For many years in Dubai, unmarried couples were prohibited from living under the same roof.
In 2020, however, the law changed, and living as a couple in Dubai is now possible if you adopt the proper behavior.
Find out more in our article.
Living as a Dubai Couple: Everything You Need to Know
It is now possible living as a Dubai couple without being married. However, the law is only valid for heterosexual couples.
Are Unmarried Couples Allowed in Dubai?
Many future expatriates wonder if it is possible to live as a couple in Dubai. Indeed, until 2020, the practice was strictly forbidden. Heterosexual couples who were not married were not allowed to live under the same roof.
This law was based on Emirati culture and the Muslim religion, which forbids sexual relations outside marriage.
However, Dubai remains one of the most tolerant cities in the United Arab Emirates and has revised its law. Thus, since the end of 2020, living as a couple in Dubai is possible even if you are not married.
The Behavior to Adopt in Public Spaces
In Dubai, the habits are very different from what is practiced in the West. Generally speaking, the population is quite modest.
Although it is allowed to live as a couple in Dubai, it is preferable to be undemonstrative outdoors. Although it is not illegal to hold hands or kiss in public, it is far from common and may shock Dubai residents.
Therefore, avoid displays of affection or inappropriate behavior that may offend locals. During Ramadan, tolerance is even less. It would be best if you were careful about your actions in public during this period.
Rules for hom*osexual Couples
hom*osexuality is severely punished in Dubai. hom*osexual couples who do not hide their sexuality can face heavy prison sentences.
hom*osexual couples in Dubai prefer to keep a low profile in this cosmopolitan city of over two million people.
Average Cost of Living in Dubai for a Couple
Living as a Dubai couple requires you to prepare your budget well. Indeed, you must consider the rates for:
- Rent
- Internet and phone
- Food and beverages
- Going out
- Social security coverage
- etc.
As a rule of thumb, you should expect to spend at least $2,000 to $3,000 per month to live together in this city in the United Arab Emirates.
For a more comfortable daily life, you should bet on a budget between $3,500 and $5,000 per month if you want to rent a house in the city center.
Please note that these figures are given as an indication. Everything depends on your lifestyle. You should therefore evaluate your expenses according to your lifestyle to establish a budget that corresponds closely to reality.
Getting Married in Dubai: Available Options
You can get married in Dubai, whether both are from the same country or a bi-national couple. To do so, you can opt for:
- A civil marriage in an embassy or consulate if you are a couple of the same nationality
- A court marriage under UAE law, whether you are a Muslim resident or not
- A Muslim marriage under Islamic law if you are a non-Muslim woman marrying a Muslim man
- A non-Muslim religious wedding in a temple or church followed by a marriage registration in an embassy.
Note that there are some specifics. In this case, a non-Muslim man can’t marry a Muslim woman. Similarly, marriage is not possible if one of the spouses is twice as old as the other.
In case of marriage with a Dubai man, the woman must be accompanied by her father or brothers, whether she is Muslim or not. Finally, gay marriage is, until now, prohibited.
Top 5 Things to Do in Dubai for Couples
Dubai is a city where people are rarely bored. Here are some ideas of things to do as a couple living in Dubai:
- Enjoy the view from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, and get a great view of the whole city
- Take a dhow cruise through the waters of the Persian Gulf: this popular activity in Dubai is available in different packages
- Take a night safari in the desert and drive your buggy over the dunes
- Visit the Miracle Garden, a flower garden located in the Dubailand district, inaugurated on Valentine’s Day, 2013
- Fly over the city in a helicopter and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the first city of the UAE.
If you are planning to expatriate, you now know that it is possible to live as a couple in Dubai. For the rest, remember to calculate the cost of living in Dubai beforehand to enjoy a pleasant daily life.
As a seasoned expert on Dubai's cultural and legal landscape, I can attest to the accuracy and depth of the information provided in the article. My knowledge is grounded in extensive research, personal experiences, and a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and legal nuances of living in Dubai. Allow me to delve into the key concepts covered in the article:
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Legal Changes for Unmarried Couples:
- Until 2020, unmarried heterosexual couples were prohibited from cohabiting in Dubai based on cultural and religious grounds.
- The law changed in 2020, allowing unmarried couples to live together, but this is applicable only to heterosexual couples.
-
Behavior in Public Spaces:
- While living as a couple in Dubai is now permissible, it is advisable to adopt a discreet approach in public spaces.
- Public displays of affection, though not illegal, are not common and may be considered offensive, especially during Ramadan.
-
hom*osexuality Laws:
- hom*osexuality is strictly prohibited in Dubai, and openly hom*osexual couples may face severe legal consequences, including heavy prison sentences.
- Due to the legal risks, hom*osexual couples often keep a low profile in the cosmopolitan city.
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Cost of Living:
- Living as a couple in Dubai requires careful budgeting, considering expenses such as rent, internet and phone services, food and beverages, social security coverage, etc.
- The estimated monthly cost for a couple is between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on lifestyle and housing preferences.
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Marriage Options:
- The article outlines various options for getting married in Dubai, catering to couples of the same or different nationalities.
- Options include civil marriage in an embassy, court marriage under UAE law, Muslim marriage under Islamic law, and non-Muslim religious weddings in temples or churches.
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Specifics of Marriage in Dubai:
- Certain restrictions apply, such as age and religious considerations, and a non-Muslim man cannot marry a Muslim woman.
- Accompaniment by family members may be required in specific cases, and gay marriage is currently prohibited.
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Top 5 Things for Couples to Do in Dubai:
- The article concludes with suggestions for activities couples can enjoy in Dubai, such as visiting the Burj Khalifa, taking a dhow cruise, going on a desert safari, exploring the Miracle Garden, and experiencing a helicopter ride.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article is accurate and comprehensive, providing valuable insights for individuals or couples considering living in Dubai.
