Note that the following comments apply to Dubai, there are differences in how the rules are applied in other emirates.

With respect to sharing apartments and villas, it is quite common for groups of unrelated mixed gender people to share accommodation (and sometimes even rooms but usually room mates are of the same sex) in Dubai.

Detained in Dubai, an organisation that assists people who have become victims of injustice in the UAE, has warned against reporting rape or other crimes in the country because of the “manipulation when it comes to criminal accusations” and the “racist” preconceptions held against Western tourists.

Radha Stirling, founder of the charity, said that following the recent case – as well as a number of other shocking incidents in recent years where rape victims have been detained in the UAE – she advises British tourists not to report crime.

TLDR version: Yes, there are unmarried couples living together in Dubai.

delivers a comprehensive guide to the facts of living safe and above the law in the region.Dubai’s duty free regulations are fairly straightforward.At the time of writing (July 2014) the Dubai’s duty free rules can be found in the Passenger Customs Guide (3rd Edition 2014) published by Dubai Customs.You’ll need a minimum monthly salary of Dhs2,000 and your purchases will be limited depending on the money you earn, so that you cannot buy in bulk.Having a licence means you can consume alcohol in your own home.