Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey

Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfreyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/ulrike-lemmin-woolfreyUlrike Lemmin-Woolfreyhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/middle-east/qatar/6-things-to-know-before-visiting-qatarLocal expat Ulrike shares her tips on Qatari culture, places to visit, best time to go, and other important travel advice about this Middle Eastern state.2025-10-09T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/middle-east/qatar/6-things-to-know-before-visiting-qatarhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Until Qatar was named as host for the FIFA World Cup 2022, little was known about this small desert state jutting out on the eastern side of the Saudi Arabian Peninsula. Now, tourism numbers are rising in leaps and bounds, but many visitors are still taken by surprise when they arrive. Here are some facts and handy tips that will help you get the most out of your trip.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#facts">Qatar facts that might surprise you</a></li> <li><a href="#changing">Qatar is constantly and culturally changing</a></li> <li><a href="#culture">Respecting the local culture </a></li> <li><a href="#when-to-go">Best months to visit Qatar</a></li> <li><a href="#beyond-doha">There is more to Qatar than Doha</a></li> <li><a href="#getting-around">Getting around Qatar</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="facts">Qatar facts that might surprise you</h2> <p>Catarrh, cutter, guttar, cat-tar – so many ways to pronounce this nation’s name. Alas, none of them is correct, simply because Arabic is a phonetic language and our alphabets do not line up. To pronounce it correctly, you will need to close your throat, click your tongue, and basically use skills few non-Arabic speakers have. The closest is probably ct-ar, or gt-ar, while cat-ar is happily accepted.</p> <p>Also, Qatar is not part of the <a href="/explore/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/getting-away-from-the-glitz-in-the-uae">United Arab Emirates</a>. Yes, Qatar is ruled by an Emir, which makes it an emirate on paper, but the UAE is another country altogether.</p> <p>Even though a flat, rocky desert country, Qatar has some special sand formations called the Singing Dunes, which “sing”, or rather groan, as you slide down them.</p> <p>And, as a two-time resident here, I can confirm that despite the many misconceptions people have about the Middle East in general, Qatar is repeatedly listed by the global database Numbeo as the world’s safest country. Where else would you see women leaving their handbags on their chair in cafes when going to the toilet? <em>(Editor's note: we still don’t recommend leaving your bags unattended.)</em></p> <p>Oh, and remember that the weekend here is Friday/Saturday, so the big thing to enjoy in Doha is Friday Brunch.</p> <h2 id="changing">Qatar is constantly and culturally changing</h2> <p>Over recent years, Qatar has evolved into a veritable art hub, and it starts in Hamad International Airport, with sculptures including Urs Fischer’s <em>Lamp Bear</em> and <em>Small Lie</em> by KAWS. Dotted throughout the country you find public art such as <em>Maman</em> by Louise Bourgeois, and several sculptures by Richard Serra, including the fabulous <em>East-West/West-East</em>, right in the middle of nowhere in the desert.</p> <p>There are world-class museums, plus the atmospheric Souq Waqif, a traditional souq full of cafes, small shops, and restaurants, and Katara Village, a purpose-built cultural hub which is not only a perfect spot for an afternoon stroll but also the place where you can get <strong>the</strong> best local breakfast of a spiced tea called <em>Karak</em> and a thin omelette rolled into a chapatti.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/qatar/souq-waqif-doha.jpg" alt="People take an evening stroll through Souq Waqif, a traditional souq in Doha, Qatar." /> <figcaption>Souq Waqif. Image credit: Getty Images / Walter Bibikow</figcaption></figure> <p>Recently added bonuses to the daily lifestyle include the world’s longest continuous dedicated cycle path, nature reserves, and many cultural events, making it a far easier place to live in – and visit – than it was 20 years ago, when I first moved here.</p> <h2 id="culture">Respecting the local culture</h2> <p>Qatar is an Islamic country and although it’s quite liberal and tolerant, travelers here are advised to <a href="/travel-safety/middle-east/qatar/crime-customs-and-the-qatari-way">respect local customs</a>, cover their shoulders, and refrain from wearing shorts in the city. While you do see people in tank tops and shorts on occasion, and nobody says anything, if you want to enter public buildings, or the metro for example, you may well get stopped and asked to cover up.</p> <p>That said, in the hotels sleeveless tops and shorts are perfectly acceptable, as are bikinis or other swimwear at hotel beaches and pools.</p> <p>The holy month of Ramadan (the date of which shifts by around 10 days every year due to the different calendars used) is a double-edged sword when visiting. On one hand, I love witnessing the local customs, such as the <a href="/stories/connection/breaking-fast">breaking of the fast</a> – called <em>Iftar</em> – which takes place after sunset, with families often erecting tents outside their homes to feed friends, neighbors, and those less fortunate. All the shops and restaurants are decorated, and normal life pretty much happens at night.