Capital city, United Arab Emirates
Is Abu Dhabi LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Abu Dhabi LGBTQ+ friendly?
Same-sex relations are illegal. Foreign visitors are rarely targeted, but discretion, including online, is essential.
LGBTQ+ laws in United Arab Emirates
No visible LGBTQ+ scene; complete discretion is essential, online too. Cross-dressing is illegal. Prosecutions mostly follow public incidents.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | No |
| Same-sex marriage | No |
| Civil unions or partnerships | No |
| Legal gender change | No |
| Anti-discrimination law | No |
| Legal penalty | Prison and deportation; Sharia-based death penalty theoretically possible. |
LGBTQ+ friendliness across United Arab Emirates
Quick answers
Is Abu Dhabi safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Same-sex relations are illegal. Foreign visitors are rarely targeted, but discretion, including online, is essential.
Is same-sex marriage legal in United Arab Emirates?
No.
More about Abu Dhabi
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- UK FCDO travel advice: United Arab Emirates
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
- Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.