Former US President Theodore Roosevelt once said, ‘No man is above the law and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man’s permission when we ask him to obey it.’ He was highlighting the idea that the law is there for a reason: to protect us all. Now, whether you’re an Abu Dhabi resident, passing through or simply here on holiday the same thing applies. There are rules, customs and a culture that need to be observed, respected and upheld – just like every other country on the planet.
There’s often a perception (generally fuelled by ill-informed word of mouth and urban legend) that the law in Abu Dhabi is inconsistent or stricter than anywhere else, whereas the reality is, arguably, somewhat different. Although it’s fair to suggest the United Arab Emirates is generally considered one of the more liberal and forward-thinking Gulf countries, it’s also a young, continually evolving nation and there can be occasions when legal grey areas may crop up. Equally, particularly if you’ve come from abroad, deciphering a new network of legal statutes that, perhaps, don’t correlate with what you’re used to can leave some people feeling a little confused.
At this point we could probably throw a bunch of mind-boggling figures and statistical analysis at you. But rather than muddy the waters further we’re going to keep this simple and outline some of the most common laws you’re likely to encounter on a frequent basis in the city, from driving and public decency right through to tenancy and cohabitation. To ensure that our guidelines and information are as clear and accurate as possible we’ve also enlisted the help of a legal expert from a respected Abu Dhabi law firm. Please read on and, more importantly, be safe.
Consumer rights
Unlike in many other countries, if you buy something, get it home and decide you don’t like it or you’ve seen it somewhere else for less, you can’t take it back – unless you’ve reached a specific agreement with the retailer. On the other hand if the product you’ve bought has a defect that you’ve noticed during the warranty period you’re entitled to a refund or repair. If a retailer tries to fob you off by only giving store credit you can report them – you’re entitled to a cash refund. New consumer rights protection measures have recently been introduced to safeguard against bad retail practices such as price manipulation or poor quality of food. Go to www.abudhabi.ae to find out how to make a complaint and the steps to take should you need to follow it up.
Tenancy and cohabitation
Subletting This is completely illegal in Abu Dhabi. There may be instances where a tenant comes to an arrangement with the landlord of the property but if a property is sublet without prior permission, the tenant could face eviction before the end of the lease and could well lose the remainder of the rent they have already paid. Whoever you rent from, make sure they are either the landlord or at the very least someone who is authorised to rent the property.
Agents It’s advisable to only deal with registered agents. If you’re dealing with an agent who asks for payment in cash there’s a chance they may well be unlawful. Be sure to check up on whatever agents, companies and owners you’re dealing with.
Living arrangements Men and women living together who are not part of the same family throws up a few legal questions but it is still something of a grey area. In practice some people who do co-habit (for example colleagues sharing a villa to save on rent) come and go without major complications. But should arrangements be raised with the police for any reason they will
have to investigate the situation and it’s worth bearing in mind that these kind of living arrangements are technically illegal.
It’s illegal for single people to live in some areas. Some residential areas in Abu Dhabi such as Mushrif and Mansur are designated for families. The main rule is that single people are not allowed to live in villas unless they are specifically designed for that purpose, with segregation licensed by the Municipality.
Bachir Nawar, Legal Director, Berwin Leighton Paisner, LLP:
‘Irrespective of religion or nationality, people who are not married are in principle forbidden from living together. Consensual relations between unmarried persons will be punished with a one-year prison sentence. Whether these situations can be policed is uncertain but one must remember even if such offences are quite circumstantial the law enforcement will not be questioned.’
Public decency
Married couples The law is very clear on this. Only married couples are allowed to hold hands in public but even they are not allowed to kiss or cuddle in public. Any public displays of affection of this nature are strictly prohibited, particularly during Ramadan, and could even result in deportation or the possibility of facing a criminal conviction.
Single men Approaching women randomly in public is not allowed and doing so could land you in serious trouble. Don’t do it.
Flashing flesh When on the beach it’s advisable to avoid wearing bathing suits that could be classed as skimpy, such as thongs. Always opt for a more conservative option. Also, when leaving the beach ensure you cover up. This applies to both men and women. Aside from the beach it’s advisable to avoid wearing mini-skirts or hot pants. Anything that could be classed as obscene, transparent or indecently exposing parts of the body are a big no no.
