Despite its reputation as a tourist magnet where all kinds of behaviour are tolerated, Dubai is a conservative Muslim country and it has very strict laws. These may often get broken by visitors, but the rules are there, they do get enforced and anyone who breaks them is risking serious consequences.

Alcohol is banned altogether in Sharjah. Elsewhere, it is prohibited to Muslims but available in bars, some restaurants and tourist hotels. However, you can't buy alcohol in a shop or walk down the street with it. Drugs are, of curse, illegal as elsewhere, but in the Gulf the penalties are very heavy.

Public behaviour, between men and women or even more between same-sex couples, which is regarded as sexual is illegal and can be punished with a prison sentence or deportation. Even kissing in public can cause problems.

Women are not allowed to sunbathe or swim topless. In general, both men and women should dress quite conservatively to avoid offending people.

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