Dubai Hotel Policies: What Tourists Need to Know in 2025

When you book a hotel in Dubai hotel policies, the set of rules hotels follow to comply with UAE laws and cultural norms. Also known as UAE accommodation guidelines, these rules aren’t just suggestions—they’re enforced by law, and ignoring them can lead to fines, detention, or deportation. Unlike in many Western countries, what’s normal in your home city might be illegal here. Hotels in Dubai don’t make these rules up—they’re required to follow federal laws that govern public behavior, relationships, and alcohol use.

One of the biggest surprises for visitors is how unmarried couples hotel rules, regulations that restrict sharing rooms by couples not legally married work. Even if you’re engaged, many hotels still ask for proof of marriage at check-in. Some places, especially luxury resorts, are more relaxed if you’re discreet, but budget chains and OYO-style hotels often follow strict protocols. The same applies to Dubai public affection laws, rules that limit physical contact between people in public spaces, including hotel lobbies and pools. Holding hands? Fine. Kissing? That’s a different story. Even in your hotel room, staff can enter without warning if they suspect a violation, and guests have been reported for too much PDA in common areas.

Then there’s Dubai alcohol rules, strict controls on where, when, and by whom alcohol can be consumed. You can drink in licensed hotel bars and private residences—but not on the street, not in public parks, and not if you’re under 21. Many hotels offer "soft all-inclusive" plans that leave out alcohol entirely, which tells you how seriously they take this. And don’t assume your international ID lets you off the hook—hotel staff are trained to check IDs, and police sometimes do surprise checks.

These aren’t random restrictions. They’re tied to Dubai travel etiquette, the unwritten but widely understood cultural expectations that shape how foreigners behave in public and private spaces. What looks like a simple hotel policy—like asking for ID or refusing to let two single women share a room—is often a way to avoid legal trouble for everyone involved. The truth? Most hotels want you to have a good time, but they won’t risk their license for a guest who ignores the rules.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of myths or old advice. These are real, recent stories from travelers who got caught, avoided trouble, or learned the hard way. From what happens if you bring a girlfriend to your hotel room, to whether you can kiss in the lobby, to how to spot if a hotel is truly couple-friendly—every post here is based on actual 2025 experiences. No fluff. No guesses. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to know before you check in.