Tattoos Always err on the side of caution and cover them up because the law is still a bit grey on this, but it’s a given that any potentially insensitive tattoos could land you in
a spot of bother.
Bachir says:
‘This applies to women and men alike and is an issue of cultural threshold inherent to UAE and the Islamic culture in general. What is tolerated as insignificant in terms of women’s attire could be deemed shocking in the UAE. Women should choose appropriate clothing so as not to offend the local culture, i.e. not exposing too much flesh. This is in line with the values and respect afforded to women by the Islamic Shariaa Law and is often reflected in society through common beliefs and customs. Dubai and Sharjah are dotted with Codes of Conduct which set out what falls within the acceptable parameters of decency. For example, displays of affection between couples – whether married or not – in public places does not fit the local customs and culture. Abu Dhabi does not have a Code of Conduct of its own but this does not mean the same principles applicable in neighbouring Dubai do not apply.’
Alcohol
The law around alcohol, particularly for tourists, is one area that often causes confusion. Although it is possible to consume alcohol in certain designated areas such as licensed restaurants and bars attached to hotels, you can still be arrested once you’re outside of that establishment if it’s brought to the attention of the police. For example, if you’re drunk and disorderly in a public place the UAE penal code is very clear: zero tolerance. In severe cases you could be fined between Dhs1,000 to Dhs2,000 and face a jail term of between one and six months. Those caught drunk driving (by the way, the rule is not even one sip of alcohol should cross your lips when driving) can face a lengthy jail term, a fine, deportation and confiscation of their vehicle. Again, zero tolerance. In short, an alcohol licence allows you to purchase alcohol but it doesn’t allow you to drink it or be drunk in public places.
For more information on how to apply go to www.auhsl.ae.
Bachir says:
‘Alcohol is available to non-Muslims and the legal drinking age is 21. Alcohol is only allowed to be served in hotels. One can buy alcohol for private consumption however a liquor licence is required (this is an online application these days). There is zero tolerance on drinking and driving throughout the UAE and if caught one risks jail and is likely to lose insurance coverage so it is advisable to take a taxi. Drinking in public, outside of a hotel or being caught inebriated is not tolerated.’
Drugs
This one is quite simple: all recreational drugs are forbidden – even the most miniscule amount. Consuming or carrying drugs can result in prison. If you’re caught buying or selling narcotics you’re potentially looking at a death sentence. Also, be careful if you’re on medication that contains psychotropic substances because some of these are actually also banned in the UAE and you may need prior permission to bring them into the country. Have a look at www.moh.gov.ae/en/default.aspx for more details.
Bachir says:
‘Drugs and even certain medications are strictly banned in the UAE and the penalties are rather severe with a minimum of four years in prison for use. Selling the drug is another question that may attract 15 years in jail and could be followed by the death sentence depending on the gravity of the offence. However the death sentence is not something simple to declare in the UAE and the procedure goes through thorough scrutiny which gives the judges examining the matters enough margins to assess the adequate sanction. Beware that some medication that may be sold over the counter in one’s home country are banned here and it is worth checking this before arrival, as even the smallest amount in one’s bloodstream could lead to prison.’
Traffic
Driving in Abu Dhabi, particularly if you’re new to the city, can be a difficult thing to get your head around but there are some steadfast rules that should be adhered to in order to keep both yourself, your passengers and other road users on the right side of the law.
Seat belts
Wearing a seat belt is absolutely mandatory for everybody in your vehicle. As recently as 2010 more than 45,000 people were punished for not wearing safety belts and even though Abu Dhabi Police reported a 45 percent decline in deaths on the emirate’s roads over the first four months of this year compared with the same period in 2011 it’s still essential to obey the law and wear your seat belt. If not, you face a fine of Dhs400 and four black points on your licence.
Registration and insurance
Another common traffic violation is driving without valid registration and insurance. Be warned, if you’re caught breaking either of these laws you’ll be guaranteed a date in court.
Using a mobile phone
This is strictly illegal. Your mobile phone must be turned off prior to starting your vehicle unless a headset or hands-free kit is available.
What if I crash?
