Dubai to introduce public behaviour rules and celebration guidelines
New framework aims to enhance daily experiences for residents and visitors
DUBAI – Dubai is set to introduce official guidelines on public behaviour and celebrations as part of a wider effort to strengthen civility across the emirate.
The move was announced during the fifth meeting of the Dubai Civility Committee, which reviewed major initiatives designed to improve quality of life and enhance the experience of residents and visitors.
The committee revealed plans for two key projects: the Dubai Civility Guidebook, which will establish a shared framework for conduct in public spaces, and Guidelines for Celebrating Different Occasions, aimed at ensuring celebrations reflect Dubai’s community values and social responsibilities.
The initiatives are part of a broader strategy to create a more connected, welcoming and organised urban environment while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global model for city living.
Committee meeting
The meeting was chaired by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office and Chairman of the Dubai Civility Committee, and brought together senior government officials from various sectors, including transport, policing, tourism, municipal affairs and urban development.
Attendees included Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority; Omar Sultan Al Olama, Director General of the Dubai Crown Prince’s Office; Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality; and Saeed Al Nazari, Secretary General of the committee.
Officials discussed updates on projects aimed at developing a citywide civility ecosystem that focuses on public behaviour, visual identity, quality of life and the overall experience of living in Dubai.
اللجنة التوجيهية للحفاظ على المظهر الحضاري في دبي تعقد اجتماعها الخامس برئاسة محمد عبدالله القرقاوي، رئيس المكتب التنفيذي، رئيس اللجنة التوجيهية للحفاظ على المظهر الحضاري في دبي. وناقش الاجتماع مستجدات المشاريع والمبادرات الهادفة إلى تعزيز المظهر والسلوك الحضاري للإمارة، وخطة… pic.twitter.com/1q6Gx74Htp
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The committee also reviewed plans for an integrated lighting strategy designed to enhance Dubai’s visual character and create greater harmony across the urban landscape. A comprehensive assessment framework was also discussed to establish standards and systems supporting the development of what officials described as the world’s most civilised urban environment.
Al Gergawi said Dubai has built a distinctive global model of civility guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, placing people and quality of life at the centre of the city’s development.
“We are working to develop an integrated ecosystem that elevates the human experience in Dubai and enhances quality of life, the city’s appearance, and public behaviour through impactful initiatives and projects that touch every aspect of daily life,” he said.
Civility framework
Dubai’s approach to civility extends beyond appearances, focusing on a coordinated system that combines attractive public spaces, responsible behaviour, strong community values and a refined urban experience.
The Dubai Civility Committee was established in September 2025 following a decision by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The committee is responsible for preserving and advancing Dubai’s civility standards through coordinated initiatives, policies and projects that support the emirate’s long-term vision for a high-quality urban environment.