Traditions, culture, norms, and lifestyle vary from region to region across our globe. An act considered as a norm in one nation may make you eligible for a year in jail in another. For people who take pleasure in traveling, knowing the basic norms of a state is essential to ensure a safe visit where neither you are affected nor the nationals around you. 

Aligning Norms: Tourists Blending in With Locals 

If you are amongst those willing to take a tour of the UAE, it is advisable to know their norms and culture as they are based on their ancestral history of Arabian, Islamic, Persian, East African, and Indian cultures. Here’s a list of cultural basics tourists should be aware of. 

Welcoming and Greeting the Locals in UAE

Since, the UAE is typically a Muslim majority country, the greeting they have is “Assalamu Alaikum” or in simple language, “May peace be upon you”. The Muslims typically respond with “Wa alaikum Assalam” but say “Wa alaikum” only if you belong to another religion. One should be familiar with this. They are advised to give a better response, a better greeting than the one given to them. (For fellow Muslims). Emiratis also like greeting their visitors warmly. This may involve hugs and handshakes. However, it is against Muslim tradition and culture for men to greet women in this manner.  Women remain reserved as per tradition and religion. In Ramadan especially where such an act breaks the fast. So, if you are here for a visit, do not greet women in this manner. When people enter the religious centers, i.e. the mosques they are expected to shake hands, using both hands is a religious practice. On special occasions such as Eid, Emiratis hug while turning their head against the shoulder of the person they greet three times. 

Communication Basics

As a tourist or a visitor, you must know that the national language of UAE is Arabic although English is also widely spoken across the country. Other than Arabic and English common languages include Persian, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and Chinese. Hence, make sure you know at least Arabic or English to avoid difficulty in communication. 

Muslim Culture and Norms: Maintaining Boundaries

The dominant religion in UAE is Islam, particularly of Sunni Muslims. People from other religions also reside in safety here as Islam forbids evil treatment of those belonging to other religions. However, what must be kept in mind, is that UAE does not permit the propagation and spread of other religions other than Islam. Hence, sharing pamphlets or distributing the bible and other religious books cause get you deported out of the UAE. 

In Ramadan, people here, fast from slightly before dawn to dusk. This custom involves refraining from eating and drinking (water and any other liquids) between this time frame. It also includes avoiding any evil deeds such as lying, back-biting or stealing. Eating in malls and public places, in front of fasting Muslims, is unethical and illegal. Malls such as Dubai Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall prohibit such an act. 

If you happen to visit the UAE during this month, it is advisable and ethical to avoid eating or drinking in public. 

Public Holidays

Major yearly celebrations that locals have are commemoration day 30th November, National Day 2nd of December, Isra wal Miraj, 27th Rajab, Eid-Ul-Fitar 1st Shawal, Arafah Day, Eid-ul- Azha, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, and other basic Islamic annual days. 

The people here respect and adhere to the teachings of the final messenger of God may peace and blessings be upon him. Hence one should be careful while speaking about him ﷺ.

How to Dress Ethically

Men and women in Dubai are not permitted to wear clothing that doesn’t cover their shoulders or knees. Their basic core ethic is “modesty.”

If you are a visitor to the UAE, know that the nationals find it rude if Western males wear the national Emirati dress unless they are willing to visit a desert safari or another such area. Women should dress modestly and avoid and indecency within their dress code.  

 Although, there aren’t any restrictions on visitors, for the kind of dress they are expected to abide to, they should still avoid dressing that might distress the locals. Dresses that are too revealing or very short may become a cause of this distress. 

UAE Residents Eating Preferences

People in the Emirates don’t drink or eat pork, since their religion prohibits it to them. They eat “halal” food. Food that hasn’t been prohibited by their religion. So, while eating with a fellow Emirati remember not to offer them a drink or pork. It is also better to search the halal food list to get a better idea of what not to eat in public. Other than this, Emiratis prefer camel milk and dates over other food. 

Interacting with Women

Women and men are given their due rights in UAE. Women are given the right to education, to practice their chosen profession and the right to inherit property. They are provided with equal facilities as men. However, despite this, women in the Emirates do not like their photographs being taken. They also refrain from talking to men and are generally avoiding any form of physical contact. 

