The main religion in Dubai is Islam. Despite the emirate's reputation for hospitality, respecting local culture and traditions is strictly regulated by law.
In public places, it is not allowed to openly display your emotions, whether it be affection or aggression. Revealing clothing is also prohibited. There are even designated women-only days when men are not allowed to visit certain public places. All of these rules apply to the beaches in Dubai Marina as well.
If you have a dog, it is important to note that Dubai Marina is not a pet-friendly area. There are signs on the promenades prohibiting walking with pets. If you visit a free beach with a pet, you will be fined for violating the rules.
How to behave on the beaches to avoid fines:
- Women are not allowed to wear revealing swimsuits. Bikinis are permissible, but they should not be provocative. Men can wear swim trunks or shorts.
- Topless sunbathing is not allowed on the beaches.
- If you want to visit the beach with your whole family, Monday and Friday are women-only days, and only women with children, including boys up to 10 years old, are allowed entry.
- Alcohol is not allowed to be brought on the beach or consumed publicly. If you want to have a cocktail, choose beaches with a designated bar area. Alcohol can only be consumed in designated areas.
- Taking photos and videos of people without their consent is prohibited. If someone accidentally ends up in the shot, it is not a problem, but purposefully taking photos of others is not allowed. If someone asks you to delete a photo with them in it, you must comply.