In Tax Free Monaco locals are not allowed to gamble. This is designed to protect citizens from the potential negative consequences of gambling. Photographing people in casinos and hotels is also illegal. In Portugal, no foreign flags can be flown alone, the Portuguese flag must be alongside it! Collecting shells or buying counterfeit goods in Italy is illegal. At least 40% of the music played on French radio stations must be in French, a measure intended to protect French culture. Every country, state, city, town, etc has their own specific customs and local laws and anytime someone considers a move they should explore and understand them.

Boomtown Dubai with its spectacular, gravity defying skyscrapers has attracted people from around the globe for a multitude of reasons, mostly low taxation. There has been a notable rise in Americans seeking to live in other countries and states either for a different quality of life (often cheaper) or lower taxation. But before you get that new passport/visa/driving license, it's always wise to study the local laws and norms that apply to a different part of the country/world.

Here are some of the laws and customs in Dubai many may not be aware of:

• PDA including innocent gestures like kissing, prolonged hugging, or excessive cuddling in public places are considered offensive.
• Appearing intoxicated in public is strictly prohibited and can lead to severe penalties.
• Residents must obtain a temporary liquor license to purchase and store alcohol at home.
• Relationships outside marriage/cohabitation is frowned upon
• Modest attire is expected in public places, especially for women, where knees and shoulders should be covered.
• Profanity, whether verbal, online (messages, social media), or through hand gestures, is considered an offense.
• Taking pictures of people without their permission is illegal and considered a serious invasion of privacy.
• Photographing government buildings, military installations, and certain public spaces without authorization is also prohibited.
• Sharing photos or videos of accidents or incidents online is strictly forbidden and can result in substantial fines and even deportation.
• Zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs, including marijuana and even trace amounts. Including some medications.
• Avoid engaging in loud or boisterous behavior, as it may be considered disrespectful.
• There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and same-sex relationships are not recognized in Dubai or the UAE.

Disrespecting local customs, symbols, or the rulers of the UAE is a serious offense: breaching any of the above can lead to a warning, fines, jail time and/or deportation. And Dubai is considered pretty moderate next to many other countries that demand foreigners adapt to their local traditions, customs and laws.

These days many in the US are outraged by those expecting visitors and immigrants to assimilate to their country, state or city/town, yet upon closer inspection you may learn that the US is much, much more accepting of all sorts of cultural differences than most other parts of the world