Drinking in the United Arab Emirates. It’s not a good idea, because you may get in deep trouble with the law. A tour guide tells visitors to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other Emirates about the laws in the UAE and travelers are advise to enjoy their time in the beautiful Emirates without getting carried away in nightclubs and bars.

Instead of locking more tourists behind bars for weeks and months, plans for a fast-track court to handle minor offences by tourists have been welcomed by visitors and lawyers.

Dubai Courts director Mohamad Abdulrahman said the new court was due to open at the end of the year to speed up trials for offences that carry a fine, rather than a prison term.

Offences will include drinking alcohol without a licence and driving under its influence.

Minor offences will be settled between 10 to 30 days, Judge Mohammad Al Saboosi explained to the local media.

The court will increase tourists’ respect for the UAE – it’s the idea.

Tourists to the emirate said the court would help to allay fears of being detained for long periods for minor offences, such as being drunk in public.

Lawyer Hamid Al Khazragi said the court would ease the load on lawyers and assist defendants.

Once the case is considered a petty crime and most probably the offender would be fined, the case would be transferred to the tourists’ court and they will receive the swift judgment and be on their way.

Having a specific court for visitors will also allow more serious cases to move faster at Dubai Courts, Mr Al Khazragi said.

Lawyer Ali Al Shamisi said that the court could provide swift judgments in the short term, however it could also put pressure on the legal system with a backlog of cases.

The UAE tourist court is due to begin handling cases later this year.

Another court is to be set up for minor offences committed by residents.