Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are known for being conservative regions. They are relatively strict bout what you can wear, eat or do.
Out of everything you can or can’t eat in this city, our focus is pork products. Can you eat bacon in Dubai?
That’s an interesting topic since Dubai is known to be a Muslim city. Equally important, Muslims consider pork and its products illegal or haram.
Does that culture affect non-Muslim residents and visitors? Let’s find out!
Can I Eat Bacon in Dubai?
The answer to this question depends on one simple thing. Are you a Muslim or a non-Muslim?
If you are a Muslim, ensure that you don’t eat bacon regardless of the part of the world you are in, including Dubai. That’s because this culture considers it illegal, and you may face the law upon going against it.
However, that doesn’t apply to non-Muslim counterparts. The group is free to eat bacon in Dubai.
Can You Buy Bacon in a Supermarket in Dubai?
Interestingly, there are supermarkets in Dubai that sell bacon to their customers. They include the following;
- Al Maya Supermarket
- Baqer Mohebi Supermarket
- Carrefour
- Choithrams
- New Era Supermarket
- Spinneys
- The Philippine Supermarket
- Waitrose Supermarket
- WeMart Asian Market
- West Zone Supermarket
Best Restaurants for Bacon and Other Pork Dishes
Consider the following restaurants if you want to grab a delicious pork dish.
JB’s Gastropub
The restaurant has a vintage theme, and even its design’s tiniest aspect complies. It also won the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Award in 2021.
Currently, it is Dubai’s best pub, and its location is the lobby area of Amwaj Rotana. Expect a pork board platter containing scotch egg, Spanish chorizo, prosciutto, crispy Pork Grins and smoked ham.
Bussola
Whereas Bussola is known for its Italian cuisine and pizzas, bacon lovers will have something to enjoy in this restaurant. Its traditional menu contains several delicious pork dishes.
For example, there are several pizzas containing pork ingredients. They include the Amatriciana, Andalucía and Hawaiian.
It is in Al Sufouh at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach & Marina.
Miss Wang
It is the best place to visit if you are a fan or want to explore Asian cuisine. The theme comprises impressive artwork that makes the place beautiful for chilling out.
Its pork dishes include the following;
- Classic Lumpiang Shanghai.
- Crispy Pata
- Pan Fried Dumplings
- Pork & Shrimps
- Sake Bbq Pork Skewers
- Spicy Bbq Pork Belly
Besides food, there is entertainment, such as karaoke nights and live band performances. The restaurant is in Bur Dubai along Mankhool Rd.
El Sur
This restaurant is also at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi in Dubai. Its menu contains pork dishes corresponding to the Spanish style.
The menu is quite long, with various delicious options for bacon lovers. Its style comprising of a funky and terrace approach, makes it beautiful.
McGettigan’s
This restaurant is perfect for eating bacon in an Irish pub. It will give you the memorable nightlife.
Some available Irish pork dishes include the McGettigan’s burger, Banh mi pork belly roll and Irish fry-ups. Its location is Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster J, Dubai.
Crown & Lion
Its location is Byblos Hotel, Barsha Heights, in Al Barsha. Unlike its counterparts, the pub has a British theme.
Its menu contains various pork dishes ideal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your options include pork harm & eggs, pork burger & chips and pork bangers.
Besides enjoying delicious pork dishes, you can also do fun activities. They include watching football games and playing billiards.
Consequences of Eating Bacon in Dubai
What to expect upon consuming bacon and other pork products in UAE, including Dubai, is well stipulated in the law. It is in its UAE Federal Penal Law.
According to article 312, it can either be imprisonment or a fine. However, one can’t insist enough that it only applies to Muslims.
There is no consequence for eating bacon in public if you are a non-Muslim. However, it is advisable to avoid any pork product in public as long as you are in Dubai to show respect to its residents.
Can You Eat Pork in Dubai?
It is no secret that bacon is one of the meals associated with pork. Others include pork bellies, ribs, sausages, loins and chops.
Equally important, Dubai is known to be a Muslim city. Its culture considers pork forbidden, often referred to as haram.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you won’t find places selling pork. Their counters are also conspicuously labelled “Pork Section: For Non-Muslims”.
Therefore, you can eat pork in Dubai if you aren’t a Muslim. Non-Muslim residents and visitors are free to grab it whenever they deem fit.
However, avoid eating it in public for the following reason.
- It shows that you can accommodate various cultures, not forgetting the respect you have for diversity
- Since one should only consume pork in licensed restaurants, eating in public without adhering to the restriction can attract fine
- You can also offend Muslims since their culture forbids it, terming it as haram, impure and a sin
Which Foods Aren’t Allowed in Dubai?
If you are travelling to Dubai, avoid the following;
- Any home-made or cooked food
- Raw plants
- Vegetables
- Fruits Seeds
- Traditional medicine such as niswar leaf, nut gutkha, qat leaf and betel leaf
The bottom line is that any unpacked and unprocessed edible isn’t allowed into Dubai. Even the food items allowed should be packed and stored adequately.
Equally important, you shouldn’t exceed the laid-down quantity limit. Excellent examples include the following;
- 5 kg for herbs & spices
- 5 kg of juice concentrates
- 10 kg of various fruits and vegetables
- 10 kg of fish or seafood
- 10 kg of special-purpose food, such as children’s food
- 10 kg sweets & bread
- 100kg dates
- 11 kg eggs
- 20 kg for sugar products & honey
- 20 litres of drinks & syrups
- 20kg of yoghurt
- 25kg canned food
- 30 kg of cereals, grains, & red meat
- 50 litres of oil and olive oil isn’t an exception
- 500 gm of saffron
- 500gm of caviar