So, while traveling to the Emirates, remember to refrain from these acts.

Interest in Luxurious Lifestyle

UAE residents dwell in luxury due to the massive amounts of petroleum and natural gas reserves, which they use for obtaining a GDP of US$498 billion (AED 1.83 trillion) as of 2023. They often take luxury items for granted as they have made extravagance a part of their lives. From interior designing, including Wood flooring and well-furnished houses to popular cars and latest technology. Dubai has it all.  

As a tourist you must know, due to this combination of wealth, religion, and diversity of cultures you are bound to find all sorts of people, from women in jilbabs to those barely wearing any clothes at all. 

The Crux

Residents of the UAE are mostly Muslims. Hence, they follow most typical Muslim traditions. Their way of greeting, their ethics of socialization, traditions, norms, and lifestyle, resemble those of Muslims across the globe. 

If you are one, you won’t have most of the complications that other visitors might have while visiting the UAE. Even if you are not, know that the locals here are ever-welcoming and warmly loving people. Their gestures depict love and affection. However, you must remember to make sure you know either basic English or Arabic language, remain formal with women, dress ethically, eat halal when with fellow residents and enjoy your tour.

Dubai, a city jam packed with people, is a city famous for its hustle and bustle and its tourist resorts. This means the authorities need to impose certain rules to keep the public within their limits and to ensure a steady flow of traffic. These Dubai traffic rules include four passengers allowed in a car in Dubai. These rules revolve around some basic principles. They focus on using seat belts, keeping the right number of passengers within a private car, being aware of speed limits and avoiding carpooling with strangers. These rules turned from lenient to strict within no time with the onset of the Global Pandemic. Dubai authorities made alterations and the new set of rules during this period were introduced.

Dubai Traffic Rules: Covid 19’ pandemic

Many Dubai residents and tourists have questioned the number of people a vehicle can carry within Dubai streets. This depends on the internal space, the number of seats and sometimes even the number of seat belts within the vehicle.

To prevent the spread of the disease, UAE authorities tightened their rules. All transport services were also subject to this law, whether they be Uber, Careem, or private drivers.

Private Vehicles

Private vehicles are owned by the people and used for everyday household and business purposes. Families owning these are expected to follow certain rulings which the government has imposed to tackle the ongoing Global Pandemic. The rules for private transport are more relaxed than those for public vehicles, but they must be followed.

• According to the “Dubai Traffic Regulations,” the number of passengers per private car is 4. However, this can be raised to 7 after the implementation of new dubai traffic rules.
• For people of the same family the maximum number of adults that can travel in a car together is 3. Children under the age of 18 are not included.
• Masks must be worn within the vehicle if there is more than one person within the vehicle. However, for public transport, it is a compulsion to wear it.
• If you are travelling for business purposes in Dubai, the driving rules dubai require you to present your company ID, after which a UAE national escorts you to your destination. On the other hand, private passengers must always keep their passports or entry visas with them.
• Private passengers are required to maintain a healthy distance of 2 meters from the person next to them and from the public vehicles being driven beside them.
• Children under the age of 12 must be secured with a seat belt to ensure safety.

Public Transport

driving rules dubai for public transport vary as compared to private transport as there are more chances of social interaction which may ultimately be unhealthy for passengers and expose them to the dangers of contacting Covid ‘19. Hence the rules for public transport are stricter. People often ask about the passengers allowed in car dubai. We have mentioned here the guidelines for the quantity of passengers per public transport.

• For taxis and buses, three people, including the driver can be seated in one car. Since they do not belong to the same family, a Dubai Taxi van is allowed to carry up to 4 passengers rather than 3. 
• For public transport, masks should be worn at all times. Also, a few seats will be blocked inside the vehicle to keep a suitable distance between the passengers. 
• Public transportation is allowed to run at 75% capacity. 
• Dubai residents are permitted to use a maximum of 4 taxis per trip while the minimum remains 2. 
• If a person sitting within the vehicle sneezes or coughs, he must remain seated until the driver tells him to exit the vehicle.

