When planning to explore a new city or country, every female tourist has some questions & doubts in mind. And when it comes to exploring Dubai, there are many unspoken rules for female tourists that everyone should follow.
Are you a female solo traveler with plans to visit Dubai? If so, you likely have numerous questions swirling in your mind about the rules and regulations in place.
The first doubt that we want to clear is - Dubai is a safe city for female tourists. It ranks among the top 10 safest countries for female solo travelers, making it a fantastic choice for your journey. Rest assured, you can roam everywhere in Dubai without any trouble. However, it's important to note that while Dubai is generally safe, it's always wise to follow the rules for female tourists during visit.
So, let’s talk about some important & unspoken rules that every woman, especially tourists should adhere to during their time in Dubai.
You need to be very careful and choosy when it comes to the clothes in Dubai. For every woman here it is very important to follow the dress code in public areas like markets, malls, worship places or theater etc. Despite Dubai being a modern city in the middle east that replicates western culture, it is very important to note that short, tight and revealing outfits are not allowed here. So, we advise you to choose loose and comfortable clothing in Dubai that not only ensures compliance with local norms but also helps you stay comfortable in the hot climate of Dubai.
As you pack your bags, be sure to include an ample supply of loose and modest clothing that covers your arms, legs, and chest. This approach will help you avoid drawing unwanted attention, prevent fines for wearing indecent attire in public spaces, and ensure your overall comfort as you explore the city.
We highly recommend utilizing the Dubai Metro Train for your transportation needs in Dubai due to its exceptional safety, cleanliness, and convenience. An added benefit is the presence of a dedicated carriage exclusively for women and children, ensuring an extra level of comfort and security.
Navigating the Dubai Metro is a breeze as it is designed to be user-friendly. The metro map features English wordings, making it easy to understand and plan your journeys effectively. Additionally, each station is equipped with customer service counters, where friendly staff are available to assist and address any inquiries or uncertainties you may have.
While the Dubai Metro comprehensively covers major destinations such as the iconic Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, there may be instances where you need to rely on taxis to reach places beyond the metro's routes. Fortunately, Dubai offers "female-only" taxis, distinguished by their pink-colored roofs. These taxis are an excellent option if you prefer the comfort of traveling with a female driver and desire a heightened sense of reassurance during your transportation experience.
When traveling to Dubai, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the areas to visit and those to avoid. Like any city, Dubai has its safer neighborhoods and areas that may require more attention.
Jumeirah Beach:
Jumeirah Beach is an immensely popular attraction known for its stunning 11-mile stretch of pristine shoreline. It's a perfect vacation spot. But still here you have to remain vigilant against pickpockets, as tourists are the main targets and solo female travelers are the soft targets of these pickpockets. So, never leave your valuables unattended anywhere in Dubai, even for a brief moment.
Motor City:
Dubai locals have rated Motor City as one of the safest communities to live in. Its reputation for safety makes it a favored area among residents. Other neighborhoods highly regarded for their safety include The Greens, Emirates Living, Oud Metha, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Discovery Gardens, Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Sports City.
Mall of The Emirates:
For a safe and largely crime-free shopping experience, the Mall of The Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road is a recommended destination. Notable for its indoor ski slopes, this mall provides a secure environment for visitors. Dubai's Old Quarter and Green Planet, a dome-shaped tropical ecosystem, are also popular attractions that are closely monitored and safeguarded, resulting in minimal crime incidents.
By being aware of these safer areas in Dubai, you can make informed choices about where to visit and enjoy your time with peace of mind.
Place To Avoid
Sonapur:
It is advisable to avoid visiting Sonapur, a migrant work camp located on the outskirts of Dubai. This area houses a large number of South Asian laborers who endure extreme heat and exploitative conditions that resemble modern-day slavery. The pervasive abject poverty in Sonapur, although deserving of attention, makes it an unsafe place for tourists to visit.
Furthermore, it is recommended to be alert in the neighborhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai. These regions in Dubai are famous for small hotels and backstreets, infamous for illegal activities and prostitution. So as a solo female traveler you should avoid visiting these areas even in the broadlight of the day.
Sex Outside Marriage is Offense
When you are in Dubai it is very important to keep in mind, engaging in any sexual activities outside of marriage is a big crime. And this rule not only applies to visitors & foreigners but to the local residents as well. We have a true incident to give you an example: a few years back an unmarried couple ended up behind bars after the women registered a police complaint about being sexually assaulted by a hotel employee.
