UAE: Public indecency case against Western national dropped

Event

A public indecency case brought against a British national was dropped by the Dubai government on Monday, October 23. The 27-year-old British national had been arrested in Dubai in July for public indecency, after touching a man’s hip as he carried a drink through a bar. He was subsequently tried in Dubai and sentenced to three months imprisonment on October 22. At his hearing, he was notified that he faced further court proceedings for drinking alcohol and allegedly swearing.

The case was reportedly dropped by special order of the UAE prime minister and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. The incident nevertheless serves as a reminder that visitors to the Emirates to are subject to strict laws pertaining to public indecency.

Context

According to Emirati laws relating to crimes against honor and morality, a person committing an indecent act can be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. Intentionally touching another person inappropriately may be considered as a sexual insult, while raising a middle finger can result in a large fine and imprisonment for a period of anywhere between three months to three years. Last month, another British national and regular visitor to Dubai was arrested on arrival in Dubai and detained for two days for raising his middle finger in a previous road range incident.

While alcoholic drinks are served in licensed hotels and clubs, it is a punishable offense to either drink or be under the influence of alcohol in public. The age limit for drinking varies across the UAE, and in Sharjah drinking alcohol is entirely forbidden. Non-Muslim residents are required to obtain a liquor license to purchase alcohol for consumption within their home. Residents should also be in possession of a permit to drink in licensed venues.

On a related note, the use, possession, and trafficking of narcotics is severely punished. This includes the death penalty for drugs trafficking. The presence of illegal drugs in the blood stream is considered proof of possession.

There are also strict laws pertaining to the importing of pork products and pornography (including any images deemed to be “indecent” in magazines, etc.) into the country, both of which are illegal.

Advice

The UAE is a popular destination for vacationers and expatriates and most visits take place without issue. Nonetheless, it is a conservative Muslim country and individuals should take note of and abide by local laws and customs at all times.