General Rules for Traveling

Following the driving rules, Dubai passengers are required to wear their masks and keep their hand sanitizers with them during their travels. Whether on the road or by air. Their face coverings should be clean and disposable. There should be no physical contact between passengers. A safe distance should be established. Children under the age of 12 should have seat belts on. Drivers should maintain the stated speed limits should not exceed them.

Consequences of Disobeying the Law

Disobeying the given vehicle and transport guidelines can result in penalties and fines. The vehicle drivers and passengers must make sure that they abide by these laws. Especially the drivers. If they are found carrying more than the permitted number of passengers, they will be issued a fine accompanied by a stern warning. If the driver continues to go against the law despite the warning, his driver’s license will be confiscated.

The New Normal

Life under the impact of Covid ‘19 had forced people to accept the “new normal”. New rules, maintaining boundaries, distances, wearing masks and using sanitizers, coping with losses. All this had become an everyday thing. As months passed, the situation got better day by day, forcing the authorities to bring back leniency within the traffic laws. This now raises the question, “how many passengers allowed in private car in dubai 2023”. Let’s look into hows life returns to normal after the global pandemic.

Things Return Back to Normal: Post Covid Driving Rules.

Things return to normal as the Global pandemic loses its grip on the world. UAE government adds slight leniency back to driving rules Dubai. However, although things get better, rules remain rules.

As per Rulings of 2023

How many passengers are allowed in private car in Dubai in 2023?

• The number of passengers allowed in a car in Dubai depends on the number of seat belts available within the vehicle. The UAE traffic law states that a seat belt should be available for every passenger within the vehicle. Hence, the number can be determined by noting the number of available seat belts.
• This law does not apply to public vehicles such as buses and vans. Therefore, it is advantageous for such vehicle owners to carry a greater number of passengers than otherwise permitted.

Penalty for Breaking Laws: The Black Point System

The black point system ensures that drivers follow and abide by the traffic rules. There are a total of 24 points given to every driver. A certain number of these points are given to the driver upon every law break.

Penalty for Carrying more Passengers than Permitted:

As for breaking the law of the number of passengers per vehicle, 6 black points are given to the driver alongside a fine of AED 3000. The passengers receive a fine of AED 400 each. This Black point system gives penalties to drivers for breaking the law. Once a driver receives complete 24 points his driving license is suspended.

The Solution

Since in private cars, not more than four passengers are allowed in car dubai you’ll need a solution if you want a greater number of people to be seated. If you want a greater number of people to be seated within the vehicle and wish to go on a tour or something similar, try booking a van or a bus. These vehicles are legally permitted to accommodate a greater number of people than the seat belts available within the vehicle. However, these automobiles also need to be registered and licensed and abide by certain rules and regulations for a healthier and safer traffic flow.

There is also another way you can carry more passengers in a private car than the available seat belts. This can be done by using an “Unrestricted Driver’s License.” This permit requires you to have an extra endorsement on your car’s license which can be obtained by giving an additional fee. For it you must provide the driver’s license for all members within the vehicle.

Diving License

It is essential for residents to have a driving license that you can obtain after passing a driving test. Visitors from outside UAE can drive with an international license for only a period of 6 months.

Child Seat for Children Under 4

Within a vehicle, a child seat is necessary for children under the age of 4.

General Speed Limit

The general speed limit in residential areas is 60-80 km/h, whereas drivers can exceed it for highways to 100-120 km/h. The car can be taken up to 140 km/h on major highways. You can get a license if you want to drive above 140km/h. This isn’t available to everyone. You can drive beyond 140 km/h if you have an “unrestricted driver’s license”. A permit to drive beyond permitted speed limits.

Legal Blood Alcohol Limit:

The dubai traffic rules state that for drivers, alcohol consumption should be 0. The blood content should not hold any traces of alcohol at all. This kind of practice is strictly prohibited in the UAE. As driving with alcohol consumption can cause accidents and loss of precious lives. So, to avoid any such circumstances alcohol consumption is prohibited.

Mobile Phone Usage:

Mobile Phones usage while driving is illegal and fine is imposed on the driver if caught using mobile while driving.

