United Arab Emirates Insurance for Visitors

The UAE legal system is based on a civil law system much like the U.S., although it does have some elements of Sharia law that can be confusing for tourists. The word Sharia comes from Arabic and is roughly translated to morals. Many of these laws relate to legal punishments for issues involving sexuality, hygiene, religion, etc. It is often associated with the religion of Islam but has other uses within the Arab world as well.

Some of the legal issues travelers to the UAE should be aware of specifically involve physical affection between individuals as well as drug and alcohol use. Kissing in public is illegal, and foreigners are deported on a regular basis for violating this law. Additionally, premarital sex is a grievous violation as is homosexuality, both of which have led to the prosecution of foreigners in recent years. Underage drinking, public drunkenness, and any form of drug use are also criminal offenses that can be prosecuted. Foreigners are subject to these laws and can face lengthy prison sentences or worse for violations.

While most of the population in the United Arab Emirates identifies as Muslim, the government has adopted a strict non-discrimination policy between religions. Proselytizing is forbidden, as is criticizing or preventing the practice of any religion. That said, during the month of Ramadan, it is illegal for both Muslims and non-Muslims to eat or drink in public during daylight hours.

The UAE has one of the most disproportionate gender ratios in the world, with three men per woman. This gender ratio is mostly driven by foreign male laborers, particularly in construction. As a result, single females are often targeted by men. That is not to say women are the only targets. A number of male tourists have reported rape and sexual assault—by women and other men—in the UAE. Unfortunately, because sex outside of marriage is illegal, people who report they have been raped are often arrested and imprisoned for months. While the country has grown to economic prosperity for its protection of tourists and foreigners, it is also widely criticized for perceived human rights violations and failure to prosecute crimes against foreigners.