The UAE is a country that gives high emphasis on public decency—from observing proper etiquette in public areas to respecting the culture of the people from different nations living in the country.
Among these rules also covers observing proper attire especially in public areas. Article 358 of the UAE’s penal code criminalizes “indecent attire” as an act of public indecency, and this also covers cross-dressing, which is forbidden here.
In August 2017, several inquiries landed in the inbox of The Filipino Times Facebook, asking about an alleged “crackdown on homosexuals” living and working in the country. Some users also sent screenshots of the social media post.
One of them, a Filipino man who goes by the moniker “Magnolia”, claimed that he was arrested and deported.
He narrated that he and his friends were deported straight to the Philippines after being caught cross-dressing at a party in Dubai.
In the same month, two Asians (nationality withheld) were sentenced to one year in prison due to cross-dressing, but their sentences were later reduced to a fine and deportation.
Under UAE law, charges related to illicit showing of homosexuality is punishable with up 10 years imprisonment, fines, and deportation.
Individuals who will be guilty of committing to same-sex sexual relations can be punished with up to 14 years in prison.
