Cultural Guide for Dubai Airbnb Hosts: What International Guests Need to Know

By StayScan Editorial Team · Published · Last updated

Help international guests feel welcome in Dubai with cultural tips on dress, behaviour, Ramadan etiquette, and local customs, all packaged in a digital guest guide they can reference throughout their stay.

Why Cultural Briefing Matters in Dubai

Dubai is one of the world's most international cities, and one with specific cultural norms that differ significantly from most of the Western tourists who visit it. First-time visitors can inadvertently cause offence or encounter unexpected restrictions that colour their experience of the city.

A brief, friendly, and non-judgmental cultural orientation in your guest guide is one of the highest-value things you can provide for guests visiting Dubai. It's not paternalistic, it's the local knowledge that any good host would share with a friend visiting for the first time.

What to Cover in Your Cultural Section

Public Behaviour Basics

Frame this as helpful local knowledge rather than a warning list:

"Dubai is one of the most liberal cities in the Gulf, and visitors find it very welcoming. A few things that are useful to know for public areas:"

  • Displays of public affection beyond hand-holding are not appropriate in public
  • Eating, drinking, and smoking in public during Ramadan daylight hours is prohibited by law (this applies to non-Muslims too)
  • Loud arguments or raised voices in public can attract police attention
  • Photographing people (especially Emirati women) or government buildings without permission is not appropriate

Dress Code by Location

One of the most frequent questions international guests have. A simple table-style breakdown works well:

  • Beach and pool areas: Swimwear appropriate (bikinis, trunks are fine)
  • Malls, restaurants, public areas: Casual Western dress, shorts and short sleeves are fine; very revealing clothing is not
  • Souks and markets: Slightly more conservative, covered shoulders and knees recommended
  • Religious sites (mosques, heritage areas): Full modest coverage, women cover hair; entry is only permitted at designated visitor times

Alcohol

Frame this factually: alcohol is legal for tourists in Dubai and can be purchased at licensed outlets and consumed in licensed venues and in private accommodation. The locations where it's available:

  • Hotel bars and restaurants (all international hotel brands)
  • Licensed supermarkets (Spinneys, Waitrose, some Carrefour), note these may require verifying age
  • MMI (Maritime and Mercantile International) and African + Eastern are the main off-licence chains

Drinking alcohol in public spaces (beach, parks, streets) is not permitted.

Ramadan

If guests are visiting during Ramadan (a moving date, check the lunar calendar for current year), a specific section is very helpful:

"If you're visiting during Ramadan, here's what to expect:"

  • Many restaurants close for lunch during daylight hours
  • Eating, drinking (including water), and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited, indoors and in private is fine
  • Evenings during Ramadan are vibrant, iftar (breaking of fast at sunset) is a wonderful communal experience; many restaurants offer special iftar menus and the atmosphere is festive
  • Some businesses have reduced hours; the city slows during the day and comes alive after sunset

The Call to Prayer

The adhan (call to prayer) occurs five times daily from mosque loudspeakers. Include this as contextual information rather than a complaint pre-emption: "The call to prayer from nearby mosques is part of daily life in Dubai, five times daily, starting before dawn. Some guests find it atmospheric; it's something to know about if you're a light sleeper."

Photography

  • Generally, photography of Dubai's skyline, tourist attractions, and public spaces is welcome
  • Photography of military installations, government buildings, and ports is prohibited
  • Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially local Emirati people
  • The Dubai Creek and heritage areas are popular photography spots; be respectful of local community

Framing: Helpful, Not Condescending

The tone of your cultural section matters enormously. The wrong approach: a long list of things guests shouldn't do, framed as rules. The right approach: a brief section framed as "things that'll make your visit more comfortable" from someone who knows the city well.

Most guests who receive this information respond with gratitude rather than defensiveness. The occasional guest who objects to cultural sensitivity information would likely have been difficult regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I mention Dubai's laws about drugs and medication?

Yes, briefly. Many medications that are legal in guests' home countries are controlled substances in the UAE, including some codeine-based painkillers, CBD products, and certain antidepressants. The official advice is for guests to carry a prescription and a doctor's letter for any medication they're bringing into the country. A brief note and a link to the UAE's official medicines information is worth including.

Do I need to say anything about same-sex couples in Dubai?

Public displays of same-sex affection are not appropriate in Dubai under UAE law. For guests who are same-sex couples, a discreet and factual note in your guide, not in the public listing, is a kind and honest thing to include. Most hosts who do this frame it as part of the broader public behaviour section.

Is Dubai safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, by most objective measures, Dubai has very low crime rates and solo female travellers generally find the city safe and welcoming. A brief note acknowledging this in your guide, along with practical advice (reputable taxi apps, well-lit areas, standard urban precautions) is useful for guests who may have received mixed messages about safety in the UAE.

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