Dubai Culture Guide for UK Expats: Key Differences in 2025

Last Updated: 17th April 2025 by Martha Lott

Before you book your removals to Dubai, it’s worth understanding how different everyday life can feel. Dubai is a vibrant, fast-growing city that blends tradition with luxury, but the cultural norms, religious practices, and legal expectations may come as a surprise to first-time UK expats.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect when it comes to Dubai culture, covering everything from dress codes and social etiquette to religion, alcohol laws, and women’s rights, so you can adapt confidently and respectfully.

1. Religion and Daily Life

Dubai is a Muslim-majority city where Islam plays a central role in shaping everyday life. The city incorporates Sharia Law into its legal system, which follows strict Islamic principles. This influences lifestyle, family law and daily social norms for those living in Dubai. 

While Dubai is more liberal than some other parts of the UAE, it’s still important to understand and respect these cultural norms, especially if you’re moving from the UK, where such expectations are very different.

One of the main differences between UK and Dubai culture is public behaviour. Public behaviour is strictly monitored so things like swearing, rude gestures, or public displays of affection could face penalties or legal action if you don’t respect these traditions. 

Things like a quick hug or holding hands in Dubai aren’t illegal, but there are laws surrounding this behaviour that could see you face a warning, fine or even legal action if you disrespect the tradition. 

2. Women’s Rights in Dubai

It’s important to be aware that women’s rights in Dubai are different to the UK and Western law. As the UAE is a Muslim country, women’s rights in Dubai follow Islamic law.

There has been progress made in recent years to improve gender equality and women’s rights in Dubai. In 2025 in Dubai, women in have the legal right to:

• Drive and own vehicles – Saudi Arabia lifted its ban in 2018
• Travel independently (without a male guardian in most cases) – The UAE repealed a law to remove a ban on this in 2017
• Work in a wide range of professions – 2022 saw a legal reform to prohibit gender-based discrimination in the workplace
• Own property and businesses
• Vote and participate in government – since 2006
• Access education at all levels – education was made compulsory in 2012

However, some of these require approval from a guardian, which is usually a woman’s father or husband. In certain family or legal matters, such as marriage, divorce, or child custody, a male guardian’s involvement may still be required, especially for younger or unmarried women. The role of a guardian varies depending on the woman’s age, marital status, and the specific situation.

For UK expats, adapting to these cultural differences in Dubai doesn’t mean compromising independence, it simply requires awareness and cultural sensitivity.

3. Dubai Alcohol Rules

Another cultural difference between Dubai and the UK is the strict rules regarding alcohol consumption.  As Dubai is a Muslim country, alcohol is forbidden in the religion. 

However, drinking alcohol isn’t illegal for non-UAE nationals. You’ll need to be over 21, have a licensed permit and follow strict rules to respect Islamic values. In 2024, alcohol licenses are now free to obtain in Dubai from licensed stores. 

Drinking alcohol and being drunk in public spaces is illegal, but licensed establishments can legally serve alcohol. You’ll also find alcohol prices to be quite high in shops and bars to discourage drunk and disorderly behaviour.

4. Religious Holidays

As Dubai is a Muslim country, there are many religious holidays and rules to be aware of. If you’re moving to Dubai from the UK, you’ll notice key differences, especially in how public spaces operate during certain times of year.

One of the most noticeable aspects is the Islamic call to prayer (adhan), which sounds from mosques five times a day, beginning at sunrise and continuing through to nightfall. While it’s not disruptive, it’s an important daily rhythm that reflects the city’s spiritual culture.

During Ramadan, the most significant religious period in Dubai, most all cafes and restaurants will be closed during the day, making it difficult to access food. It’s not illegal to eat in public as a non-Muslim, but you should show respect to the locals during this time. Drinking and smoking in public during the day is discouraged, even if you’re not Muslim.

5. Dress Code Expectations in Dubai

The dress code for women in Dubai is strict, which is something to get used to if you’re moving from the UK. Although women do not have to wear headscarves all of the time, clothing that is short, tight and doesn’t cover your shoulders is considered disrespectful in Dubai culture. 

In places of cultural importance, such as mosques, both men and women should wear loose clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Women are expected to wear a head scarf when attending a mosque as a sign of respect. 

It can get extremely hot in Dubai, so to stick to the clothing rules, it’s recommended to wear loose-fitting, long clothing. 

6. Local Laws

Unlike the UK, it’s illegal to be gay in Dubai, so same-sex relationships and activity are deemed an illegal offence. This applies to both men and women under the Criminal Codes of the Emirates of Abu Dhabi. 

Although the city provides a welcoming environment for many, the Dubai has strict local laws regarding same-sex relationships as well as public displays of affection. Kissing, prolonged hugging, or any behaviour considered intimate should be avoided in public places, especially in more conservative areas.

We recommend researching the legal and cultural norms before you make the move. Understanding and respecting these cultural norms will help you avoid unintentional offences and ensure a smoother transition into life in Dubai.

7. Taking Pets to Dubai

It’s not illegal to own a pet in Dubai, but dogs are seen as unhygienic in Islam. This means that dog-friendly amenities aren’t common, which is a big cultural difference from the UK. 

Dogs aren’t allowed on public transport such as the metro, busses or even taxis. They’re also banned from most beaches, parks and shopping centres. You’ll need a license to own a pet, get the dog microchipped and be vaccinated yearly. 

Al Warqa and Jebel Ali Beach are dog-friendly beaches and neighbourhoods such as The Greens, Springs and Emaar Development allow pets. 

What are Real Life UK to Dubai Movers Saying?

We spoke to Jason, who moved to Dubai with his family with the help of 1st Move International. Like many people moving to a new country, he felt overwhelmed when researching Dubai’s culture and daily life. He found that the there were many more benefits of moving to Dubai than negatives.

“We spent many hours trawling through the internet trying to gain as much information as we could, after all we were moving to a country we had never been to, crazy I know! There is so much information out there and the good things seemed to outweigh the bad, so we decided that we should make the move.” – Jason

Read Jason’s moving to Dubai case study.

Moving to Dubai From the UK 

Although there are many cultural differences between Dubai and the UK, it can be a great place to live for many British expats. There are plenty of job opportunities, no income tax and a high standard of living to take advantage of. The city is known for its safety, cleanliness, and infrastructure, making it an ideal place to live with your family. 

To gain permanent residence in Dubai, you’ll need to have a job and apply for a UAE Residence Visa. You then must either have a sponsor in Dubai or buy/invest in property. Finally, your sponsor must apply for an entry permit and visa on your behalf. 

To find out more about moving to Dubai from the UK, check out our detailed blog post where we cover everything from finding housing to average salaries.

International Removals to Dubai 

If you’re looking for a trusted and professional removal company to take care of your move to Dubai, look no further than 1st Move International. We have over 25 years of experience in removals to Dubai from the UK and our packing and shipping method is the safest in the industry.

Don’t just take our word, hear from some of our movers who are now enjoying life in Dubai:

“Having never moved internationally before, 1st Move were really helpful, open and honest in responding to my many questions. From start to finish they helped me and the family relax around moving our possessions to Dubai. On the day of pickup the team were also really helpful moving and packing things that were odd shaped etc. The delivery the other end was also great and the team were done in minutes. Everything arrived as packed and would highly recommend the team!” – Nick

Complete our quick and easy form to get a free tailored quote for your Dubai move. Alternatively, you can call the team on 0800 389 0784/+44 117 982 8123 for expert advice.

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