Original Documents:

The driver must always have his original documents available with him. This includes his registration card, driving license, and insurance documents. This is done to ensure no illegal drivers are on the streets.

Ambulances and Other Emergency Vehicles:

In case an emergency vehicle passes by the driver, the driver must pull over and give way to the vehicle to avoid any loss of precious lives.

Traffic Signals:

Signals must be followed properly, and a fine will be given in case of disobeying the law.

Overtaking from Height:

Overtaking from the right-hand side is prohibited in UAE. The use of indicators is compulsory when shifting between lanes. A fine is imposed on those breaking the law.

Conclusion

The dubai driving rules had changed upon the onset of Covid ‘19, making them stricter and more complex. The number of passengers per vehicle had decreased to 3 in private cars, while in public transport, every next seat to left empty to ensure social distancing. Masks had become a norm and sanitizers a necessary. However, as things came back to normal, vehicles could now carry more passengers depending on the number of available seat belts within the vehicle. As for public transport, a greater number of passengers are permitted to be seated.

If deemed necessary, a driver may apply for or get an unrestricted driver’s license, which will permit him to drive at greater speed limits and allow him to seat more passengers than usually allowed within the vehicle. People breaking the Dubai driving rules will be given black points and fine. Upon reaching 24 black points, the driver’s license will be suspended.

Hence, driving is a serious activity, and the authorities ensure it is not taken as fun and play. Therefore, UAE government ensures that things are kept in order and a strong watch is kept on drivers and the public to make the traffic flow healthy and to avoid any chances of accidents or further loss of lives.

FAQ’S

How many passengers are allowed to sit in a private car in Dubai?

During covid ‘19 pandemic, not more than 3 adults were permitted to sit within a car at a time, however now the number of passengers allowed to sit in a private car is dependent on the number of available seat belts within the vehicle. Children under the age of 18 are not considered as adults. If you want a greater number of people to be seated, go for public vehicles such as vans or buses.

What is the fine for violating the passenger limit in a vehicle?

For the driver, the fine is 3000 AED, as for passengers seated within the vehicle the fine is 300 AED. The driver will additionally be given six black points. Upon reaching 24, his driver’s license will be suspended.

Which vehicles allow an excellent permitted passenger limit in Dubai?

Vehicles used for public transport and not privately used usually give a better-permitted passenger limit. They too, however, are subject to certain dubai traffic rules. These vehicles need to be licensed and are also expected to follow the travel rulings given by the authorities. Such vehicles include buses and vans.

Is racing banned in UAE?

Car racing isn’t banned in the UAE. Rather, it isn’t permitted to be done on public roads and crowded areas. If people are found racing in such areas, they can be caught by the traffic police and be fined for such acts. Racing should only be limited to open spaces or racetracks.

How much do Dubai police fines for breaking the traffic laws?

Passengers will be fined 400 AED for allowing children below ten years of age to sit in the front passenger seat, 500 AED for not pulling over for an emergency vehicle, 500 AED for failing to follow traffic signals, and the same amount for blocking the pedestrians from crossing when they should.

What is the legal age for applying for a driver’s license in Dubai?

The minimum age for applying for a driver’s license is 17 for motorcyclists and for people with special needs. 18 years for everyday use of light vehicles and 20 years for heavy vehicles such as tractors.

What is the legal speed limit for driving in the city?

Within the city limits, in residential areas, the average speed limit should not exceed 80 km/h. On highways, however this can go up to 120 km/h. Driving above 140 km/h is strictly prohibited unless you have an unrestricted driver’s license.

What is the fine for overspeeding?

UAE Dubai driving rules not only fines drivers for speeding but also for “under speeding.” If your car’s speed is slower than required, that may also make you eligible for a fine.

The amount of fine you receive depends on the vehicle you are in. If you’re driving a car exceeding 70 km/h, you will be fined $860 or Dh 2000. In the same condition, you’ll also be fined 3 demerit points in a taxi.

