Can Unmarried Couples Stay in The Sharjah Hotel?
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Dubai is a popular tourist destination that is known for its strict laws regarding how unmarried couples interact. Some hotels abide by these laws and don’t allow unmarried couples to stay together, while others don’t care.
So, can unmarried couples stay in the Sharjah Hotel? Yes, unmarried couples can stay at the Sharjah Hotel. The Sharjah Hotel in Dubai accommodates unmarried couples, as do most luxury hotels in the city.
To ensure travelers are prepared and informed for their trip to Dubai, we have compiled some information that will answer the following questions:
- Why do some hotels in Dubai not allow unmarried couples to share a room?
- Can unmarried couples stay in the Sharjah Hotel?
- Are there terms for unmarried couples staying in the Sharjah Hotel?
- What happens if an unmarried couple gets caught sharing a hotel room in Dubai?
- Are there guidelines for the behavior of couples in Dubai?
Why do some hotels in Dubai not allow unmarried couples to share a room?
Sharia Law governs Dubai and the UAE, and this dictates many social behaviors, including several around couples and the way they interact. It is illegal for unmarried couples to live together (among other things), and this includes sharing a room.
While couples may not legally be allowed to share a hotel room, many hotels turn a blind eye, especially when it comes to tourists. The tourism industry brings a lot of income to Dubai and the country, so accommodation places, particularly luxury, high-end hotels, aim to serve tourists wherever possible.
Can unmarried couples stay in the Sharjah Hotel?
The Sharjah Hotel and many other hotels that cater predominantly to tourists accept unmarried couples. The hotel does not check marriage status, and if you don’t draw attention to yourself, you will not experience any trouble.
Are there terms for unmarried couples staying in the Sharjah Hotel?
There are no specific terms for unmarried couples staying at the Sharjah Hotel that aren’t applicable to other guests.
- All guests must be 18 years of age or older at the time they check into the Sharjah Hotel.
- Each individual staying at the hotel must also provide valid photo identification. Only formal government identification will be accepted, with passport, driver’s license, Aadhaar card, or Voter ID card all being valid forms of identification.
What happens if an unmarried couple gets caught sharing a hotel room in Dubai?
The chances of an unmarried couple getting caught sharing a hotel room in Dubai are extremely low, especially if you are staying at a luxury hotel. If for some reason, you do get caught, the hotel will typically ignore this information. People who work in these hotels are accustomed to tourists and regularly accommodate couples who aren’t married.
The only problems will occur if the police need to get involved for some reason. As long as you do the right thing and don’t bring unnecessary attention to yourselves, police intervention will never be required.
Dubai and the UAE are different from other countries that run under Sharia Law. Unlike other countries governed by the same legislation, police do not knock on the doors of residences and hotels to ensure that no unmarried couple is sharing a room.
Given this, an interaction between police and tourists will only occur if something is wrong. If you have broken the law (in another way) or somebody has filed a complaint against you, the police may be obligated to conduct an investigation.
During this process, they are likely to confirm your relationship status, and this is where unmarried couples tend to get found out. As mentioned previously, this is extremely unlikely. However, there will be legal consequences if it comes to this.
Are there guidelines for the behavior of couples in Dubai?
In addition to not being able to share a hotel room, unmarried couples are restricted in a few other ways. In fact, Sharia Law also dictates the behavior of married couples too.
For instance, it is not acceptable for any couple (married or otherwise) to hug and kiss in public. Doing so will draw unwanted attention to yourselves, so it is safest to avoid this behavior. It is likely to be tolerated within hotels or other highly touristic areas. However, it is best to respect this norm and keep public affection to a minimum.
Married couples are allowed to hold hands; however, unmarried couples are not. People will assume that a couple is married if they are holding hands. Hence, you are unlikely to experience any trouble with this.
Again, make sure that you are not attracting unnecessary attention (especially unnecessary negative attention), and you won’t have any problems.
Tips for unmarried couples traveling to Dubai
Married and unmarried couples should understand restrictions and expectations around behavior before traveling to Dubai. When in the UAE, every individual should endeavor to respect the local norms and act in ways that are not offensive or outrageous.
This includes keeping public displays of affection to a minimum. Don’t hold hands, exchange kisses, or show any other types of romantic affection unless you are absolutely sure that you’re alone. While most citizens don’t care, you don’t want to risk legal consequences that can easily be avoided.
It is also worth referring to your boyfriend or girlfriend as your’ wife,’ ‘husband’ or ‘partner’ to avoid creating any problems. This will ensure nobody becomes suspicious and you can enjoy your holiday in peace.
Travelers should also abide by all laws, including those not associated with social behaviors and couples. In particular, make sure you don’t get too intoxicated or use any drugs, as these can both cause major issues in Dubai.
If you do the right thing, you will likely blend in with the crowd and not experience any difficulties with hotels or police.
Problems occur when tourists break the law or disgruntle other people so much that complaints are made. It is best to avoid any investigation as this could uncover your unmarried status. If police learn this knowledge, they will be obligated to do something about it. Legal consequences can include fines, deportation, or jail time.
Summary
- Dubai is governed by Sharia Law, which sets many expectations and laws for social conduct, including the behavior of couples. Sharia Law prohibits individuals of the opposite sex (excluding family members) to reside together, and this includes sharing a hotel room. All couples must be married before they are allowed to live together or sleep in the same hotel room.
- The Sharjah Hotel in Dubai accommodates unmarried couples. Despite it being illegal for unmarried couples to share a hotel room, many accommodation places will turn a blind eye, not even asking for a marriage certificate. Unmarried couples will especially be accepted at luxury or high-end hotels.
- The chances of an unmarried couple getting caught sharing a hotel room in Dubai are extremely low. Hotels are accustomed to tourists and very accommodating of unmarried couples.
- Certain expectations apply to the public behavior of couples, both married and unmarried. All couples traveling to Dubai should understand what behaviors are acceptable and aim to act per this. Acting inappropriately in public may attract unwanted attention that results in a complaint being made, something that could result in an investigation that uncovers your unmarried status.
- All travelers should abide by local laws, not just those associated with the behavior of couples. The safest way to ensure you experience no problems while traveling to Dubai as an unmarried couple is to stay away from trouble.
