Dubai's white sandy beaches are becoming increasingly popular with German tourists. To avoid problems with the locals and law enforcement, unmarried couples should know how to behave in Dubai.

Although Dubai is relatively relaxed compared to other countries in the United Arab Emirates, there are strict laws and rules of behaviour for unmarried couples. Any form of nudity, kissing and holding hands as well as loud music in public is prohibited. Anyone who breaks these rules risks being charged with a criminal offence or even going to prison. A peck on the cheek is the limit of public displays of affection. In some hotels, holiday resorts and Western bars, the rules are often a little more relaxed.

Under Islamic law, an unmarried couple is not allowed to be alone in a private room or car. As there are so many tourists in Dubai, not all hotels are so strict with this rule. When checking into the hotel, they usually only ask for a passport and not a marriage certificate. As Arab women in the United Arab Emirates keep their surnames even after marriage, it is normal for couples not to share the same surname. To avoid problems, unmarried couples should always pretend to be married and refer to themselves as husband and wife.

It is not permitted to drink alcohol outside the hotels, resorts or nightclubs. The fact that alcohol is offered at all is an exception for Western visitors to Dubai.

Adultery is a serious offence in Dubai. So if you are travelling to Dubai with a partner other than your spouse, you should make sure that the partner who stayed at home does not find out and inform the police in Dubai.

Cover photo: Diego Delso