</p> <p>On the other hand, for non-fasting residents and visitors this time is also a little more trying as it is strictly forbidden to be seen eating and drinking, or even chewing gum or smoking, in public between sunrise and sunset. All restaurants and cafes remain closed during the day, except usually one in each of the bigger hotels, which remain open for guests.</p> <h2 id="when-to-go">Best months to visit Qatar</h2> <p>This place gets hot, and when I say hot, I mean <em>hot</em>: in summer, temperatures of 122⁰F (50⁰C) and above are the norm, even if official tables always state the low-100s ⁰F (mid-40s ⁰C) as a maximum temperature. In the daytime, the heat is mostly dry, with humidity limited to evenings and night-time. At night, stepping out of your air-conditioned confines into the open is a little like being smacked in the face with a wet flannel, and if you wear glasses, be prepared for not being able to see for a while before you adjust to the temperature difference.</p> <p>During the summer months, the country pretty much shuts down, with very few events taking place, and people only moving in their air-conditioned cars between their air-conditioned homes to their air-conditioned workplace or an indoor, air-conditioned mall. Being outside is practically impossible.</p> <p>But come “the season”, i.e., late autumn, winter, and early spring, the country comes alive, with events and exhibitions taking place daily, and everybody enjoying being able to be outdoors.</p> <p>To get the best of the warmth while still being able to explore, the ideal time to visit is autumn through spring (generally any time between October and April). Bear in mind that in December and January the sea cools down a little, but daytime temperatures are still lovely.</p> <h2 id="beyond-doha">There is more to Qatar than Doha</h2> <p>For millennia, the Arabian Peninsula was inhabited by nomadic Bedouins, resulting in few – but impressive – permanent markers of history. Along the northern coast, the Zubarah Fort archaeological complex has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site; there are some superb examples of ancient petroglyphs on rocky outcrops at Jassasiya, and a handful of other sites, including Bronze Age settlements and ancient tombs, have only recently been discovered.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/qatar/inland-sea-qatar.jpg" alt="Golden dunes rise above the turquoise waters of the Inland Sea in Qatar ." /> <figcaption>Dunes at the Inland Sea. Image credit: Getty Images / Andrew Shaylor</figcaption></figure> <p>In my mind, the most beautiful part of Qatar’s desert is along the Khor Al Adaid (the Inland Sea), on the border to Saudi Arabia, where endless sand dunes line an inlet of the gulf, forming a turquoise sea which attracts flamingos and other migratory birds in winter. This spot is popular with campers and adrenaline junkies who go “dune-bashing” (i.e., driving in 4WDs at somewhat unnatural angles across the dunes), go sandboarding, <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/scuba-diving-travel-insurance">scuba-diving</a>, or simply enjoy the amazing starry sky at night, away from the cities’ light pollution.</p> <h2 id="getting-around">Getting around Qatar</h2> <p>Within Doha, the best way to get around is the modern metro system, which is inexpensive and whose three lines connect most points from the airport to the old town, West Bay with its hotels, and other hotspots.</p> <p>For other short journeys, Uber is the favored mode of transport here, but for exploring the country, a rental car, with or without a driver, is a must. Driving is on the right, and you can drive with most national driving licenses for seven days, and longer with an International Driving License.</p>Getty Images / Matteo Colombo 11365065863 Getty Images The skyscrapers of Doha's downtown waterfront, with traditional dhow boats in the foreground.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/what-can-i-wear-uaeWhen in the Emirates, do what the locals do and be respectful of the dress standards. Find out how to stay out of trouble with these tips to dress appropriately in the UAE.2022-11-17T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/what-can-i-wear-uaehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#dress-codes">Dress codes for travelers in the UAE</a></li> <li><a href="#so-what's-acceptable-dress-in-dubai">What's acceptable dress in Dubai?</a></li> <li><a href="#what-if-my-dress-offends-in-dubai">What if my dress offends in Dubai?</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="dress-codes">Dress codes for travelers in the UAE</h2> <p>The UAE is a Muslim country, and so there are expectations of how visitors should dress. For visitors that stay in resorts and hotels, the dress code is whatever you want to wear, but in areas where there are more local people, dress conservatively. There are also slightly different standards depending on which Emirate you find yourself in, in Dubai, the dress code is much more relaxed than in Sharjah or Ajman, for example.