A TikTok user in Dubai has warned Brits to beware of playing a common game in the city. The woman shared her experience on the video-sharing platform as a warning to others visiting the popular Middle East travel destination.
She tells her followers: “Guys, a quick PSA (public service announcement) if you are coming to Dubai – do not make his mistake. I had no idea this was illegal.” The TikTok user goes on to explain how things turned sour when she and her husband visited a beach club for lunch.
She recalled sitting in the shade, taking out a packet of playing cards as they usually do and were about to play some card games.
The woman said: “We typically do this on holiday, with drinks, lunch, whatever. You know, nothing crazy just a bit of gin rummy.”
But she added: “We got told off. We got told it was illegal to play card games in the open air in Dubai. And the fine is – I think it’s around £2,000. So yeah, that was a crazy one – don’t make that mistake!”
The post sparked debate on TikTok as to whether or not you can be fined for playing cards in public in the city.
Some said they had visited and played cards with their children without a problem while others said it wasn’t illegal.
Law firm, Davidson & Co, describes Dubai’s gambling laws as “particularly stringent”.
According to the company, local laws covering the United Arab Emirates are “deeply” influenced by religious principles.
Gambling, where players agree a loser will pay a winner so much money or some other item, is a punishable offence in the UAE.
However, there are some exceptions for competitions and raffles as long as these have been approved by authorities.
Al Adl Legal Consultants advises visitors to the UAE to be “particularly cautious”, with “strict” adherence to local laws expected of visitors and locals alike.
It said: “[T]ourists should avoid any form of gambling, including online gambling, to avoid potential imprisonment, fines, or deportation”.