Irish12

I have recently accepted a job in UAE for 2 years however my partner is not coming with me. If he visits me is it illegal for him to stay in my apartment for short period of time?

auzdafluff

Technically, yes.

But will the police give a flying ****? Not unless you're doing it that loudly, several of your neighbours complain.

mission

agreed - just dont draw attention to yourselves and you'll be fine.

Norm_uk

Indeed, like all things here keep you nose clean by having a low profile. Be polite, quiet and don't shag on the balcony.

Tell the watchman and cleaners you are married as well. Treat them well - they will stick up for you.

N.

The_Citizen

we are in the same boat and are just going to get married

britexpat76

You will be amazed by how short sighted the security become in exchange for a few cigarettes and a Pizza once a week.........

Debowing

You are adivised to act like husband and wife and tell everybody you meet that you are married. No-one will ask for a marriage certificate, unless you go to a hotel. And some hotels do not ask for that either. Do not advertise the fact that you are still unmarried.

Meow

In six and a half years of staying in hotels across the UAE, I have never been asked for a marriage certificate. That's daft, as no one carries that around with them.

Has anyone else been asked to produce one?

Kix

Never, handed over passport or copies with totally different names (me and partner), no one even blinked.

Meow

The different surname thing really isn't an issue. Many women don't change their surname on marriage and Arab women don't.

britexpat76

To be fair even if you have a Single occupancy room a copy of the lady in questions passport and 100 dibs will always suffice, apparently.....

Debowing

I have never been asked for a marriage certificate, but at a new years party a certain hotel asked for the marriage certificate between my friend and his girlfriend and they were refused a room due to this. Of course they went to a nearby hotel and did get a room without any hassles.

Norm_uk

Dates for Eid and a few dirhams every time they help carry a bag to the elevator for you does wonders too.

Ultimately it's the same everywhere in the world though to one degree or another. Show basic kindness and decency to others and it usually comes back to you one way or another, even in places like this.

N.

Meow

Very true. There are a lot of people in the UAE are doing thankless jobs for little money and with lousy conditions. Even making the effort to say hello, please and thank you and to smile is appreciated as many treat others so very badly.

For non-Muslim men (such as security guards, gardeners etc), I have often found that a few cans of beer are very warmly welcomed indeed...

OleJanx

Yes, I found that too, that a few cans of beer can make all manner of 'difficulties' disappear, to be replaced by helpfulness.