Not bouncing cheques
It is not easy for expats or locals to get loans in Dubai. For this reason, it is common for them to pay large purchases with forwarded dated cheques, from buying cars to paying rent for the whole year.
What would be just annoying in most countries, in Dubai a bouncing check can land you in jail easily or your passport could be taken into custody until you pay your debt. Bouncing cheques are considered a serious crime, therefore in case of lack of sufficient funds you have to figure out how to get ahead of the problem before escalating. Any embarrassing phone call to a family member is a preferred option, better than being arrested for sure.