</p> <p>There are guidelines setting out the dress code, and there are signs at the entrances to malls and hotels reminding visitors of the rules, in particular the covering of shoulders and knees, which goes for both men and women. Women should cover their hair when visiting a mosque and everyone should cover their arms and legs before entering a place of worship. Beach clothes should only be worn at the beach or pool.</p> <h2 id="so-what's-acceptable-dress-in-dubai">What's acceptable dress in Dubai?</h2> <p>Even in <a href="/explore/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/getting-away-from-the-glitz-in-the-uae">Dubai</a>, arguably the most relaxed Emirate, for both men and women, officially, it means covering the shoulders and the knees (and everything in between). Spaghetti straps will raise eyebrows, and in some places where the clientele is more local, you may get stopped by security and reminded to cover up.</p> <p>You do not have to hide your figure, as you do in Iran, but tight-fitting clothing can still cause offense. That said, go to any of the popular weekend brunches, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you are in Europe during a heatwave. But then, these events are rarely attended by locals, nor Muslims.</p> <p>All genders should keep sports clothes on the sports field, including cycling shorts (name me a culture where cycling shorts are NOT considered offensive!), but everyone understands that when you are walking home from the gym, you might be a little under-dressed.</p> <p>At the hotel and resort beaches, but not all public beaches, women can wear bikinis, but going topless, even in private resorts, is not ok. Young children can wear whatever you want them to, but don't let them run around completely nude, for the sun alone, if nothing else.</p> <p>While there is no law against this, try to avoid clothing with offensive slogans or symbols. Think carefully and conservatively about this one. </p> <h2 id="what-if-my-dress-offends-in-dubai">What if my dress offends in Dubai?</h2> <p>If what you've chosen to wear doesn't quite meet the dress code, expect to be turned away at the entrance to a mall or a public building. An easy way around this is to carry a large, loose shirt, or a scarf in your bag to cover up what needs covering up at short notice.</p>iStock/TasfotoNL 0498153326 iStock

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/middle-east/qatar/crime-customs-and-the-qatari-wayTips and advice from a local on safety, local culture, laws, and sensitivities for travelers on their way to Qatar.2022-11-17T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/middle-east/qatar/crime-customs-and-the-qatari-wayhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Qatar is a small finger of land protruding into the Persian Gulf from the Saudi Arabian Peninsula, lying east of <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/middle-east/saudi-arabia/a-guide-to-saudi-law-and-customs">Saudi Arabia</a>, between Bahrain and the <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/drinking-and-the-united-arab-emirates-dont-mix">United Arab Emirates</a>. Continuously ranked as the safest country in the world by the <a href="https://www.numbeo.com/crime/country_result.jsp?country=Qatar">Numbeo Crime Index</a>, general crime may well be low, with even single women travelers feeling at ease here, but there are still laws and cultural restrictions travelers should be aware of to make sure they remain safe.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#crime">Crime in Qatar</a></li> <li><a href="#women">Safety tips for women travelers in Qatar</a></li> <li><a href="#alcohol">Alcohol, drugs and pork in Qatar</a></li> <li><a href="#lgbtq+">LGBTQ+ travelers in Qatar</a></li> <li><a href="#culture">Cultural considerations in Qatar</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="crime">Crime in Qatar</h2> <p>The fourth richest country in the world, Qatar is powered by expatriate workers, blue and white collar, from around the globe. The demographic is international and multi-cultural, with nearly 90 percent of residents being expatriates, added to by an increasing influx of tourists arriving on its shores.</p> <p>Pickpocketing, even in the capital Doha is rare, as is ATM and credit card theft, but that does not mean that visitors should throw caution in the wind and leave their common sense at home. All you need is one bad person to ruin your trip.</p> <p>There are some scams going around, such as people telling you that they have driven all the way from Saudi Arabia to look after their ailing mother/aunt/add alternative family member, but now have run out of money. This happens every so often in supermarket car parks or outside mosques, and is mostly aimed at Muslims, because charity is one of the pillars of Islam, and saying no is more difficult. If you are approached, offer food by all means, but not cash.</p> <h2 id="women">Safety tips for women travelers in Qatar</h2> <p>Women traveling alone may receive the occasional stare, but, on the whole, this is nothing to worry about. Cultural etiquette and local sensitivities ought to be respected in that women – as well as men – should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, avoiding anything too clingy. It’s not so much about the law but that you might cause offence to the locals. There is no need for an abaya or a headscarf (except if visiting a mosque), and you see plenty of women out and about in sports clothing coming from the gym, but again, let common sense prevail.