Arab laws for tourists. Resident visa and separate conditions. Resolution of emerging labor disputes

The UAE is the safest Arab country. If these words are not enough for you, then the UAE in 2011 took 33rd place in the ranking of safe countries out of 153, while Russia ranks 147th, and for example France - 36th. If this is not enough, then the Emirates are in second place among the countries with the lowest rate of murders per hundred thousand people of the population.

The numbers speak for themselves. UAE is really very safe country. Moreover, which is good, it is safe not because the police work well here, but because the UAE is a country with the highest standard of living, a stable political and economic situation. Here you can absolutely calmly walk at night in the darkest alleys, and are not afraid of anything. Here, it is more likely to be afraid of aggression from compatriots vacationing here than from local residents.

Laws, rules and traditions of behavior

The Emirates are known for their strict customs and harsh laws. Here it is very easy to be fined or even imprisoned for seemingly "harmless" violations of ours. Tourists are no exception, and for the slightest misconduct they will be held accountable in the same way as local residents. Keep in mind that if there is no policeman nearby, this does not mean that no one is watching you: policemen in civilian clothes patrol in crowded areas, there is video surveillance everywhere, and respectable citizens can report your violations to the police.

• It is forbidden by law to swear, show rude gestures, even among tourists. For such a violation, you can be fined or even sentenced to prison.
• You should not kiss or hug in public, show your love relationship in another way. You can also end up in jail for this.
• You can’t wear a bathing suit in public places (except beaches), it’s indecent for women to wear transparent clothes, dresses or skirts that open the leg above the knee, clothes with an open stomach, shoulders or back. Even being on the beach in too revealing a bathing suit can be a reason for a fine, and topless sunbathing is strictly prohibited.
• You should not pester women, talk to local ladies, look at girls. Such actions are considered rude behavior.
• Checking documents is not uncommon. Carry your passport or a photocopy with you.
• You can't take pictures of local residents without their permission. Such a violation is punishable by a fine or arrest. Given that you can’t talk to women, only men can ask permission to shoot. It is also forbidden to film banks, government agencies, military installations.
• Premarital lovemaking is illegal in the UAE and no exceptions are made for foreigners. Unmarried tourists may even be denied accommodation in one room. If you are married but have different last names, you can provide a certified translation of your marriage certificate.
• Homosexual relationships are legally prohibited, so friends who have settled in the same room can come with an unexpected check if they behave suspiciously.
• Drug use is punishable by a long prison term or a heavy fine. And the distribution death penalty or life imprisonment. You can get under the article for drug use even if the tourist carries with him medicines prescribed by a doctor. Many of them (including those that are sold openly in pharmacies in Russia) are officially banned for use in the UAE.
• Crossing the street in the wrong place is punishable by a fine or a month in prison.
• For smoking in the wrong place, for throwing garbage past the bin or just on the ground, a large fine is due.
• Gambling is banned in the UAE.
• The consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places is prohibited. Also, you should not appear on the street in a state of intoxication. You can drink alcohol only in the hotel room, or in places where it is allowed: in bars, restaurants.
• It is forbidden to transport alcoholic beverages from one emirate to another.
• In the month of Ramadan in the country you can not drink, eat and smoke from sunrise to sunset. Of course, this does not apply to tourists, and tourists are fed and even watered in hotel restaurants, but this rule cannot be violated in other public places. Failure to respect this tradition can result in fines and even imprisonment.
• It is forbidden to enter the house of an Arab with shoes on. If the owner walks ahead of you and enters in shoes himself, then this prohibition is lifted.
• Food and drink should only be given and taken right hand. If there is no cutlery, then you need to rinse your right hand with water and take food directly to her.
• You can not offer local residents alcoholic drinks as gifts or souvenirs, offer them a drink with you.

road traffic

Traffic in the UAE, like in Russia, is right-handed. Traffic intensity and driving style on the roads of the Emirates are often compared with Moscow, emphasizing that they are very similar. At the same time, local drivers are generally more friendly. Rules traffic And road signs almost the same as in Russia, except for the inscriptions that are written in English and Arabic.

Speed ​​limit in settlements is 60 km / h, on most routes 100 km / h. High-speed mode is controlled by automatic radars with photo and video recording. Paid parking there are few in cities, usually they are only in the very center, on narrow streets. Parking is AED 2 per hour.

Pedestrians should not violate the rules for crossing the carriageway, because. this entails a rather large fine. You can also not stand on the side of the road in order to stop a passing car.

