The sentence Thursday is the latest case of Westerners running afoul of the social codes in the United Arab Emirates, which maintains strict laws on sex-related issues although it often turns a blind eye.
Prosecutors accused the pair of removing some clothing and fondling each other in a cab in May. They denied the charges and accused the taxi driver of fabricating the story after a fare dispute.
The judge says the pair will be deported after serving their sentences, which they can appeal.
In 2008, a British couple received a three-month sentence after being charged with having sex on a Dubai beach.