</p> <p>This also goes for traveling alone in taxis or walking out at night alone. While very safe generally, stay observant at all times.</p> <p>In hotels and resorts, and their pools and beaches, the dress code is much relaxed, and bikinis by the pool, spaghetti-strap dresses in the restaurants and skimpy clothing in the gym are all fine.</p> <p>During the Holy Month of Ramadan, however, it is not only forbidden to eat and drink – and smoke or chew gum – in public between sunrise and sunset, although attitudes are much relaxed toward tourists, but you should also dress more respectfully than you might otherwise.<br /><br />It's considered inappropriate to take pictures of local women in Qatar without asking first, just as you would at home.</p> <h2 id="alcohol">Alcohol, drugs and pork in Qatar</h2> <p>As long as you are 21 years and older, you are allowed to drink in licensed bars and restaurants, which are mostly found in hotels. However, you are only allowed to purchase alcohol and pork in a dedicated store for use at home if you are a resident and have a license, and pork products are not available in any public restaurant in the country. Please note that, should you be hiring a car, Qatar has a zero tolerance approach to drinking and driving, and to drugs, for that matter.<br /><br />Import regulations are strict, you cannot bring even Duty Free liquor into the country, no drugs, nor pork, or too explicit magazines.</p> <p>If you need to travel with a certain medication, please bring a note from your doctor, just to ensure no overzealous customs officer takes the drugs away from you on arrival in the country. And should you get stopped, be it by customs or police, for whatever reason, do not swear at them. Not advisable in any country, here it could land you in ever deeper trouble, tourist or not.<br /><br /></p> <h2 id="lgbtq+">LGBTQ+ travelers in Qatar</h2> <p>Homosexuality and any LGBTQ+ opinions, affectations, or activities are still illegal in Qatar. While you see many men walking hand in hand, any other signs of affection are discouraged, and it is best to keep who you are and whom you love somewhat under wraps while visiting. While rainbow flags have been allowed during the FIFA World Cup 2022, and LGBTQ+ visitors were officially welcomed, Qatar is a strict Muslim country and while most locals and residents will be tolerant and understanding, there are always some which might not be.</p> <h2 id="culture">Cultural considerations in Qatar</h2> <p>Avoid taking pictures of police or military sites.</p> <p>Qatar is not a very pedestrian friendly country, as most people own cars, and the high temperatures make walking around rather unpleasant. But if you do walk around, please take extra care when crossing the road. People do not stop at zebra crossings, sometimes not even at red lights, while others make a sport out of scaring you half to death.</p> <p>On that note, there is a good healthcare system in Qatar, but costs can be steep. Make sure you have got good insurance to cover you for all eventualities.</p>Getty Images/ac productions 1649657027 Getty Images Market in Doha

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/what-you-can-or-cant-do-in-the-united-arab-emiratesThe UAE has strict laws governing photography, drugs, and LGBTQ+ relationships. Here's how you can avoid trouble.2022-04-07T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/what-you-can-or-cant-do-in-the-united-arab-emirateshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The UAE is one of the world’s safest countries, with its capital Abu Dhabi ranked the safest city in the world for the 5th year running in 2021. The secret may well be the UAE’s amalgamation of Sharia and man-made laws.</p> <p>While Sharia law has infamously strict laws, some of which are difficult to understand in the non-Muslim world, they are supplemented with secular laws providing a blend of laws that befits both Muslims as well as foreign expatriates and visitors. And while the death penalty still exists, as it does in parts of the USA, the laws are there to protect the citizens and foreigners in the country, as well as uphold the cultural and religious traditions. And, looking at the statistics about crime and safety, the approach seems to work.</p> <p>There are, however, certain aspects travelers should be aware of, to avoid falling foul of the law.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#sharia-law-in-the-uae">Sharia law in the UAE</a></li> <li><a href="#public-displays-of-affection-in-the-uae">Public displays of affection</a></li> <li><a href="#harrassment-towards-women-in-the-uae">Harrassment towards women</a></li> <li><a href="#dressing">Modest dressing</a></li> <li><a href="#discussing-faith-in-the-uae">Discussing faith</a></li> <li><a href="#photography-in-the-uae">Photography laws</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="sharia-law-in-the-uae">Sharia law in the United Arab Emirates</h2> <p>The official system of law in the UAE is Sharia, which has been developed from the holy Qur’an as well as the Sunnah scriptures, the records of Prophet Muhammad. Sharia law is as much legal law as a moral guide to etiquette and behaviour. The Sharia law is supplemented by other, non-religious laws, and the two go hand in hand.