Health

Quality medical care in the UAE at the highest level, but at prices it does not lag behind the level. In order not to go broke in case of need, apply for medical care, it is strongly recommended to get insurance before the trip (insurance is most often already included in tour packages).

Pharmacies in the UAE are common. In every city there are 24-hour duty pharmacies.

The sun in the UAE is very active at any time of the year, so you should protect yourself from sunlight and dehydration.

Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is best.

If your first-aid kit contains drugs that are prohibited in the country (among the prohibited ones there are those that are sold in pharmacies in Russia even without a prescription), then you can go to jail for drug use. If the need for such a drug is vital, you must have a certified translation of the medical prescription with you.

Emergency Phones

Ambulance - 999

Police - 999

Fire - 997

Embassies and consulates

Embassy of the UAE (United Arab Emirates) in Moscow:

Embassy of the Russian Federation in the UAE (United Arab Emirates):

The best prices for flights to popular destinations:

In this article, we will try to tell you in detail about how to behave in the UAE, what is prohibited and what is allowed, how to communicate with the locals and how not to make problems for yourself during the holidays and the rest of your life.

In the UAE most of prohibitions, due to the official religion of the country, is associated with the use alcohol. Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol. But, despite this, non-Muslim tourists, in contrast to more strict countries (for example, Saudi Arabia), in United Arab Emirates have several options regarding alcohol consumption: firstly, alcohol can be brought with you (for example, buy in duty free upon arrival), while remembering that this should not be done in public places and in front of Muslims; secondly, alcohol is sold in bars and restaurants that have the appropriate license for this. But in a state of intoxication it is strictly forbidden to appear on the streets of the city and public places. The sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants in the UAE is prohibited to persons under 21, so you should carry a copy of your passport or other document confirming your age with you. Remember that the emirate of Sharjah, unlike the rest, is completely alcohol-free. Strangely, it is also forbidden to transport alcohol from emirate to emirate, it can pass for smuggling, despite the fact that there are no cordons and checkpoints between the emirates that could control this.

During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims from dawn to dusk do not drink or eat anything, they are also forbidden to smoke and chew gum. Non-Muslims should respect the religious traditions and feelings of Muslims and try not to eat, drink or smoke in public places, refrain from noisy entertainment and indecent behavior in the UAE. It is advisable to wear closed and dim clothing. Failure to comply with these simple rules behavior in the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan may entail administrative and even criminal liability. During Ramadan, as a sign of respect for non-Muslim tourists, there are bars and restaurants at hotels where you can eat and drink during the day.

Access to almost everything mosques UAE non-Muslims are prohibited. The only exception is tourist visits Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi during allotted hours and Jumeirah Mosque

Again, due to religion, there are a number of rules of conduct for tourists who come to the Emirates. When interacting with the locals show respect and courtesy, do not touch people, do not stroke children on the head, do not stare at local women, keep your distance.

When entering an Arab house, take off your shoes, first greet the elder, then in a circle with everyone present, do not give alcohol or pork products to a Muslim, try to give everything and not take everything with your right hand (the left hand is considered dirty in the Muslim world), do not sit like this so that your feet are facing a Muslim, European women should not be the first to give a hand to a Muslim man, do not interfere with those praying during prayer.

Gambling, prostitution and drugs are completely prohibited in the Emirates. IN last years Western influence also affected smoking ban in public places, enclosed spaces and on the beaches.

Photographing Muslim women are unacceptable - this is considered an insult and can lead to arrest for 3 days. Therefore, one must be careful when shooting in shops, markets - where ladies often go. Before photographing a Muslim man, it is better to ask him for permission. It is also strictly forbidden in the UAE to photograph the palaces of sheikhs, military facilities and structures.

Rules of conduct on the road in the UAE do not differ significantly from Russian ones. Everything is like everywhere else: do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fasten your seat belt, do not talk on your mobile, do not exceed speed limits. If, as a result of an accident, the car interferes with the passage of others Vehicle, you need to remove it.

If, due to some circumstances, you are forced to conduct a dialogue with representatives of the UAE authorities, in no case don't offer a bribe! This may cause irreversible consequences for you.

In the interests of security in the UAE, bathe in forbidden places and with black flags raised (danger warning), go into the desert without a guide, touch and kill wild animals, pluck plants and damage corals. Also, we do not recommend taking in the UAE pets. Almost all hotels in the UAE refuse to accommodate pets, even if they small size and not at all dangerous to society.

