This is not acceptable without asking their permission first. Even at places where covered ladies prepare local food for sale as part of the displays, ask first.
Photography of Sheikhs' palaces, police, ports and airports is forbidden.
This is the case inmost of the countries I suppose, you need to seek permission before clicking pictures, but over here it must be little more dangerous if you click a lady without permission.Is it a punishable offense,I hope it is not like this.
This is true. This is quite an issue expecially with tourists as they do not completely understand since it never crossed their mind that they may be offending someone. It is due to ignorance but you cannot really blame the tourists if they weren't given proper information. And this is an issue in many other countries, not just in places like Dubai.