During the investigation, police found that the couple were not married and sharing the room. Consequently, both were arrested for engaging in intimate activities and hotel employed has not been charged with rape, but rather with the offense of engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage.
NO LGBTQ
There is no right for the LGBTQ community, if you are lesbian or trans then we recommend you to avoid visiting Dubai or the Middle East. Engaging in cross-dressing in public is illegal, and transgender travelers may encounter difficulties when dealing with official documentation.
Generally, lesbian travelers sharing a hotel room are unlikely to encounter issues, unless they show their sex orientation. It is important to know and be mindful of the local laws and cultural norms regarding LGBT+ rights during your stay in Dubai.
No PDA
Public displays of affection are not allowed in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE. We are not only talking about kissing & cuddling but you can't even hold the hand of the opposite sex in Dubai. If you do that in public places then you have to face serious consequences. You can read about the case of Charlotte Lewis, a 25-year-old from Palmers Green from London, which serves as a testament to this. In 2010, she was sentenced to one month in prison for allegedly kissing and stroking the back of Ayman Najafi, a British Dubai-based marketing executive, in public.
Never Accept The Drinks From Stranger
It is very important to note that, never accept drinks or any other consumable things from strangers. We also suggest you not to leave your drink unattended. There are several incidence happens in Dubai where criminal tampered with the drinks by adding drugs or potent alcohol to commit acts such as sexual assault, theft, or abduction. Again we want to remember you that, Dubai Authorities do not consider the claims of sexual assault of women, a harsh but realty. Disturbingly, there are many reports revealed that those who have reported rape incidents in Dubai have faced imprisonment and detainment due to allegations of engaging in extramarital sex.
Make Your Skin Ready For The Heat
This point is especially for the women travelers who belong to western countries or cold areas, they are not habitual of the heat and direct sunlight. So we advise you to keep the best sunscreen lotion in your backpack. If you are planning to travel here between May and September then get ready for the heat of 122° Fahrenheit these days. Keep away yourself from the direct sunlight as much as possible, drink lots of water, always wear your sunglasses & hat. Otherwise, you run a real risk of heat stroke or exhaustion.
Know About Emergency Contact Numbers
Even though the crime rate in Dubai is very low thanks to the strict rules & regulations, we still advise you to keep some emergency numbers handy. This advice is not only applicable in Dubai but anywhere in the world . Here are some important emergency numbers in Dubai that you should have on hand:
Having these numbers readily available can prove invaluable in times of emergency, ensuring a quick response from the concerned authorities should any emergency situation arise.
Avoid Eye-Contacts With Strangers
We are not blaming the people of Dubai, even as most of the Dubai population is foreigner friendly and they will not cause you any harm. But the problem is, they are still unfamiliar with the concept of solo woman travelers.
When someone in Dubai is staring at you then actually they are curious to know who you are and why are you roaming here alone (in most of the cases). Generally men in Dubai will quickly avert their gaze once you make eye contact, indicating their harmless intentions. But very rarely, if someone attempts to sustain eye contact then you need to be careful and leave the place immediately. That’s why we suggest you to avoid making eye-contact with strangers in Dubai. Remember precaution is better than cure.
Don’t Use Left Hand
In the muslim culture and most Asian countries, the practice of using the left hand might appear peculiar. Left hand is traditionally associated with personal hygiene and is considered unclean. As a result, it is highly recommended to avoid shaking hands or greeting others with your left hand. It is also considered inappropriate to eat using your left hand in certain settings.
So be very alert about this cultural norm in Dubai, you demonstrate respect for the customs and traditions of the Muslim culture, particularly in regards to personal hygiene and social interactions.
Don’t Use Foul Language
It is very important to follow respectful behavior & appropriate language while you are in Dubai or in the Middle East. Use of foul language especially by a woman is considered very offensive and leads to serious consequences. There are many incidents happening frequently where foreigners travelers have found themselves in trouble by using foul language in public places, particularly in the presence of undercover police officers.
To ensure positive and safe traveling, it is advisable to always speak politely and be mindful of your words. By respecting local culture and following norms and regulations, you can avoid any unnecessary situation and maintain a pleasant environment for yourself and your companions.
If you are a female traveler, especially a solo traveler then there are many questions or dilemmas that come into your mind. It is very necessary for everyone in Dubai to follow the rules & regulations and avoid unpleasant conditions. By following these unspoken rules, respecting local cultures, rules and regulations, and maintaining polite behavior, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience during your visit to Dubai.
