City, United Arab Emirates
Is Dubai LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Dubai LGBTQ+ friendly?
Same-sex relations are illegal and cross-dressing is banned. 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 Dubai safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Same-sex relations are illegal and cross-dressing is banned. Foreign visitors are rarely targeted but discretion, including online, is essential.
Is same-sex marriage legal in United Arab Emirates?
No.
More about Dubai
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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
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Dubai Airports
- Dubai Health Authority
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 Spotted something out of date?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.