The fascinating megalopolis of Dubai is a treat for travellers of every hue. With its seemingly endless attractions like shopping malls, amusement parks, architecturally magnificent skyscrapers, and glistening beaches, Dubai is right at the top of the “wish-list” of a huge number of travellers from around the globe, whether it’s with friends or family members.
But maam – did you say that you prefer traveling solo? And that’s how you intend to travel to Dubai?
What about solo female travellers to Dubai? How advisable – and safe – would that be?
The answer is – IT IS VERY SAFE! Dubai is a perfectly safe travel destination for solo female travellers. Dubai is a melting pot of global cultures & nationalities, and also maintains a very low crime record. It’s a fairly common sight in Dubai to see women returning home or to their hotel late at night, unaccompanied. So, dispel all your fears regarding traveling alone to this fantastic city.
Having said that, however, there are certain aspects that you need to keep in mind as a solo female traveler to ensure zero compromise with safety. Even in low-crime zones, there are criminal elements who operate surreptitiously. So, don’t let your guard down. In the following post, we will discuss about certain things that a solo female traveler should keep in mind.
What Solo Female Travellers Should Know When Visiting Dubai
- Respect Local Laws
Adherence to local customs & laws is a basic requirement in almost every part of the world, and Dubai is no exception. And in spite of the huge expat population, Dubai remains an emirate which is a part of a Muslim country. And it’s a place where the Sharia Law is in force. Hence, please do keep in mind the following points regarding the local customs & laws.
- Modest Dressing is Important
It’s not that you would need to cover yourself from head to toe at any & every location in Dubai. You can dress up in jeans, skirts, palazzos, etc. and any other decent clothes. In beaches, swimwear is perfectly acceptable. However, please try to ensure that you are not wearing too much revealing cloths in public places, including public transports. If you are visiting older parts of the city or any cultural/religious place, make sure that you are adequately covered from your shoulders to below the knees.
- Know Where to Booze
You can’t enjoy a drink in public in Dubai. Alcohol is served here, but only in designated bars & hotels. Quench your thirst there, but under no circumstances should you behave drunk in public. This is a punishable offence. You may also buy alcohol as a tourist from designated stores, but it’s quite expensive.
- Public Display of Affection is a Strict No-no
Planning to visit Dubai with your boyfriend/husband? Good idea – but do keep your emotions in check while you are with him in Dubai. A casual holding of hands might still be acceptable, but definitely avoid hugging, embracing, or kissing your partner while in public places in Dubai. Save it all for the hotel room.
- Do not Take Photos of Locals
For some reason, the local people in Dubai resent being photographed. You would come across the local Emiratis in many tourist spots like in the Dubai desert safari, the souks, etc. And while you might be fascinated by their appearance and dressing, don’t try to click a pic, even surreptitiously. And in case you are really keen on photographing them, do take their permission beforehand & click the photos only if you have been given a go-ahead by them.
Traveling in Dubai as a Solo Female
Traveling around Dubai is not a challenge at all for solo female travelers like you. The Dubai Metro is possibly the most convenient, comfortable, and pocket-friendly transportation in Dubai. It’s very safe and also extremely well-maintained. There’s a “women & children only” carriage in the metro which you can avail of.
In certain cases, you may need to avail of a taxi. While your safety is ensured in every cab, you may also choose the pink taxis that are driven by women drivers, for that extra level of safety.
Check: International Holiday Packages
Where to Stay as a Solo Female Traveller in Dubai?
Hotels are aplenty in Dubai, ranging from modest to ultra-luxurious. Whatever might be the depth of your pocket, you would definitely find multiple hotel options in Dubai. Putting up in reputed properties would ensure total safety, for sure.
If your budget is on the lower side, you may choose shared accommodations & hostels. However, in such cases, do ensure to research carefully before selecting a property.
There are certain safety tips that you should keep in mind while staying in a hotel/any other accommodation.
- Don’t share your room number with unknown people.
- Go for accommodations that have round-the-clock security
- Don’t forget to lock your room, whether you are inside or outside
Some General Safety Tips
- Focus on your “gut feeling” to stay out of potentially risky situations
- Restrict your night time traveling to well-lit & crowded places
- Avoid secluded areas, especially if traveling alone
- Don’t display too much cash in public
To conclude, Dubai is an absolutely safe city for solo women travelers. Make your travel plan, land there – and you are bound to have a most rollicking time! Just ensure that you re not missing out on following the basic safety protocols that we mentioned above.
