How Weekends Work in Dubai and the Work Schedule for 2026

How not to break the law when kissing your wife, why Friday is more important than Sunday, and other rules that will save your vacation.

Dubai is a city where skyscrapers of glass and steel reach toward the future, and its business life has recently begun to pulse in sync with London and New York. Yet as soon as noon on Friday arrives, this frenetic pace slows down, giving way to a sacred time for prayer. It is in this paradox, between a global façade and a traditional foundation, that the very essence of the emirate lies. For tourists, a lack of understanding of this dual code often leads to awkward situations, unforeseen difficulties, and a ruined vacation. Forget dry lists of “do’s” and “don’ts.” This guide is your cultural decoder, helping you not just follow the rules but understand the logic of Dubai. We’ll give you the “keys” to the city—a set of insights that will transform you from an ordinary tourist into a confident and respected guest, ready to handle any quirks of this remarkable city.

First steps in the emirate: Visa, customs, and entry regulations

Passport control: one small detail that makes all the difference

Dubai’s visa policy is welcoming, and that’s good news for almost everyone. Citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, as well as all EU countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, and many others can obtain a free visa directly upon arrival at the airport. The visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a six-month period. However, there is one critically important rule that most tourists stumble over. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE. No exceptions. Be sure to check this date before purchasing your tickets so that your vacation doesn't end at border control.

What's in your suitcase? A simple cheat sheet for customs

Dubai customs is known for its thoroughness, but there's no need to panic. The key is knowing the limits for popular "souvenirs" and items for personal use. Here's a simple cheat sheet to ensure your suitcase passes inspection without a single question:

It is strictly prohibited to import into the country narcotic substances, weapons, pornographic materials, goods that contradict Islamic values, as well as pork and homemade preserves.

Insurance: why skimping on it is the worst idea in Dubai

Let's get straight to the point: Do you need insurance in Dubai? Formally, it's not required for entry. But in reality, it's absolutely essential for you. Medical care for tourists here costs an astronomical amount, and a simple trip to the hospital for food poisoning can end up costing more than your entire vacation. Therefore, consider your insurance policy not an expense, but the best investment in your peace of mind.

Dubai navigator: Money, transportation, and car rental

Dirhams, cards, and tax free: manage your budget like an expert

The national currency of the UAE is the dirham (AED). Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, from luxury boutiques to small cafes in Deira. It is more advantageous to exchange currency at licensed exchange offices in the city rather than at the airport, where the exchange rate is always less favorable.

How to get 5% back on purchases (Tax Free):

1. Purchase: Make purchases totaling at least 250 AED at participating stores and ask the salesperson to complete the Tax Free form.

2. Validation: At the airport before departure, go to the Planet Payment counter, present your passport, receipts, the form, and the purchased goods in their unopened packaging for validation.

3. Refund: After completing the procedure, receive your tax refund in cash or to your bank card.

Bargaining is appropriate and even expected in traditional markets (souks), where you can confidently reduce the initial price by 30–50%. In shopping malls and boutiques, prices are fixed. As for tipping, here’s a quick guide:

Metro, taxi, or tram? A guide to Dubai’s transportation

Dubai’s transportation system is one of the most modern and efficient in the world, allowing you to move quickly and comfortably between major attractions.

For your convenience, we’ve compared the main modes of transport:

The Nol card is the single key to all public transportation. For tourists, the best options are the Silver Nol Card (rechargeable) or the Red Ticket (for multiple trips).

Car rental: freedom or extra hassle?

Renting a car offers freedom of movement, especially if you plan trips outside Dubai. However, this option comes with several considerations: heavy traffic, parking difficulties in popular areas, and very strict traffic regulations.

Key points for drivers:

• Age and driving experience: Minimum age is 21, with at least 1 year of driving experience.
• Documents: For citizens of the Russian Federation and several other countries, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in addition to a national driver’s license.
• Zero tolerance for alcohol: The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving.
• Fines: Speed cameras monitor speed limits, and fines for violations are very high.

Our verdict: is it worth renting a car? If you’re not planning desert expeditions or trips to neighboring emirates, then the answer is definitely no. The ideal transportation combination for tourists in Dubai is the fast metro for long-distance travel and affordable door-to-door taxi services. This will save you a lot of money, stress, and time spent searching for parking.

The new rhythm of the emirate: Workweek and holiday calendar

Global week: how Dubai has synchronized with the world

Since January 1, 2022, the UAE has adopted a new workweek format: Monday through Friday, with weekends on Saturday and Sunday. This strategic move has aligned Dubai’s business life with most global financial centers. At the same time, Dubai has preserved its cultural identity. Friday remains a sacred day for Muslims. On this day, the public sector operates on a shortened schedule (until 12:00 p.m.) to allow believers time for communal prayer. This is a striking example of how the emirate skillfully combines global business standards with deep-rooted traditions.

Official holidays in Dubai (using the 2026 calendar as an example)

Planning your trip with state holidays in mind can provide you with a unique experience, but it can also create challenges. Important: Dates for Islamic holidays (marked *) are approximate, as they depend on the lunar calendar and are officially confirmed shortly before their occurrence. Always check the exact dates for the current year before your trip.

Guest code: How to behave for a perfect vacation

From dress code to photography: unwritten rules of respect

Let's clarify right away: no one will force you to wear a burqa in Dubai. However, there is a simple rule of etiquette that will open any door for you: "the further away from the beach, the longer the shorts." Planning to visit a mall, museum, or government institution? Just cover your shoulders and knees. That's enough to show your respect and avoid sidelong glances. The same applies to displays of affection: passionate kisses are best reserved for your hotel room. On the street, holding hands is sufficient. It is also strictly forbidden to photograph people (especially women) without their explicit permission. Photographing government buildings, military facilities, and sheikhs' palaces is also prohibited.

Failure to comply with these rules is considered a serious act of disrespect.

Alcohol, relationships, and other "red flags"

An important and delicate issue is relationships. Recently, the laws have been relaxed, and hotels now readily accommodate unmarried tourist couples in the same room, there will be no issues with this. However, it is crucial to understand: this is a concession for visitors to the city. Sex outside of marriage, and especially same-sex relationships, formally remain illegal. The main principle here is absolute privacy. Anything that happens behind the closed doors of your room is nobody's concern. Anything that is made public, however, can become a problem. Consuming alcohol is permitted only in licensed establishments-bars, clubs, and hotel restaurants. Appearing in public while intoxicated is an offense.

Online safety: your digital etiquette in the UAE

The laws of the UAE also apply to the online space. What may seem harmless on the internet at home can lead to serious consequences here. It is strictly forbidden to:

• Post insults, slander, or threats on social media and in messaging apps.
• Distributing other people’s photographs without their consent.
• Using a VPN to access prohibited content (pornography, gambling, extremist websites).

Dubai - an open world with its own rules

So what is the main secret of Dubai? It lies in its “dual existence.” Inside your hotel, beach club, or shopping mall, you find yourself in a global, universally understandable space. But as soon as you step onto an ordinary city street, visit a traditional market, or enter a mosque, you enter a different world governed by rules rooted in centuries-old traditions. The true art for a visitor lies not just in knowing these two “codes,” but in learning to switch effortlessly between them. Feel this rhythm, respect it, and Dubai will cease to be merely a collection of attractions for you, it will transform into an amazing, welcoming, and utterly safe world that will give you the most cherished memories.