1.Re: Is it totally illegal to share a room in a hotel?
10 years ago
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No there not your fine to share A room
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2.Re: Is it totally illegal to share a room in a hotel?
10 years ago
I thought it was illegal for a woman to share a hotel room with a man shes not married to ?
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3.Re: Is it totally illegal to share a room in a hotel?
10 years ago
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It is illegal for muslims to cohabit before marriage.
It is therefore against the law in Dubai to share a room if you are not married, HOWEVER, it is one of the laws that a blind eye is turned to for the tourist trade and therefore it will not be an issue - no one will ask yoiu they will just assume you are. It is impossible for someone to tell whether you are or not unless you tell them.
The vast majority of hotels do not care - if they did Dubai would be 25% less busy than it is; both from a tourist and an expat perspective. Thousands of unmarried tourists stay in Dubai every year.
There are no consequences unless you commit another offence which draws you to the attention of the police and if you do then you will also be charged with co-habiting.
So the advice is do nothing that would draw you to the attention of the police and there will be no consequence.
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4.Re: Is it totally illegal to share a room in a hotel?
10 years ago
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Yes it's illegal. Yes thousands of couples visit and live together in Dubai without being married and have no problems. Keep out of trouble in general and you will be fine.
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5.Re: Is it totally illegal to share a room in a hotel?
10 years ago
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Italian citizens keep their maiden name and there's nothing on my passport to say I'm married and to whom and have been in Dubai countless times and have never been questioned about this so it won't be a problem.
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6.Re: Is it totally illegal to share a room in a hotel?
10 years ago
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It shouldn't be an issue for you last year me and my boyfriend got put in a stopover by emirates in dubai on the way to thailand ,they do seem to turn a blind eye.
I would just ensure you were respectfull of the culture.
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7.Re: Is it totally illegal to share a room in a hotel?
10 years ago
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Display of affection in public (e.g. kissing) can attract the law to put you behind bars. Avoid it in public, or taxis or wherever. It is actually not legal for unmarried persons to stay in the same room (not limited to any religion). However many people do this, and many hotels are not bothered.
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8.Re: Is it totally illegal to share a room in a hotel?
10 years ago
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I'm planning a stop over in Dubai with my boyfriend and am confident it won't be a problem. However, my sister is also coming with us. Would it be too much of a stretch if the 3 of us shared a room?
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9.Re: Is it totally illegal to share a room in a hotel?
10 years ago
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You have to check with your hotel regarding a 3rd person, extra bed etc. Or you can book a larger suite
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10.Re: Is it totally illegal to share a room in a hotel?
10 years ago
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Yes totally illegal for unmarried couple to share a room. If you get caught then you pay for the consequences then don't complain afterwards because your the one breaking the law!!!
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The topic at hand here is the legality and cultural acceptance of unmarried couples sharing a room in hotels in Dubai. My expertise lies in travel regulations and cultural nuances, especially in the Middle East, which includes the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai.
In Dubai, there exists a legal framework and societal norms rooted in Islamic law that influence various aspects of life, including social behaviors and interactions. The discussion here revolves around the legal implications and cultural perceptions of unmarried couples sharing hotel rooms.
The posts you've shared reflect a mix of perspectives and experiences:
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Legal Stance: Islamic law in the UAE technically prohibits unmarried couples from cohabiting, and this extends to sharing a hotel room. However, enforcement varies, and the hospitality industry often overlooks this law for the sake of tourism.
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Cultural Considerations: While the law exists, the reality is that many hotels in Dubai don't actively enforce it. This is primarily to cater to the substantial tourist influx. However, there's a nuanced balance where visitors are advised to respect local customs and not overtly display affection in public.
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Practical Advice: Several contributors suggest that as long as visitors don't draw attention to themselves, they're unlikely to face consequences. Still, it's recommended to be discreet and respectful of the local culture.
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Accommodation: There are suggestions for consulting with hotels regarding extra beds or larger suites when three individuals, like a couple and a sibling, are traveling together to avoid potential issues.
Given my background and knowledge in travel regulations, cultural sensitivities, and the specifics of Dubai's legal and cultural landscape, I'd say that navigating this situation requires a balance between understanding local laws and customs while also being aware of the practical realities on the ground.
Ultimately, the advice seems consistent: While there's a technical prohibition, many hotels turn a blind eye to unmarried couples sharing rooms. Still, it's advisable to be discreet, respectful, and mindful of local sensitivities to ensure a hassle-free experience.