In a desert country like the United Arab Emirates, it may seem strange that there are several man-made lakes. However, these lakes are important in the country’s climate and ecosystem. The lakes also provide a unique and beautiful landscape in an otherwise barren land. It is because the government of the UAE has committed its residents and citizen to give them the best lifestyle. The artificial lakes in the UAE are proof of this commitment. Recently during the month of Ramadan, in the middle of the Al Qudra desert, a new landmark in Dubai is revealed as Moon Lake, surrounded by golden dunes. The National later searched this place via drone.

What is Moon Lake?

In the heart of Dubai lies Moon Lake, a man-made half-moon lake that is home to some of the most breathtaking views in the city. It is called so due to its crescent moon like shape. The lake is situated in the middle of a bustling metropolis, yet it offers a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Moon Lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it is easy to see why.

Along with this, the project has been successful in attracting a variety of animals, including gazelles, oryx, and even ostriches. The UAE is home to over 200 species of birds, and the moon lake project has helped to increase that number. The artificial lake is also a popular spot for picnics and other outdoor activities.

The lake is still relatively new and not yet open to the public. However, it is already becoming a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers. The crescent moon-shaped lake in Dubai lies just beyond the popular Love Lake. The lake is a beautiful sight to see, and it is a great place to relax. There are many activities to do at the lake, such as swimming, fishing, and canoeing. The lake is also a great place to take a walk or have a picnic.

How to Find the Desert Moon Lake?

Most people find it tough to find the desert moon lake as it is far from the city in the Al Qudra desert and there is no direct-paved road to the destination. First, you will need a 4WD car and if you search for it on Google Maps you will need to type GPS coordination 24.800484, 55.370616.

There is a bicycle path, next to the road where the drive is forbidden but if you want you can go on car and next to it is a hard paved road. We will suggest you to drive on a 4WD or SUV as at some point there are sand dunes and this distance is of 20 minutes.

After that small oasis will start to appear which is a sign that you are about to reach. From here you can enjoy on foot. It will be amazing to walk towards the destination. All around the lake there is a desert with few lonely trees.

Attractions around Moon Lake Dubai

It is a worth seeing place to enjoy nature. If you are lucky you may see group of ghazals and other rare animals of the desert who come here for drinking water. You can enjoy the scene of sun set and sun rise as it is said deserts are more close of the nature and these are worthy places to enjoy nature.

The lake itself is a beautiful sight, with its gentle waters reflecting the light of the sun. Visitors can take a boat out onto the lake, or simply sit on the shore and enjoy the tranquility.

There are also several walking trails around Moon Lake, which are perfect for exploring the surrounding area. The views from these trails are simply breathtaking, and provide visitors with a sense of calm and wellbeing.

Key Points to Remember

When visiting Moon Lake in Dubai, it is important to remember to leave no trace behind. This means that all garbage, including food, must be picked up and disposed of properly. It is understood that even organic waste can take months to biodegrade. Meanwhile, it will attract animals that are harmful to them. Leaving garbage behind not only harms the environment but also causes problems for other visitors and the native species of the desert as well. Please do your part to keep Moon Lake clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

When go for camping over rocks or on sand dunes, be sure to take extra care not to disturb or damage the natural landscape. Remember that we are visitors to these places and should leave them as untouched as possible.

With a little bit of effort, we can all do our part to preserve our planet for future generations. Never harm the natural beauty of the place also.

Conclusion

Moon Lake Dubai is a stunning and unique place that is definitely worth visiting. The views are breathtaking, the amenities are top-notch, and the overall experience is one that you will never forget.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit moon lake in Dubai?

If you want to enjoy the worth seeing native species of the desert and scenes of early dawn, it is better to visit it early in the morning. It will also be great to visit it in the evening if you want to enjoy the sunset, but it would be risky to some extent.

What is the biggest lake in Dubai?

Burj Khalifa Lake is the biggest lake present in Downtown Dubai. It is also a man-made lake.

Is moon lake natural or man-made?

It is a man-made or artificial lake. It is wonderful to know that although Dubai is blessed with many natural monomers, it lacks lakes. You will see here mostly mad-man lakes.

Is the entrance free to moon lake Dubai?

Yes, you can enjoy the visit to moon lake for free. There are no entry fees.