The rules of conduct for tourists in the UAE also prohibit men and women show your feelings in public, kiss, hug. Under the law of the country, the cohabitation of an unmarried man and woman is also prohibited. Of course, hotels often turn a blind eye to tourists who are in a civil marriage. But, if a tourist has a holiday romance with a local resident, then most likely it will not end in anything good (remember that the local gentleman may turn out to be an employee of the "vice police"). Due to religion, it is also prohibited in the UAE to display homosexual tendencies men and women, despite the fact that among the locals it is quite normal for two friends to walk by the hand or a greeting in which both men rub their noses.

Since the question How to dress in the Emirates» is very voluminous, we highlighted it in separate article, which you can read on this .

However, going here, you should remember that this country is Muslim. Despite the fact that guests are treated quite loyally here (after all, tourism is one of the main sources of income in the country's economy), there are some UAE laws that a tourist should know and that must be observed in order not to get into a critical situation.

Basically, in the United Arab Emirates, the laws are similar, but it should still be remembered that this is a federal state, it consists of, and in some of the emirates the punishment for sin may be more severe than in others.

Ramadan

In general, the laws of the UAE are based on Sharia rules, and the most severe of them apply to Ramadan, the holy month for all Muslims. At this time, the following are prohibited:

• noisy entertainment (bars and discos are simply closed at this time);
• sale of alcohol during the day (and even in tourist places);
• public consumption of drinks and food, as well as smoking (applies to tourists).

The timing of Ramadan is determined by lunar calendar, each year it occurs in different months. It is best not to go to Ramadan in the UAE at all.

No alcohol law

All Muslim countries have a ban on alcohol that applies to local residents. But how are things with? In discos or in bars, restaurants, especially those related to, you can safely drink alcohol. However, outside these establishments, public order must be observed.

For being in a state of intoxication in a public place, a fine awaits. True, tourists are most often treated with understanding, but a police officer should not be caught in such a state. And even more so, you should not get drunk behind the wheel of a car - there is already a status foreign tourist will not save, and you will have to serve a prison sentence. And about "running away" from a police car, there can be no question at all.

By the way, the amount drunk does not affect the severity of the punishment in any way - a serious fine will have to be paid by those who got behind the wheel just after a glass of beer.

Where in the UAE the dry law is especially strict, it is in the emirate: alcohol is not sold here at all - neither in restaurants nor in bars, and for appearing in a state of intoxication in a public place there is a very serious fine. Here, however, there are special establishments "Wanderers of Sharjah", intended for workers of foreign origin, where alcohol can be bought.

drugs

For the use, possession or transportation of drugs, a very serious punishment is due. The police have the right to forcibly take a blood test from a person who is suspected of being under the influence of drugs. And if traces of prohibited substances are found, the guilty person (even if he took a prohibited drug before arriving in the country) faces imprisonment.

Please note: the list of prohibited drugs in the UAE is somewhat different from what we are used to. For example, painkillers containing codeine are also banned. Therefore, if you need to take medicines with you, it is better to first consult with the UAE embassy whether it is allowed to import specific substances (medicines) into the country, and at the same time take a doctor's prescription with you.

Dress code

within the hotel and resort area there are no restrictions on clothing, except for the fact that men have no right to appear naked, and women even topless. But when going to a shopping center, when walking around the city or with men, it is better to wear long trousers instead of shorts, and for women - a long skirt (a skirt that opens the knees is considered short). T-shirts that are too open should not be worn.

Women should refuse not only a large neckline, but also clothes that open their stomach or back, as well as transparent ones. For violation of the "dress code" they can impose a large fine, but even if this does not happen, a person dressed "not according to the rules" may simply not be allowed into a store, cafe, exhibition or any other object.

Attitude towards ladies

The laws of the UAE for women are quite strict not only in relation to clothing, but they mainly concern local residents. But tourists are strongly discouraged from taking pictures of women without their permission, and even asking them for directions. It is best not to talk to them at all and not to look at them.

What else can not be done in the UAE?

There are a number of other rules to follow:

1. You should not show your feelings on the streets: hugging and kissing in public places. The maximum that heterosexual couples can afford is to hold hands. But it’s better for homosexual couples not to show themselves in any way, because for gay the punishment here is very severe (for example, in - 10 years in prison, and in the emirate - as much as 14).
2. Swearing in the streets and making obscene gestures is forbidden - even when using them in a conversation among themselves.
3. It is undesirable to photograph without their permission and men.
4. It is worth photographing buildings very carefully: if it “accidentally” turns out to be a government building, a military facility, it will be very difficult to avoid accusations of espionage.
5. Gambling is prohibited. Moreover, these are “any games in which one of the parties will have to give up a certain amount of money in case of loss.” That is, by and large, betting on money is also prohibited. A "player" can get 2 years in prison, an organizer of a gambling game - up to 10 years.
6. Smoking is not permitted outside designated areas.
7. You can not dance in public (in places not designated for this).
8. It is advisable not to eat on the go.
9. You should not exceed the speed limit - even when sober.

