UAE laws Brits trip over: alcohol, medicines and social media

Most Brits in Dubai never see the inside of a police station, but the ones who do are usually caught out by something that would be perfectly normal back home.

The short version

• Drinking, or being drunk, in public is illegal across the UAE. The legal age is 21, alcohol is banned in Sharjah, and Dubai residents need a liquor licence to buy alcohol for home [1].
• There's zero tolerance of drugs, and drugs in your bloodstream count as possession, even if you took them before you arrived [1].
• Narcotic, psychotropic, controlled and semi-controlled medicines need approval from the Ministry of Health before you bring them in [2].
• Swearing and rude gestures are illegal, including online, and can lead to jail or deportation [1].
• The UAE's cybercrime law covers insulting people, invading their privacy and spreading false information online [4].

Alcohol: legal, but on the UAE's terms

Dubai has pubs showing the footie, Friday brunches and hotel bars aplenty, so it's easy to forget that alcohol is tightly controlled. The FCDO sets out the rules [1]:

The trap for Brits isn't usually the licence; it's the walk home. A loud, wobbly exit from a bar into a taxi queue is "under the influence in public", and an argument with a taxi driver after brunch can turn into a police matter fast. Get a cab from the door, keep your voice down, and never drive the morning after a big night.

Ramadan changes things too. During daylight hours, the FCDO advises against eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public, including in your car, and against loud music, dancing and swearing in public [1].

Drugs and medicines

Illegal drugs and CBD

The UAE has zero tolerance. Possession, even of residual amounts, can bring a minimum three-month prison sentence or a fine, and trafficking can carry the death penalty [1]. Drugs in your bloodstream count as possession, and airport screening is sensitive enough to pick up traces [1]. That means something legal in Amsterdam last week can still land you in trouble at Dubai airport.

CBD is a particular trap. The FCDO warns that some herbal highs and CBD products are illegal, and that skincare products and e-cigarette refills with CBD oil or other banned ingredients may be confiscated, with possession leading to criminal charges [1]. Leave the CBD balm at home.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines

Many everyday British medicines are fine. The problem is the ones on the UAE's controlled lists, which can include some strong painkillers, sleeping tablets and anxiety or ADHD medicines. Check even the things you'd pick up over the counter at Boots.

The FCDO's guidance [2]:

1. Check the list. The UAE Ministry of Health publishes lists of narcotic, psychotropic, controlled and semi-controlled medicines, with the quantities allowed and documents needed [1].
2. Apply in advance. These medicines need prior approval from the Ministry of Health. You apply online, and applications are normally processed within five working days [2].
3. Carry the proof. Without proof of prior approval, the medicine won't be allowed in and you may be prosecuted [2].
4. Respect the quantity limits. Visitors can bring up to three months' supply, reduced to one month for medicines on the approval list [2].
5. Bring the paperwork. Keep medicines in their original packaging with a copy of your prescription or a letter from your GP.

If you're only changing planes without passing through immigration, approval isn't needed [2]. Questions go to the Ministry of Health at info@moh.gov.ae or on +971 800 11111 [2]. Once you're a resident, you'll get regular prescriptions from a UAE doctor, but bringing a stash back from a trip home follows the same rules.

Social media, swearing and photos

This is where modern Brits come unstuck most often, because so much of it happens on a phone.

Swearing and rude gestures are illegal, including online [1]. That covers a road-rage hand gesture on Sheikh Zayed Road, an angry voice note to your landlord and a sweary WhatsApp to a colleague who then complains. Offenders can be jailed or deported [1].

The cybercrime law. Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes took effect on 2 January 2022 [4]. Among the offences it lists are invading the privacy of others, insulting and slandering others, spreading false information or rumours, publishing content that doesn't meet media content standards, raising funds without a licence, promoting demonstrations without a licence, and offending a foreign country or religion [4]. A bad online review that crosses into insult, or a post sharing someone's photo without their consent, can fall foul of it.

Photos of people. The FCDO advises not to photograph people without their permission, and notes that men have been arrested for photographing women on beaches [1]. Photographing some government buildings and military sites is illegal, and the FCDO even warns that plane spotting and birdwatching near sensitive sites may be misunderstood [1].

Fundraising. Charity fundraising is heavily regulated in the UAE, including online and on social media [1]. That sponsored run you're promoting for a UK charity needs a bit of thought before you post the link.

The safest rule of thumb: if you'd be uncomfortable seeing your post read out in court, don't post it.

Dress, relationships and everyday rules

Debt deserves a special mention. The FCDO says that a travel ban, legal proceedings or unpaid debt may stop you leaving the UAE, and that you may be refused re-entry if you leave with debts or an unresolved legal matter [2]. Close credit cards and settle loans properly before you go home for good.

At the border, remember that pork products and pornography are illegal to bring in [2].

If it goes wrong

If you're arrested, ask for the British Embassy to be told. The British Embassy Dubai offers help for people who've been arrested and guidance on finding English-speaking lawyers and translators [5]. It can't get you out of jail or act as your lawyer. Our guide to consular help from the FCDO explains what they can and can't do.

When we checked on 7 November 2026, the FCDO travel advice for the UAE was still current at 7 November 2026 and had last been updated on 27 October 2026 [3]. Read the "laws and cultural differences" section before you move, and again before visitors arrive: your mum's suitcase of codeine and Lemsip deserves a check too.

For honest stories of what gets people into trouble (and what doesn't), our community group for Brits in the UAE is a good place to ask.

Sources

1. GOV.UK (FCDO): United Arab Emirates travel advice – safety and security (laws and cultural differences)
2. GOV.UK (FCDO): United Arab Emirates travel advice – entry requirements (updated 30 October 2026)
3. GOV.UK (FCDO): United Arab Emirates travel advice (still current at 7 November 2026, updated 27 October 2026)
4. UAE Government portal: Cyber safety and digital security
5. GOV.UK: British Embassy Dubai

Keep reading

• Summer, Ramadan and the working week in Dubai
• Nightlife in Dubai
• Healthcare and health insurance in Dubai
• Consular help from the FCDO