Dubai is a fascinating destination and a great place to enjoy a vacation. If you are looking for somewhere exotic and completely different, you will find it here. However, one thing that you have to be careful of is that the customs and culture here are very different from back home.

There are a few things that you should avoid doing while you are in Dubai if you want to get the most from your stay, and a few etiquette tips that you may want to follow. Here is what you need to know when you arrive to enjoy your stay and avoid experiencing any problems.

Wear Suitable Clothing

Dubai is a conservative place, and you would do well to avoid dressing in anything that could be considered inappropriate or provocative. This is especially important for women, who when wearing skirts and dresses should ensure they are at least knee length. The dress code is conservative no matter where you are, so make a real effort to cover up.

The only real exception to this is when you are on the beach. However, even here you should exercise caution. Avoid wearing anything too revealing unless you are 100 percent certain that you are allowed to do so. There are usually instructions at the entrance to the beach, and you should also take your cue from what the other bathers are wearing.

It’s also highly advisable to avoid wearing items of clothing that have offensive images or slogans on them. Stick to plain clothing and you won’t have any problems.

Avoid Public Displays of Affection

This is one area where tourists can get into a lot of trouble if they are not careful. Even if you are married, kissing or showing too much affection in public is not allowed. You can hold hands if you are married, but to be on the safe side you may want to avoid even that. And if you are not married, avoid any kind of contact.

If you are traveling with your partner and you are not married, be advised that you will not be able to share a room, so make sure you are aware of this when you book your accommodation.

Watch Your Language

Swearing and abusive language are not permitted, and you can even get into trouble by making offensive hand gestures. Avoid spitting and all forms of aggressive behavior to stay out of trouble.

Avoid Showing the Soles of Your Shoes

As in many Arabic countries, showing someone the sole of your shoe is seen as disrespectful. If you are sitting down, be very careful about showing your sole. It is unlikely to land you in trouble, but you may offend someone.

Be Careful During Ramadan

Ramadan is the month-long period of fasting, practiced by all Muslims. If you are going to be staying in Dubai during Ramadan, be aware that restaurants will be closed during the day, and you will not be permitted to eat, drink, or even chew gum in public. Exceptions, however, may be made for pregnant women and children.

No Smoking in Public

Smoking in public places is illegal, and you can end up with a fine. Be advised that this is also true of electronic cigarettes, so be very careful where you smoke.

Avoid Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is only permitted in licensed restaurants and clubs. When you book a hotel using a service like Hipmunk, check whether there is a licensed establishment in the hotel or attached to the hotel where you can drink. If you are ever in any doubt about whether drinking alcohol is permitted, always double check. You must also be over 21 to drink.

Be Careful where You Dance

Dancing is considered provocative, and you should avoid doing it in public. If you want to dance, make sure you only do so in a licensed club, and always check the rules to make sure you will not get into trouble.

Be Careful with Your Camera

Do not take photos of people without their express permission anywhere in Dubai, and be especially careful when photographing women and children. Also avoid taking photos of official buildings.

Enjoy a Problem-Free Time in Dubai

Dubai is a wonderful place to discover, and you are certain to have a fascinating time here. Just be careful about the local customs and cultures because otherwise you could find yourself offending the local people or even getting into trouble with the authorities. As long as you stick to a few basic guidelines, you will not have any problems, so start planning your trip to Dubai and have a great time in this wonderful destination.

Fiona Moriarty works as a content strategist for Hipmunk. She enjoys sharing her travel and vacation experiences. Look for her articles on many vacation and tourism websites.