Interesting Facts

The UAE has very pleasant laws for citizens: for example, newborns expect a "starting capital" in the equivalent of $60,000. $ 19,000 as an interest-free loan, and if the family has a child, the loan will not have to be repaid, the state will do it instead.

Under the strictest prohibition there is swearing, insults and fights, in punishment for which an imprudent tourist can be fined or sentenced to detention. The ban applies even to comic rudeness, they are simply not accepted there.

Arabs are harsh to public displays of affection: for a kiss or a hug, you can easily be arrested and sent to prison. The habit of holding hands should also be forgotten during your stay in the UAE.

Transparent or open clothing that exposes the stomach, back or shoulders is prohibited; a skirt above the knee is considered too short. It is worth choosing a swimsuit carefully, which can be too revealing even for the beach and cause a high fine. Topless sunbathing or being in a bathing suit outside the beach is unacceptable.

Serious arabic laws regarding sex before marriage. A case is described when a rape victim was taken into custody for entering into an extramarital intimate relationship. An unmarried couple may not be accommodated in a hotel in one room, and until recently, women without a man with the same surname were simply not allowed into the country.

It is forbidden to speak with women, regardless of the reason for the conversation, and also to consider them.

You can not photograph the people around you without obtaining their consent, and since it is permissible to contact only men, the presence of women in the pictures is by itself excluded.

Increased awareness is needed when photographing the surrounding architecture: for photographing military installations and government agencies, an unlucky tourist risks being arrested.

Pay special attention to content travel first aid kit: many components harmless medicines c are considered narcotic substances, and if a person is convicted of using them, arrest and charges of drug use are inevitable. And this is no longer a joke. The case can end in a long prison sentence or even execution, if the “criminal” is suspected of distributing illegal substances. If you really need medicines, you should take with you a notarized translated prescription from a doctor.

Not all places allow smoking, in case of violation a fine is due. You will also have to pay for the garbage thrown past the bin.

In the United Arab Emirates, no one walks the streets drunk, does not drink drinks containing alcohol in public places. For these purposes, there are hotel rooms and restaurants. Violators, as it is not difficult to guess, are waiting for large fines. Also, alcoholic beverages should not be offered to Muslims.

Food can only be taken with the right hand, using the left is equated with rudeness.

It offends an Arab to refuse food. It is necessary to try the offered food or drink and be sure to praise.

It is not customary to enter the house in shoes.

Those who drive a car need to be extra vigilant on the roads: temperamental driving style local population not infrequently causes emergencies.

In conclusion, we can say that the absence of law enforcement officers nearby does not mean at all that they will not be able to recognize and stop forbidden behavior. Many cameras and encouraged snitching are very likely to lead the intruder to clean water. Do not argue with the police or try to give a bribe - this is a sure way to aggravate the situation. Tourists in the United Arab Emirates do not have to wait for concessions regarding the law, so it is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with all the nuances of local prohibitions in as much detail as possible before traveling to this country, remember them well and never violate them. Photo materials used from Wikimedia © Foto, Wikimedia Commons

Before planning a trip to any place, it is important to note that if you are breaking the law of the country, even your embassy will not be able to help you. Therefore, it would be wise to learn the basic laws and regulations of the place you are planning to visit. If you are planning a trip to Dubai, then all laws and regulations in the UAE will apply to this city.

Although Dubai is popular and glamorous resort town, it is located in a Muslim country, so the laws here are very conservative. All emirates in the UAE, including Dubai, have a moral and ethical code that you should try to strictly follow.

The legal framework in the UAE has a dual system comprising mainly Islamic Sharia and aspects of contract law. However, compared to Saudi Arabia and others Arab countries, laws in the UAE are more liberal. Regulations in the UAE are constantly being developed and adapted to meet the rapid pace of development taking place here.

Just like in other Gulf countries, the legal system in Dubai is a mixture of Sharia (Islamic law), civil and criminal laws. It is carried out by the Federal Court, which includes the courts of first instance and supreme courts. The Supreme Council of Rulers is the highest governing body in the UAE. The local government is also involved and plays an important role in the legislation in each emirate.

