Dubai to issue new public behaviour guidelines. What should tourists know

Dubai is set to introduce official guidelines on public behaviour and celebrations as part of a broader initiative to strengthen its reputation as one of the world's most civilised cities, officials announced following a high-level government committee meeting.

The announcement was made during the fifth meeting of the Dubai Civility Committee, chaired by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office and Chairman of the Committee.

New initiatives to be announced

The committee unveiled two key initiatives during the meeting: the Dubai Civility Guidebook, which will outline general principles for conduct in public spaces, and the Guidelines for Celebrating Different Occasions, which aim to ensure that public celebrations align with community values and social responsibility.


Officials said the initiatives are part of broader efforts to encourage positive public behaviour and strengthen the emirate’s urban environment and social cohesion.

Also Read: France braces for a week of punishing heat as red alerts spread

According to the committee, the civility framework extends beyond rules of conduct to include aspects such as urban aesthetics, visual identity, public space experience, and overall quality of life.

The initiatives also form part of Dubai’s wider strategy to enhance the city’s global image and improve day-to-day experiences in public spaces.

Initiative to advance civility standards

During the meeting, the committee also reviewed plans for an integrated lighting strategy designed to strengthen Dubai's visual identity and create greater harmony across its urban landscape. Members further discussed a comprehensive assessment framework aimed at establishing standards and systems to enhance the overall city experience.

Al Gergawi said Dubai has already developed a distinctive global model of civility under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which places people and quality of life at the centre of development efforts.

Also Read: AirAsia X to keep lowering fares as jet fuel prices fall

"We are working to develop an integrated ecosystem that elevates the human experience in Dubai and enhances quality of life, the city's appearance, and public behaviour through impactful initiatives and projects that touch every aspect of daily life," Al Gergawi said.

According to the committee, civility in Dubai extends beyond infrastructure and public services. It encompasses visual identity, urban attractiveness, quality of life and positive public conduct, all of which contribute to a cohesive and refined city experience.

The Dubai Civility Committee was established in September 2025 under a decision by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The committee is tasked with preserving, measuring and advancing Dubai's civility standards through an integrated governance framework.