- SWEARING IN PUBLIC AND ONLINE
Very important guys, swearing is completely prohibited in the UAE. The use of the “F’’ wording is a crime punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine not less than 10,000 dirhams. According to Article 373 of the UAE Penal Code, ‘’it disgraces the honour or the modesty of a person’’ and by the way, flashing your middle finger is also considered an “indecent gesture” that breaches “a victim’s pride, privacy and/or modesty” which could result in deportation.
Online activity is not left out: using swear words on WhatsApp or any social media platform including sending emoji’s that suggest indecent gestures breaches the UAE’S cyber laws. One can face a deportation, a prison sentence or a fine up to 250,000 dirhams.
- EATING OR DRINKING ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Consuming any food or beverages o all forms of public transport is completely banned. This includes the metro & bus stations and even pedestrian crossings. Getting caught can attract a fine of 100 dirhams.
- CARRYING FOODS CONTAINING POPPY SEEDS
According to the UAE anti-narcotic laws, poppy seeds are a source of opium and are considered a banned substance [drug] and it is prohibited to smuggle and/or possess poppy seeds with the intent to grow them. Being caught in possession of poppy seeds is a serious violation of the law and a punishable offence with jail time.
- USING VPN
As stated by the UAE Cybercrime laws, if caught ‘’using a false IP address or third-party address by any other means for the purpose of committing a crime or preventing its discovery’’ users can face fines between 500,000 – 2 million dirhams (136, 500 – 500,000 USD). For whatever reason including downloading copyrighted material, accessing a blocked or restricted you are risking a hefty fine or jail time.
- TAKING AND SHARING PICTURES OF ROAD OR AVIATION ACCIDENTS Generally, taking pictures is risky business in the UAE particularly taking pictures of courts, military buildings and other prohibited installations. It is highly prohibited to take any photos of road accidents or aviation accidents ad post them on any social media platforms. This can attract a fine between 50,000 – 3million dirhams as well as the risk of deportation.