What To Know When Traveling Dubai

In an interview, Dalelv claims Dubai police asked her: "Are you sure you called the police because you just didn't like it?''

Two million Australians through Dubai each year, but many are unaware of the unique cultural practices which could land them in hot water.

Female travellers and workers are particularly vulnerable to sexual assault. For a conviction to occur, the attacker must confess or it need to be witnessed by four adult males who confirm that a sexual assault took place. Dubai Female Escorts

Australian Alicia Gali was jailed for adultery for eight months in 2008 after she complained to police that her co-workers at a resort in nearby Fujairah drugged her and raped her.

In December last year, a British woman was kidnapped and gang-raped and later fined for admitting she had a drink hours before the attack she said was spiked.

Non-profit group Detained in Dubai, which helps people in legal trouble in the UAE, is concerned the number of Australians inadvertently finding themselves behind bars could skyrocket.

Radha Stirling, founder of the organisation, said many Australians aren't aware of the vastly different laws in the UAE.

The federal government's Smart Traveller website warns that victims of sexual assault can face charges: "It is possible that victims of sexual assault may be charged by UAE authorities for engaging in sex outside of marriage and be dealt with according to the criminal law. There have been cases in the UAE where sexual assault victims have been imprisoned after reporting an incident to local police or upon seeking medical assistance. Sexual assault victims should contact the Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate-General in Dubai, or the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra, as quickly as possible to obtain relevant information on these issues and guidance on what support services may be available. Consular officers cannot provide legal or medical advice but can provide lists of English-speaking service providers who may be able to assist you in this process."

Tourists should take care to abide by local laws and customs when they travel to Dubai.