Yes, unmarried couples can share a hotel room in Dubai. While Dubai has historically had strict laws reflecting Islamic values, these have relaxed significantly in recent years.
Here's a breakdown:
- No Legal Restrictions: There is no explicit law in the UAE (including Dubai) prohibiting unmarried couples from sharing a hotel room.
- Previous Concerns: Historically, there were concerns about "living in sin," which could potentially lead to issues. However, this is no longer actively enforced for tourists.
- Modern Tourism Hub: Dubai is a major international tourist destination, and hotels are accustomed to accommodating guests from all over the world, regardless of marital status.
- Respectful Behavior: While sharing a room is permitted, public displays of affection should be kept to a minimum out of respect for local culture.
- For Residents: The reference mentions it may not be as easy for residents. This is because certain long-term rental agreements might have clauses related to family status, which is less of an issue for short-term hotel stays.
In conclusion, as a tourist, you generally don't need to worry about marital status when booking a hotel room in Dubai. Just be mindful and respectful of local customs.