</p> <p>While much commotion has been made about the <a href="/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/drugs-in-the-united-arab-emirates-dont-even-think-about-it">strict drug laws</a>, which have in fact been relaxed in 2022 in relation to THC, drug trafficking can still carry the death penalty.</p> <p>Equally, the laws on extra-marital cohabitation, and single parenting have been much relaxed in that these are now legal, and laws about rape and sexual assault have been made clearer and more stringent.</p> <p>While LGBTQ+ relationships are officially illegal, the law does not state outright that they incur the death penalty, and in more relaxed emirates, such as Dubai, there is a below-the-radar scene, and homosexuality, as long as it is not too overtly displayed, is tolerated, if not encouraged. Discretion is the best approach.</p> <h2>Public displays of affection in the UAE</h2> <p>While just a few years ago, you could be arrested for kissing your spouse at the airport, and people have indeed been arrested for a simple kiss, the laws and attitude have much mellowed since, and have indeed been revised to allow non-marital relationships. While it is fine to walk hand-in-hand or arm-in-arm, the line is drawn at fully blown exhibits of PDA in public.</p> <h2>Modest dressing</h2> <p>As with all Muslim countries, you should arrive with cultural sensitivity and the wish not to offend the local population. While in places such as Dubai, you might laugh at the suggestions, with plenty of tourists running around in beachwear mostly unchallenged, you should, when leaving your hotel, <a href="/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/what-can-i-wear-uae">dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees</a>. </p> <p>Dress codes are at times enforced by legal authorities, who may turn you away from a public place such as a mall, as much as a restaurant would enforce a certain dress code.  The rules are even more important when traveling outside of the two most relaxed emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to the emirates of Sharjah, Ajman and beyond, where to population is not as used to tourists.</p> <h2 id="harrassment-towards-women-in-the-uae">Harrassment towards women in the UAE</h2> <p>Despite the fact that most women feel very safe traveling solo in the UAE, sexual harassment as well as assault does happen, if rarely.</p> <h2>Faith in the UAE</h2> <p>While distributing and preaching non-Islamic religious material to Muslims is punishable by imprisonment and deportation, the UAE is very open to other faiths and even provides churches, synagogues, and temples to its multi-national and multi-faith population.    <br /> <br />During the <a href="/explore/worldwide/traveling-muslim-countries-ramadan">holy month of Ramadan</a>, eating, drinking, smoking is forbidden between sunrise and sunset, and non-Muslims are expected to follow this principle in public as well. That said, most western-style hotels keep a restaurant or two open for its guests, and those who wander in from the streets.</p> <h2 id="photography-in-the-uae">Photography laws in the UAE</h2> <p>With privacy, particularly of women, an integral part of the Muslim culture, it is officially illegal to take photographs of people without asking their permission. As well as it being <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/how-to-take-photos-responsibly">simply polite to ask before you take a picture of someone</a>, you should also refrain from taking images of governmental and military buildings. To operate a drone, not only will you have to adhere to strict guidelines as to where and when to fly them, but you will also need a licence, and an RPAS registration card issued by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), to find out more, read these <a href="https://www.bayut.com/mybayut/drone-registration-dubai/">guidelines</a>. </p>Getty Images/Thamer Al-Hassan 1158891568 Getty Images Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/middle-east/saudi-arabia/a-guide-to-saudi-law-and-customsSaudi Arabia has embarked on a huge tourism drive, opening up to travelers eager to explore a previously elusive country. But what about the strict Islamic laws? 2026-07-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/middle-east/saudi-arabia/a-guide-to-saudi-law-and-customshttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="callout purple"> <p><span style="font-weight: normal !msorm;"><strong><span>At a Glance:</span></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span>66 countries can apply for an e-visa to Saudi Arabia.</span></li> <li><span>There are laws regarding alcohol, drugs, pornography, illegal imports, certain online activity, and same-sex relationships that could have strict penalties. </span></li> <li><span>Modest dress is advised for visitors. </span></li> <li><span><a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/saudi-arabia.html">US State Department Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia</a></span><span> (as of July 2026): Level 3 for most of the country, but Level 4 for the Yemen border region, due to the risk of Iranian aggression, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. </span></li> </ul> </div> <p><br />Before you start booking <a href="/travel-safety/middle-east/saudi-arabia/crime-and-terror-risk-in-saudi-arabia" target="_blank" title="Crime in Saudi Arabia">your trip to Saudi Arabia</a>, find out about visas, local laws and customs, restrictions on what you can and can't do, and safety tips for women and LGBTQ+ travelers.