal gambling, such as casino chips, roulette wheels, slot machines, or betting devices may be treated as facilitating a criminal activity. Customs authorities may seize such items, particularly if quantities suggest commercial use. Operating or supplying gambling equipment without proper authorization can lead to penalties including fines, imprisonment, confiscation of equipment, and business closure. Expats and business owners should avoid involvement in gambling-related products unless expressly permitted under UAE regulatory approvals.
10. Conducting Business without Licensing
In the United Arab Emirates, conducting business without a proper trade license is a serious violation of commercial regulations. All commercial, professional, and freelance activities must be licensed by the relevant emirate authority (such as the Department of Economic Development or a free zone authority), and operating without authorization can result in fines, business closure, confiscation of equipment, and potential deportation for expatriates. This includes online businesses, social media selling such as blogging, running an online magazine etc, consultancy work, and home-based services carried out for profit. Authorities actively monitor unlicensed activity, and even advertising services without a valid license can attract penalties.
11. Sharing Someone’s Personal Content with third parties
Posting someone’s personal content without consent can amount to a criminal offense under privacy and cybercrime laws. Sharing images or videos that reveal identifiable details, such as a vehicle license plate, particularly when used to shame, accuse, or expose the owner, may be treated as defamation or invasion of privacy. Publishing personal data, private conversations, or photographs without permission is prohibited, even if the content was taken from a public place. Depending on the circumstances, such actions can result in fines, imprisonment, and possible deportation for expatriates.
12. Sending Emails or WhatsApp Messages About Someone
One must think twice before sending any emails or WhatsApp messages about someone, as it can give rise to criminal liability if the content contains accusations, defamatory statements, or insulting language. Criticizing a person in a group chat, alleging wrongdoing without a court judgment, or making statements that harm reputation may be treated as defamation under the Penal Code and Cybercrime Law. Importantly, UAE courts consider messages shared in WhatsApp groups or circulated through company email systems as a form of “publication,” even if the group is private. As a result, individuals may face fines, imprisonment, and possible deportation for expatriates if such communications are deemed unlawful.
13. Posting Negative Public Reviews
As seen in the beginning of this Article, posting negative public reviews is legally sensitive and can lead to criminal liability if the content crosses into defamation. While genuine, factual reviews expressed in a respectful and constructive manner are generally permissible, accusations of fraud, dishonesty, or criminal conduct without a court judgment may be treated as defamatory. Using abusive language, exaggerations, or misleading allegations can expose the reviewer to fines, imprisonment, and possible deportation for expatriates. Businesses in the UAE frequently file complaints over online reviews, so individuals should ensure that any public feedback is accurate, measured, and free from personal attacks.
13. Sharing Third Party Private Information
Sharing another person’s private information without consent can constitute a criminal offense. This includes disclosing private family matters, revealing medical details, posting screenshots of private conversations, publishing photographs without permission, or publicly exposing personal disputes. Such conduct may amount to a violation of privacy under the Cybercrime Law and, where reputational harm is caused, may also constitute defamation under the Penal Code. Offenders can face fines, imprisonment, and possible deportation if they are expatriates.
14. Outraging the Modesty of Another Person
The UAE Penal Code criminalizes acts that constitute “indecent assault” or outraging the modesty of another person without their consent. This includes unwanted touching, groping, forced physical contact, sexual advances, or gestures of a sexual nature carried out against a person’s will. The offense is punishable by imprisonment or fine or both, with more severe penalties imposed where the victim is under 18, where force or threats are used, or where the offender abuses a position of authority. If the conduct escalates to sexual assault involving coercion or force, significantly heavier criminal penalties apply.
15. Public Indecent Act
The UAE Penal Code also criminalizes public indecent acts. Public indecent act covers conduct such as sexual gestures, explicit behavior in public places, and indecent exposure where the act offends public morals. The offense applies to behavior occurring in areas accessible to the public, including streets, malls, beaches, and vehicles visible to others. Penalties may include imprisonment and/or a fine, depending on the circumstances and severity of the act.
16. Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a criminal offense under the UAE Penal Code and includes repeated unwanted sexual advances, sexually suggestive comments, or the use of words, actions, or signals of a sexual nature that offend another person. The law also specifically criminalizes harassment committed through abuse of authority, such as by a manager, employer, or teacher. Penalties may include imprisonment and fines, which can exceed AED 10,000 depending on the circumstances. Punishment is increased where the offense is repeated, involves abuse of power, or where the victim is a minor.
17. Cyber Bullying and Harassment
Not just offline, harassment committed online is also carries serious criminal consequences. This includes sending sexually explicit messages, sharing intimate photos or videos without consent, engaging in online stalking, or making defamatory sexual accusations through digital platforms. Such conduct may result in imprisonment and substantial fines, which can reach hundreds of thousands of AED depending on the severity of the offense. For expatriates, courts may also order deportation in addition to criminal penalties.
18. Anti Discrimination Laws
Hate speech and discriminatory conduct based on gender, religion, ethnicity, race, and other protected characteristics all carry criminal implications. Public statements, publications, or online content that incite hatred, promote discrimination, or insult religious beliefs can lead to criminal prosecution. Degrading or humiliating remarks targeting women on these grounds may therefore attract liability under both anti-discrimination and penal provisions. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and, for expatriates, possible deportation.
19. Financial Crimes
Financial obligations are taken very seriously in the UAE, and failure to repay debts such as credit cards, loans, or bounced cheques can lead to legal consequences. Banks may initiate criminal complaints in certain circumstances, and courts can impose travel bans while cases are pending. Although cheque-related laws have been partially reformed to reduce automatic criminalization, serious or intentional defaults can still trigger penalties. It is important to address financial disputes promptly to avoid escalation.
20. Noise & Public Disturbance
Public order laws prohibit conduct that disturbs others, including loud arguments, excessive music, or disruptive behavior in residential areas. Complaints from neighbors may result in police intervention, warnings, or fines. Disorderly conduct combined with abusive language can lead to additional criminal charges. Residents are expected to maintain respectful behavior in shared living environments.
21. Religious Respect Laws
The UAE has strict laws protecting religious beliefs and prohibiting acts that insult or show contempt toward religion. Publicly mocking religious practices, distributing offensive material, or making derogatory remarks can result in criminal prosecution. Proselytizing or attempting to convert others without proper authorization is also restricted. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment, and possible deportation for expatriates.
As can be seen above, there are several seemingly harmless acts which may implicate one criminally. The law rarely knocks before it enters, it simply responds once a line has been crossed. What may seem like a moment of anger, frustration, humour, or even cultural normalcy elsewhere can carry very different consequences in the UAE. Living in the UAE is undoubtedly rewarding, enriching, and full of opportunity. However, it also demands awareness, restraint, and respect for its legal framework and cultural values. The safest approach is to pause before you post, think before you act, and when in doubt, seek proper advice.
Disclaimer: While we have touched upon various penalties above, it is important to remember that penalties and punishments are matters of state and are governed by the UAE Penal Code and other applicable federal laws, with outcomes depending on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
About Karteekka Tyaggi
Karteekka Tyaggi is a Corporate Attorney, who started her career two decades back with civil and criminal litigation in India. In the year 2006, she moved to the United Arab Emirates and gained experience in arbitration as well as commercial and corporate legal practice, advising multi-jurisdictional corporates, government entities and individuals on a wide range of matters including, cross-border disputes, family and estate planning, commercial transactions, compliance and corporate social responsibility, mergers & acquisition, banking & finance, data protection and compliance and regulatory.
During her 22 year -long legal career, she has dealt with a diverse range of matters ranging from day-to-day business matters, civil and commercial disputes across industries like retail, franchise, real estate & development, hospitality, construction, medical, retail, F&B, franchise, business lending, structuring and re-structuring of businesses, mergers, acquisitions, investment banking and so on. She holds substantial experience and is well versed with family laws, estate planning and succession laws across multiple jurisdictions.
She is a certified Money Laundering and Risk Management Specialist, a diversity & inclusion specialist and is currently heading the corporate commercial law practice at Al Midfa & Associates, Dubai. She has published several articles and has received several accolades for her work. She can be reached on: Karteekka@almidfalawyers.ae
