With its magnificent landscape, many foreigners fall in love with the beauty of the UAE. Although it’s a poetic and romantic place for visiting expats and couples, public display of affection a.k.a PDA is not allowed here.
Holding hands, kissing, and other form of display of affection when in public places are socially unacceptable and strictly discouraged, and doing so can land violators in hot water.
In 2017, a couple was sentenced to one month in jail for hugging and kissing inside a public restroom. A petrol station attendant told his manager about seeing the couple’s actions from the window of the door of the restroom. The manager then alerted the police who immediately arrested the couple.
The government of Dubai’s code of conduct specifically states that “Displays of affection among couples – whether married or not – in public places does not fit the local customs and culture.”
The code of conduct adds that “holding hands for a married couple is tolerated but kissing and petting are considered an offence to public decency.”
Public display of affection also covers sexual harassment or randomly addressing women in public places.
If proven guilty, a person/s can be punished with fine, imprisonment, and/or deportation.