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#visas">Tourist visas for travel to Saudi Arabia</a></li> <li><a href="#law-enforcement-in-saudi-arabia">Law enforcement in Saudi Arabia</a></li> <li><a href="#royal">Lese majeste</a></li> <li><a href="#restrictions">Restrictions in Saudi Arabia</a></li> <li><a href="#id">Personal ID</a></li> <li><a href="#women">Safety tips for women travelers</a></li> <li><a href="#lgbtq">LGBTQ+ travelers</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="visas">Tourist visas for travel to Saudi Arabia</h2> <p>It has never been easier to apply for a visa. Members of 66 nations, including the USA, Australia, and most of Europe, can apply for an e-visa online. The e-visa for tourists is valid for one year, for multiple entries of a maximum stay of 90 days each. If you cannot find your country of residence listed on its e-visa website, contact the Saudi Arabian embassy for more information.</p> <h2 id="law-enforcement-in-saudi-arabia">Law enforcement in Saudi Arabia</h2> <p>The official system of law in Saudi Arabia is Sharia, which literally means ‘the path to water’. Sharia law has developed from holy scriptures, such as the Qur’an, Islam’s Holy Book, and the Sunnah, the sayings, and records of the Prophet Muhammad. It is as much law, as a guide to moral behavior. While many people balk at Sharia law, it has to be stressed that as a tourist, visitor, or even expatriate, you are very unlikely to ever fall foul of the law, unless you really choose to ignore the local culture and laws.  </p> <p>Under the forward-thinking rule of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, known as MbS, and Saudi’s 2030 Vision, the formerly feared religious police, or Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (CPVPV), has today been stripped of most of its powers; flogging has been outlawed, and women given rights to travel alone, drive cars, and work freely.</p> <p>For visitors, the law has eased to an extend that tourists do not have to cover up, although modest dress (covering shoulders and below the knee for both men and women) is advised. In hotels, even non-married tourists are allowed to share rooms, and single female travelers are welcomed, and are free to travel throughout the country.</p> <p>Missionary behavior, such as preaching a religion other than Islam, is considered a crime in Saudi Arabia. Yet, there has been talks about building a church for Christian worship within the mega-development of Neom in the future. Travelers are allowed to bring a religious text, such as a Bible, into the country, but for personal use only.</p> <h2 id="royal">Lese majeste</h2> <p>Publicly criticizing the King, the royal family, or the government of <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/middle-east/saudi-arabia/tips-on-travel-in-saudi-arabia">Saudi Arabia</a>, is against the law, as is posting any criticism of Saudi Arabia’s law, policies, or behavior on social media platforms. Even if you post negative comments when you're not in Saudi Arabia, you could still be held liable. This even includes just liking someone else's comment that is critical of the Saudi government, its leaders, policies or religion. People have been sentenced to 45 years in prison because of social media posts. Make sure you delete anything that could be considered controversial before you travel to Saudi Arabia.<br /><br />Criticism of the flag of Saudi Arabia is considered insulting, as it bears the Islamic declaration of faith. Descecration of any other inappropriate use of the flag can lead to serious punishment.</p> <h2 id="restrictions">Restrictions in Saudi Arabia</h2> <h3>Alcohol</h3> <p>Alcohol has been illegal in Saudi Arabia since 1952. However, one liquor store opened in Riyadh in 2024. It's important to note that the U.S. embassy still states that alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia and can result in jail sentences or death.</p> <h3>Ramadan</h3> <p>During the holy month of Ramadan, the date of which changes every year by around 10 days, it is respectful to avoid eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing gum, between sunrise and sunset hours in public. Most restaurants are closed during the day, but many open after the sun goes down.</p> <h3>Drugs</h3> <p>Personal use, trafficking, or smuggling drugs in Saudi Arabia is illegal and punishment can include the death penalty. If you are bringing medication with you, check ahead of time to see if it is a prescription medication that needs prior approval.</p> <h3>Imports</h3> <p>Beyond the general importation ban of illegal drugs and weapons, alcohol, pork, and pornography are also expressly prohibited.<br /><br /> Pornography is widely defined and may include publications such as women’s fashion magazines if models are shown in undergarmets or swimsuits. On occasion, portable media devices can be seized for inspection by authorities, and you may lose your device if it has anything deemed to be forbidden on it.</p> <h3>Photography</h3> <p>Taking photos in Saudi Arabia can be a touchy subject. Avoid taking pictures of government or military facilities.