Ignorance of the law is not accepted as an excuse in court. Hence, it is better for foreigners to familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations in Dubai and the UAE. Below we have presented the main laws and regulations in the UAE, ranging from dress code and alcohol consumption rules, which you may find helpful.

Requirements for entering and leaving the UAE

All foreigners must follow UAE immigration laws, which may seem complicated. A passport is mandatory to travel to the UAE. While citizens of some countries may be able to obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport, others will need to obtain a visa in advance.

Customs restrictions

Travelers are advised to avoid any transport of weapons or items that may be considered illegal, such as military equipment, spare parts for weapons, tools, ammunition, body armor, handcuffs or other tools used by the police. People carrying such items, even in small quantities, will be arrested and may face severe criminal penalties, including huge monetary fines, imprisonment and confiscation of the items. Transportation of any type of power equipment is generally accepted as a major threat in the UAE national security. Dubai and other emirates have already shown their serious stance on law enforcement in this matter.

In addition, in the UAE, in no case can you bring various prohibited substances and items. You can see a list of these things and items on the website of the UAE government.

Illegal work in the UAE

It should be noted that any attempt to work illegally in Dubai and other emirates is considered a crime and may result in jail or deportation. Expats seeking to live and work in the UAE must present certified personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates, as well as other educational documents. Document authentication is a complex process that involves visiting state, federal, and local offices. Therefore, this process can take several weeks.

Expats seeking to set up a business in the UAE should have a good understanding of the laws and regulations in the UAE before entering the market with their business. Your first research should be to explore the types of work visas and permits in the UAE. Also inquire about import tax and other laws regarding businesses in the UAE.

Rules of the road in the UAE

The UAE has very strict fines for certain traffic violations, in particular for driving under the influence of alcohol. In such cases, offenders are often imprisoned for several days. In addition, they may have to go through legal procedures and receive huge fines. Driver's license is mandatory to drive in the UAE and foreign driver's licenses are not recognized here. If you are involved in an accident, then, in accordance with the law, you have no right to leave the scene of the accident until the police arrive.

Alcohol and smoking regulations in the UAE

Drinking and possession of alcohol without the permission of a special ministry in Dubai is illegal and may result in arrest and/or fine and imprisonment. Alcohol is served in bars in some large hotels but is for hotel guests only. Any other people who are not hotel guests but who consume alcohol in the restaurants and bars here must have their own licenses. Such permits for drinking and possession of alcohol are issued only for non-Muslims who have a resident visa in the UAE.

Smoking is prohibited in a number of public institutions and places like shopping centers. Therefore, it is important to strictly follow these rules. There are designated smoking areas in Dubai, so following the rules is not that hard.

Similarly, the law emphasizes that having even a small amount of banned substances in the UAE can lead to years in prison for foreign citizens. If the illegal drug was prescribed by a doctor in your country, then you need to have a copy of the prescription with you. Please be aware that some medicines are classified as illicit drugs in the UAE, so it is illegal to own them. If you are caught with a substance that is considered illegal, then you will be liable: four years in prison or deportation. Thus, you first need to check the Prohibited Substances List with the Department of Control or the Ministry of Health before bringing any medicines into the UAE.

Behavior and dress code in the UAE

The behavior and dress code in the UAE mainly reflects the Islamic traditions of the country. Laws public order and morality throughout the UAE are very strict, compared to Western and European countries. Any public display of affection or indiscretion is not allowed in the UAE. You can even be jailed for this.

Remember that dancing in public is considered indecent in the UAE. However, dancing at home or in nightclubs is allowed as long as no one finds it offensive.

Some involuntary actions, including the wrong choice of clothing, can attract unwanted attention. In the UAE, you must dress conservatively when you are in public. However, beachwear is allowed on the beaches, but any form of nudity is unacceptable.

Photographing important military and civilian installations or foreign diplomatic missions may result in arrest or detention. If a foreigner addresses a local woman in public or tries to take a picture of her without permission, then this is considered unacceptable behavior.

Islam is the main religion throughout the UAE. Foreigners do not have to follow this religion, but all actions that can be assessed as anti-Islamic may result in fines and imprisonment. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and therefore eating, drinking and smoking in public places during this month is not recommended.

Islamic Law (Sharia)

In Sharia, as in other legal systems, a person is considered innocent until proven otherwise. Both plaintiff and defendant are equal in court. Under Islamic law, crimes that carry certain penalties include apostasy, murder, fornication, adultery, and theft.

In general, if you want to live and work in the UAE, you will have to abide by the laws of the country and accept the rules by which people live in the emirates.