Unmarried couple sharing hotel rooms
In Dubai, it is presumed that hotel rooms are shared only by married couples. Hotels do not ask for a marriage certificate, and they usually want to see only a passport. However, even if both passports are shown, the different surnames may not pose a problem, as in the UAE, Arab women continue to keep their own surnames even after marriage.
Most hotels in Dubai, particularly the luxury hotels, do not enforce the "only married couples" rule. So, chances are you won’t have trouble booking a room. At check-in, you may be required to show only your passport. Once you have checked into a hotel, refer to each other as 'husband' and 'wife', rather than referring to your partner as 'boyfriend' or ‘girlfriend’ or ‘fiance’, as this may help prevent potential problems.
However, as mentioned earlier, if caught in any scandal, or for any misbehaviour at the hotel, police verification will follow, and if discovered you are not married, you may land yourself into legal trouble.
Unmarried couple sharing common accommodation
It is illegal to stay with your live-in partner of opposite sex in a private room, if the two of you are not related to each other. This is also the case if caught in a similar situation when driving your car. The Muslim Law clearly stipulates that if you are caught under such circumstances, you are likely to face punishment under article 356 of UAE Penal Code.
When sharing apartments and villas, it is sometimes noticed that groups of people with mixed gender share a common accommodation in Dubai. But again, they are likely to run into trouble not because of shared accommodation, but, for other reasons such as for annoying neighbours, who in-turn would have complained to Police.
On the whole, couples living together in an apartment or villa in Dubai may not run into problems, provided, they do not draw attention to themselves so as to make the police get involved. It is also suggested that you may refer to your partner as your wife/husband when introducing them to non-westerners, as the whole concept of living together is not acceptable in Dubai or UAE or in many non-western cultures. Saying so may however, only save you from any immediate trouble. You are unlikely to get away with that when you land in situations where the authorities seek to verify your relationship.
Role of Police in such activities
This entirely depends on the reason why you had invited Police attention in the first place. As mentioned earlier, the Police personnel in Dubai do not go out to every apartment or hotel room to check if there are unmarried couples living together. A lot of it also depends on your relationship with neighbours, say, somebody having hinted to the police about a couple living together.
Else, they take action when couples are caught flouting rules in public, or when someone from the public complains about illegal activities happening there. Public displays of affection are not well-tolerated in Dubai. Holding hands is fine for married couples, but, kissing or hugging in public, are not acceptable. But, in the case of unmarried couples, even holding hands in public is not permitted, and you might run into trouble if you are stopped by the police in a public place like restaurant, or shopping centre. So, it is important to be aware of your surroundings.
As said, if caught, the next course action would be a thorough investigation, followed by a one year jail term and deportation.
On the whole, stick to the laws as far as possible, stay safe, and live a life of dignity even when in an unknown land far away from your home country. In extreme cases, even if opting to live together, beware of all the consequences and know your limits.
...[ Continue to next page ]
Share This Post