If you have a minor collision with another vehicle, provided there’s no serious injuries, it’s legal to get out of the car and move it to one side out of the way of other traffic then wait for the police to arrive. As always please be respectful to the police when they arrive – they have the power to punish you if they feel you’re being rude to them. For example, if you think you’ve been unfairly judged, don’t cause a scene. You have ten days to get to the police station and ask for your case to be reassessed. If necessary the case can go all the way to the prosecution department and the special traffic division. All suggested fines will be suspended until a final conclusion is reached.
Driving licence
If you’re on a tourist visa you can drive a private car with an international licence. If you’re a UAE resident though you must replace your international licence with a UAE one as soon as possible after receiving your residency visa if you want to drive a private car.
Are indicators necessary?
Despite what you may see other drivers get up to it is absolutely illegal to change lanes without indicating. If you change lanes without indicating you again face a fine of about Dhs200 and can also reasonably expect some black points on your licence.
Public transport As far as travelling in a taxi goes, legally you should only really flag one down on the street from a designated drop-off bay. Technically, if you hail a cab from the side of a main highway and the driver stops he can be fined. Also, if you’re feeling peckish it’s advisable you get something to eat before getting in a cab. You can actually face a fine of up to Dhs200 if you decide to eat or drink in a cab.
In the office
If you’re working, or thinking of working, in Abu Dhabi here’s some tips from our legal expert Bachir:
‘Dress in professional attire in the work place and in most professions suits are the norm for both men and women. Show respect to the local culture especially during Ramadan where one should not eat or drink in front of fasting Muslims and if one needs to it is best to go to the kitchen or find a place out of sight.’
Employment
If a company has invested money training me can they claim it back when I leave?
The simple answer is no – unless you’ve signed a contract agreeing to such terms beforehand stating that you would repay these costs if your employment was terminated.
Can my employer prevent me from working in the UAE if I leave on bad terms?
If a person has worked for less than two years and the employment is terminated (or the individual resigns), an automatic six-month employment ban is imposed on them by the Ministry of Labour. This can be avoided if the employer is willing to provide the employee with a no objection certificate (NOC). Employment laws may differ if you’re working in a free zone.
What are the laws on maternity pay in the UAE?
Under UAE labour law, an employee is entitled to 45 days of paid maternity leave if they have worked for more than one year for a particular company. If they have worked for less than a year, they are still entitled to 45 days, but at half pay. Further leave days are allowable by law, unpaid, and should be discussed with employers.
What about paternity pay?
There are no paternity leave or paternity pay provisions under UAE law. However, this does not stop employers from providing such benefits if they wish.
Crime and punishment
Offence: Public display of affection
Punishment: Warning or fine (deportation in severe cases)
Offence: Alcohol consumption outside designated areas
Punishment: Fine or jail
Offence: Buying alcohol without an alcohol licence
Punishment: Fine or jail
Offence: Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
Punishment: Fine, jail and/or deportation and car confiscation
Offence: Drug consumption or possession
Punishment: Fine, jail, deportation or a death sentence
Offence: Lack of respect for Islam’s customs/symbols
Punishment: Fine or jail
Offence: Vulgar language
Punishment: Fine or jail
Offence: Littering or spitting
Punishment: Warning or fine
Offence: A pet fouling public areas
Punishment: Warning or fine
Offence: Damaging public facilities
Punishment: Fine
Eight simple rules
1 You can’t live in the UAE without a visa.
2 Pedestrians have right of way on zebra crossings.
3 Your company is not permitted to withhold your passport.
4 Dress code is important in the UAE.You can be denied entrance to official or government buildings if your clothing is inappropriate.
5 Loud music and dancing is forbidden in public parks, beaches or residential areas.
6 Don’t take photos, especially of women and families, in public without their permission.
7 Rude gestures and swearing are considered a serious public offence and could result in fines, imprisonment or deportation.
8 Residents must show respect for the symbols of the UAE’s rulers, flag and national emblem. The abuse of any of those symbols is a crime punishable by law.
Things to consider
What should I do if I’m arrested?
Bachir suggests:
‘Depending on the type of charges, it would be best to contact a lawyer first and make sure that one does not sign minutes or reports unless one is comfortable with the content. Often things get lost in translation.’
Useful websites:
www.adpolice.gov.ae Full of useful information but also good for paying your traffic fines online. www.abudhabi.ae The government’s website.
Disclaimer:
While every care has been taken to ensure this article is accurate and up to date Time Out Abu Dhabi cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. This article is not a substitute for specific legal advice.
