Society & Islam

The most astonishing number of the UAE: Only about 11% of the population are Emiratis — the remaining 89% are expats from over 200 countries. In Dubai, the ratio is even more extreme: Here, an estimated 8% of the residents are citizens. This makes the UAE the country with the highest proportion of foreigners in the world.

The largest expat communities:

• Indians: ~3.4 million (the largest group), from IT engineers to construction workers
• Pakistanis: ~1.5 million
• Bangladeshis: ~1 million
• Filipinos: ~700,000
• Western expats: ~500,000 (Britons, Americans, Australians, Germans, etc.)

This diversity makes the UAE one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world: In Dubai, you hear Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Arabic, and English on the street — and find restaurants from virtually every country on earth. The downside: The Kafala system (sponsorship system for migrant workers) and the working conditions for low-wage earners — especially in construction — are criticized internationally. The UAE has implemented reforms in recent years (minimum wage, midday break during heat, wage protection), but the situation remains a critical issue.

The UAE is an Islamic country, but significantly more liberal than neighboring Saudi Arabia or Iran. Nevertheless, you should know and respect the religious rules:

Ramadan

The holy fasting month (dates vary according to the lunar calendar, expected around February 18 – March 19, 2026) fundamentally changes public life:

• Eating, drinking, and smoking in public is prohibited from sunrise to sunset — even for non-Muslims! Penalty: Warning up to 2,000 AED.
• Restaurants are closed during the day or hang curtains over the windows (for non-fasters).
• Loud music is inappropriate. Clubs and bars close or have reduced hours.
• Positive: The Iftar buffets (breaking the fast at sunset) are a culinary experience — many hotels offer opulent Iftar dinners (150–300 AED/37–75 EUR). The atmosphere after sunset, when everyone eats together and the city comes to life, is special.

Friday Prayer

Friday is the holy day in Islam. The prayer time at midday (around 12:00–13:30) is the most important moment of the week. The metro in Dubai starts on Fridays only at 10:00. Avoid noise near mosques during prayer times.

Dress Code

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the dress code is relatively relaxed — at beaches and pools bikinis and swim trunks are normal. In malls, restaurants, and public buildings shoulders and knees should be covered (practical: have a light scarf or loose pants with you). In Sharjah and the northern emirates, more conservative clothing is expected. In mosques strict rules apply: long pants/skirt, covered arms, women with headscarf.

Alcohol is legal but strictly regulated in the UAE — and the system is confusing for newcomers:

Where can you drink alcohol?

• In licensed hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs: Yes, without restriction. This is the norm for tourists. Beer, wine, cocktails — all available, but expensive (beer 40–70 AED/10–17 EUR, cocktail 60–100 AED/15–25 EUR).
• In private residences: Yes, with a personal alcohol license (simplified for tourists since 2024 via the "Barcode" app).
• In public: Absolutely prohibited. No alcohol consumption on the street, at the beach (except in licensed beach clubs), in parks, or in the car. Penalty: Fine up to imprisonment.
• In Sharjah: Alcohol is banned throughout the emirate — even in hotels.

Where can you buy alcohol?

• Duty-Free at the airport: Upon arrival, a maximum of 4 liters of spirits or 2 cartons of beer (24 cans). The cheapest option!
• Licensed shops: African + Eastern (A+E) and Maritime & Mercantile International (MMI) are the major chains. Since 2024, you need the "Barcode" app (free registration) to purchase.

Alcohol and Driving

Zero tolerance: 0.0 per mille. No glass of wine, no beer. No exception. The penalty: Fine, license suspension, imprisonment, in the worst case deportation. Uber/Taxi is the only option after drinking.

The UAE is a tolerant but rule-based country. As a tourist, you will rarely encounter problems if you show respect — but some rules are different from those in Europe:

✅ Dos

• Greet with “As-salamu alaikum" (Peace be upon you) — it is always appreciated
• Show respect for Emirati culture and Islam
• Dress appropriately in malls and public buildings (shoulders + knees covered)
• Ask for permission before photographing locals (especially women)
• Use the right hand for eating, greeting, and giving — the left is considered unclean
• Do not show the soles of your feet towards others (considered rude)
• Accept offered Arabic coffee and dates — refusal can be seen as impolite

❌ Don'ts

• No public affection: Holding hands is tolerated, kissing and hugging in public is not. Penalty: Fine up to deportation.
• No swearing: Offensive gestures or insults (even in traffic!) can lead to arrest.
• No photographing government buildings, military installations, or palaces
• No drugs: Absolute zero tolerance. Possession of even the smallest amounts (even traces in the blood) can lead to years of imprisonment. Cannabis residues on shoes from the last Amsterdam trip? Theoretically punishable.
• No criticism of the ruling family or the government — neither in person nor on social media
• No cohabitation outside marriage: Officially decriminalized since 2022, but culturally still sensitive