</p> <p>If you wish to take pictures of locals, and especially of women, simply ask. Many are more than happy to pose for an interested traveler, just do not attempt to do it sneakily, as that might just upset the wrong person.</p> <h2 id="id">Personal ID</h2> <p>Always carry your identification with you at all times. Saudi authorities reserve the right to check your identification, and this is a common occurrence especially if you are passing through security checkpoints.</p> <h2 id="women">Safety tips for women travelers</h2> <p>Female travelers can wear moderate clothing, which covers shoulders and ends below the knees in Jeddah, Riyadh, and tourist hot spots such as AlUla. If exploring more remote areas, you might feel more comfortable wearing a loose abaya, the long, flowing robe, typically black, but available and worn in many colors.</p> <p>Neither local women nor female travelers have to cover their head, even if many choose to do so. It’s a simple and good idea to carry a scarf and abaya in your bag, for occasions where you might feel a little underdressed.</p> <p>Women travelers can hire cars, and drive without a male chaperone. Despite the obvious separation of genders in many places, travelers have reported that locals are attentive, welcoming and go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable and safe.</p> <p>That said, lone female travelers are always at risk to some extent, whichever country they are in, and common-sense precautions should always be taken.</p> <p>Find out more about important dress code laws and etiquette on the <a href="https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/">Visit Saudi website</a>.</p> <h2>LGBTQ+ travelers</h2> <p>This is one issue where Saudi Arabia has not relaxed the laws, and LGBTQ+ relationships and transgender expression are illegal. Punishments can be severe. </p> <p>Public displays of affection are not recommended, and this is particularly important for same-sex couples. Act modestly and respectfully. Discretion is everything.</p>Getty Images/orhandurgut 1688494594 Getty Images Sunset at Al-Masjid An-Nabawi

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/drinking-and-the-united-arab-emirates-dont-mixUAE is under Sharia law, but that doesn't mean you are completely banned from drinking in the country. Find out where and when you can drink with these tips.2022-07-25T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/drinking-and-the-united-arab-emirates-dont-mixhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The reputation of Dubai being a party city with fantastic boozy brunches precedes it. So much so, that many travelers completely forget that they are still in the Middle East, that the UAE operates under Sharia law, and that alcohol is basically illegal. But fret not, the brunches are boozy, and there are plenty of bars where you can work your way through the cocktail menu, you just have to bear in mind a few rules.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#license"> License to Drink in UAE </a></li> <li><a href="#attitudes">New attitudes and laws in UAE</a></li> <li><a href="#illegal">What is illegal in UAE?</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="license">License to drink in UAE</h2> <p>For visitors to most of the emirates, it has been possible to drink in bars and restaurants for years. Non-Muslim expat residents needed to get a licence to buy alcohol from specific shops for consumption at home and, legally speaking, were required to carry that licence if they wanted to drink in establishments outside of their own home.</p> <p>However, each emirate, despite being governed under the overall laws of the UAE, operates under slightly different rules. This means that, for example, the emirate of Sharjah has always been and still is a ‘dry’ emirate, with no alcohol served even in international hotels. However, in the emirate of Ajman, expatriates have never needed a permit to buy alcohol. That said, if you lived in Dubai, for example, and bought alcohol in Ajman, it would have strictly forbidden to drive with the alcohol back through Sharjah.  </p> <h2 id="attitudes">New attitudes and laws in UAE</h2> <p>Apart from Sharjah remaining an alcohol-free emirate, under recent widespread reforms, the UAE laws have been amended. In early 2022, many of the previously deemed draconian laws were relaxed and updated, from those concerning <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/drugs-in-the-united-arab-emirates-dont-even-think-about-it">drugs</a> to those previously forbidding cohabitation of unmarried couples, to the attitude to drinking alcohol.</p> <p>Under the new laws, expats are no longer required to obtain a licence to drink in hotels, nor do they need a licence to buy it from stores. However, you do need to be at least 21 to drink. Tourists, who previously needed to obtain a temporary licence to buy alcohol, can now visit any of the alcohol stores, such as Maritime and Mercantile International, and African & Eastern in the UAE, just showing their passport. But they do need to drink in their residence.</p> <h2 id="illegal">What is illegal in UAE?