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Visiting Dubai as a Woman: Get Around with Ease Woman Enjoying Thrilling Activities in Dubai

Visiting Dubai as a Woman: Get Around with Ease

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Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Robeena Brown

24 July 2024 | 13 min read

Visiting Dubai as a woman is not something to be afraid of doing. The Dubai government, for the safety of both local and foreign females, has imposed laws and regulations, and today, Dubai is said to be one of the safest countries for females. 

 

Safe or Not, for Female Travelers

As a female solo traveler, obviously, you might wonder if it is safe to travel to Dubai all alone. Also you might think, Dubai is all about strict laws and regulations, making it a complicated and stressful country to visit, especially for female travelers. 

Yes – respecting the law and regulations in Dubai is necessary, but that is exactly what makes this country famous, equally among all the male and female solo travelers, as one of the world’s safest countries to travel. So why not get a visa for yourself, and start planning your journey to Dubai?

Crime Status in Dubai

Now, let’s dig deep into why travelers say that Dubai is a safe country for female solo travelers. First things first, the crime rate in UAE, fortunately, is relatively low. Number one reason for this is that the Dubai government has strict punishments for almost every crime. For example, begging or raising funds without government permission, is a serious crime in Dubai, for which the person responsible is fined with super heavy charges. 

Also because Dubai has strictly prohibited drinking alcohol in public the presence of drunk men, around streets and public places, is something you would never witness in Dubai. That is why it is, actually, safe for solo female travelers to wander around streets, during the night time as well. 

Culturally Rich Country

It is true that the UAE is fully open to citizens from any part of the world. And people, definitely, love to visit this land, because of the numerous things they can do in this trendy city. 

Regardless of being modern, trendy, and advanced, UAE, however, never let its cultural value go unseen, at any cost. Emiratis always make sure to protect their rich culture at all instances, and that is one reason why this country is famous as a safe country for females. 

One thing that is so evident in this country, is the respect that people have towards women. That will, most probably, be the first thing you may experience, as soon as you step into this culturally rich city.

As travelers, whenever you visit this beautiful country, it is your responsibility to respect their culture and traditions. Never forget to follow all the rules and regulations and be in your best selves, at all instances.

Suitable Dress Code for Female Tourists

There is no such thing, like the Dubai government has strict rules imposed on what foreign females must wear, whenever they are roaming around the streets of the city. The only fact is that Dubai is still a city that has deeply engraved traditional roots. Emiraties – both the males and females, wear loose fitting clothes, and you also would see local women wearing a burqa.

This does not mean that all the females traveling to Dubai, must wear a burqa covering their faces and hair. In order to respect Dubai’s traditional roots, it is always the best to wear something that has more coverage. Therefore, opting in to carry some long and baggy trousers or skirts and tops with sleeves, would be enough.

When entering religious places, like mosques, women must wear a headscarf. In case you forget one, you can get one, usually, from the entrance as well. 

Nightlife in Dubai, inside bars and clubs, is fully open for women to wear whatever you like to wear. However, do not forget to carry a cover up dress - such as an overcoat, when you are roaming outside the bars and clubs. 

For beaches and swimming pools, you are free to wear a swim suit of your choice, but remember, to carry a cover up dress, whenever you are exiting the beach or the swimming pool. 

Getting Around Dubai as a Female Tourist

Like any other traveler, female travelers are welcome to move across and around the city of Dubai, and even to other parts of UAE. Female solo travelers, can opt in to use public transportation modes – such as metro, buses, and taxis to navigate around Dubai. 

Metro

Every train has separate train compartments, for women and children

Prices are much cheaper

Best way to get rid of heavy traffic

Bus

Similar to metro – sections reserved only for women

Reserved section is, usually,  located in the front of the bus

Trams Consist of separate sections for women.
Water Taxis

No reserved sections for female passengers

Also safe for female travelers

Taxi Separate taxis driven by female drivers; women only taxis

 

Finding a Place to Stay for Female Travelers

Dubai is, indeed, a lively city at all times. However, there are some parts of Dubai that go dull, once the sun sets. So it is suggestible for female travelers to select a hotel located in an area which never goes dull, such as Dubai Downtown. 

Even a one day stop would be expensive, but opting in for budget friendly accommodation options, would not be a smart choice for female travelers. Although Dubai is famous for being a safe area, it is best to go for safer options, because after all, you are staying in an area totally new to you. 
 

What to Do as a Female Tourist in Dubai

Dubai is a city filled with lots of excitement and adventure. Each year, Dubai comes up with something new, to offer to all the tourists. If you are a female solo traveler, do not limit yourself to just sightseeing. Indoor activities, outdoor activities, expensive experiences or budget friendly experiences, you name what you want, Dubai can offer anything of your preference. There is so much more you can do in Dubai, all day and night. 

●    Downtown Sightseeing

Dubai is, undoubtedly, a place of wonder, when it comes to sightseeing. There are a lot of popular tourist attractions you can find around Dubai. Since, Dubai Downtown is, always, filled with people, safety will not be an issue.  

Here are some of the places you can visit in Dubai Downtown:

Burj Khalifa

Dubai Mall

Burj Al Arab

Dubai Fountain

Museums

Dubai Miracle Garden

●    Desert Safaris

An experience you must never miss is the desert safaris that Dubai offers all its tourists. If you are a solo traveler, desert safaris are actually the best way to get to know some local or foreign people. Also since you can find many tourist families or local families going on desert safaris, safety would not be an issue, for solo female travelers. This thrilling adventure, of course, is something you never want to miss, just because you are a solo female traveler.

●    Beaches

Dubai is also popular for its sandy beaches with crystal clear sea water. This is another place, where solo female travelers can safely enjoy to their heart's content. Dubai beaches such as – the beach Palm Jumeirah, are not only about its water, but the water sports activities available at the beach are worth trying out.

Essential Things to Know Before You Go

●    Drinking in Public

In UAE, drinking alcohol is not prohibited for tourists and non-Muslims. It is, however, prohibited to drink alcohol in public. In Dubai, alcohol is available at licensed places such as – clubs and pubs.

However, if you are a female on a solo trip to the UAE, it is best if you can avoid consuming alcohol. Drinking alcohol, may lead you to be an easy prey of assault. 

Dubai laws on public behavior, as you may know, can bring you serious consequences.

●    Displaying Affection in Public

Displaying affection in public, may be something very common, mostly in European countries. But, it is not the same in the UAE. Men and women, traveling together is not an offense, at all. But, showing affection in public places like - kissing and hugging, is strictly prohibited.  

●    What to Do in An Emergency

During an emergency, if you have no other person to contact, make sure to dial 999 and contact the Dubai police. Dubai Police is said to be very responsive. If it is a non-emergency situation, yet you need assistance, you can get assistance by dialing 911. If you are visiting Dubai as a woman, make sure to have important contact numbers, saved as speed dials, before you go.

If you are traveling to Dubai with the help of a travel agency, then make sure to have your coordinator’s phone number, to dial in an emergency.