</h2> <p>While it is legal to drink alcohol in your home, and in bars and restaurants, these need to be licenced bars and restaurants, and those are mostly found in hotels. If you are, for example, caught drinking on a non-hotel beach or in a park, despite having been allowed to buy the alcohol, that is illegal. Walking outside, drink in hand, is not allowed, nor is being drunk in public. While most taxi drivers are used to ferrying intoxicated visitors around after brunch, or at night, it is best to dry and be on your best behavior, as some taxi drivers have been known to report very drunk revellers to the police.</p> <p>There is still a distinct disapproval of underage drinking, including strict rules about the distribution of alcohol to those under the age of 21.</p> <p>The UAE has an absolute zero-tolerance approach to drink – and drug – driving, and not even the consumption of a single liqueur chocolate is acceptable. Penalties are huge, a minimum of Dhs20,000 (roughly US$5,500/ AU$7,800), and imprisonment is highly likely.</p> <p>It is fair to say that for the average traveler, there will be no problem when it comes to drinking in the UAE. While you might not be able to get a cocktail in the kebab shop next to the hotel, you can drink the pricey alcohol in hotel bars and restaurants. There are also good deals for brunches and there are happy hours.</p>iStock/franckreporter 0522311393 iStock A martini with the backdrop of Dubai

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/drugs-in-the-united-arab-emirates-dont-even-think-about-itUse and possession of drugs are serious crimes in the UAE, with very little leniency shown. Here's what you need to know before you go.2022-04-07T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/drugs-in-the-united-arab-emirates-dont-even-think-about-ithttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Use and possession of drugs are serious crimes in the UAE, with very little leniency shown. Here's what you need to know before you go.</p> <p>Like all Muslim countries which follow Sharia Law, the purchase, possession, consumption, and distribution of drugs is strictly prohibited. Despite the UAE being very liberal, <a href="/travel-safety/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/drinking-and-the-united-arab-emirates-dont-mix">with alcohol freely available</a> in hotel restaurants and bars in most emirates, and sold to private persons with permits, until recently, the UAE had a zero-tolerance approach to drug use, and especially trafficking. There have been reported cases of travelers transiting or arriving in the UAE, who got into trouble for simply having a poppy seed on their clothing from eating a sandwich. But while this is not the norm, travelers need to be prepared to have their luggage searched at customs and expect heavy fines if not jail when carrying drugs.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#laws"> Drug Laws in UAE </a></li> <li><a href="#tests"> Blood and Urine Tests </a></li> <li><a href="#prescription"> Prescription Medication </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="laws">Drug laws</h2> <p>Despite still being very strict, in early 2022 the drugs laws were relaxed somewhat with regards to THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. People found carrying food, drinks or other items containing THC will no longer face prison, but will have the substance confiscated, and will at most face a fine. That said, carrying vapes or e-cigarettes spiked with cannabis oil is still strictly prohibited.</p> <p>Potential jail-sentences for first time offenders have been reduced from two years to three months, and the offenders will also be offered rehabilitation during that time.</p> <p>But for the use of other, harder, drugs, and for drug trafficking, the law remains stringent, with the fine against offenders for inducing drug use and facilitating narcotics and psychotropics sales in fact having been increased to AED 50,000, and with a prison sentence of five years minimum.</p> <h2 id="tests">Blood and urine tests</h2> <p>Presence of illegal drugs detected in blood or urine tests is also counted as possession, and you can be prosecuted, fined, and possibly imprisoned for being under the influence of illegal drugs, when either tested under suspicion or randomly.</p> <p>Be aware that, if you are thinking about staying in the UAE for work purposes, that you will have to undergo a blood test checking for drug use for certain employment contracts.</p> <h2 id="prescription">Prescription medication</h2> <p>Prescription or over-the-counter medication may be classified as an illegal or controlled substance in the UAE, so it's easy for travelers to make mistakes when carrying prescription medications into the country. If a traveler arrives with certain prohibited medications that are classed as narcotic or psychotropic, and other controlled drugs and medicines of class A or B without prior approval and appropriate documentation, i.e., a preferably translated prescription and letter from their doctor, they may be prosecuted, or forbidden entry.</p> <p>Travelers can also pre-register their prescription drugs via a <a href="https://mohap.gov.ae/en/services/issue-of-permit-to-import-medicines-for-personal-use">government website</a>. </p> <p>The UAE government has an <a href="https://www.fca.gov.ae/en/pages/travelersguide.aspx">official site</a> as to what items are prohibited to import into the UAE, but it does not detail specific brands of medications. To be safe, complete the online form, and get a letter from your doctor, preferably in Arabic.</p>iStock/Francoisjabre 0502821508 iStock Police cars in Dubai