Life In Dubai As A Woman

Women Rights And Empowerment

Dubai is very safe for women as the stringent laws protect them and provide gender equality. The government has taken remarkable strides in women's empowerment by providing education and employment. In the Emirates, women have the freedom to chase their dreams and fulfil their ambitions and thereby contributing to the development of the economy of the country. Women are given equal rights as men.

With a valid driving licence and abiding by traffic rules, women are free to drive round the clock. Their opinion highly matters in the democracy of UAE. They can cast their vote as per choice if they are a valid citizen of the land. They have the right to own their own property and inherit property from ancestors in Dubai too. The government ensures equal opportunities for education for women.

 Women can undertake regular or distance courses from various universities as per their choice to pursue higher education. As per the report of Price Waterhouse Coopers, 77% of UAE registers a higher rate of females in higher education in the entire world. The United Nations also recognises the UAE as the most developed in terms of women's education. 
 

Professional Opportunities

Dubai gives top priority to gender equality. It is thriving to become one of the top 25 countries in gender equality. The Gender Balance Council was created to achieve this equality with women playing a leading role.

There is no gender restriction in the professional field. They can choose any job as per their passion and merit. There is a plethora of opportunities in various industries for women to choose from. The professional environment is highly conducive to women.

Workplace harassment is very rare. Women hold various positions in all sectors be it Healthcare, Technology, finance, media and so on. Women opt for teaching jobs at various educational institutions as per their expertise. They are also highly respected as medical professionals with high remuneration. For health-conscious UAE residents, a Dietitian is a very recommended and successful profession.
 
They can also become Specialists in Child Psychology. In Dubai, yoga plays a major role and professional yoga instructors are highly in demand.  Along with gaining name and fame, there are highly-paid jobs where women succeed more than men as per the statistics reveal.

Cultural Sensitivity And Adaptation

Dubai is a melting pot for diverse cultures. So women should understand and respect the cultural beliefs and customs prevailing in the country. They should educate themselves well about the traditions and culture of Dubai. 

Language and communication are quite smooth in Dubai where majorly English is spoken however learning a little of the local language and Arabic phrases helps you to connect well with the locals. It's highly advisable to be seriously careful during the month of Ramadan. During these days avoid eating and drinking in the public at day time.

With adaptation and cultural sensitivity, the life of a woman in Dubai can have good personal growth and thereby leading to a good understanding of the city's culture and heritage.
 

Dress Code

The dress code plays an important role for women in the Islamic city. Though the city is quite liberal yet there are certain guidelines to be followed by women. Women should modestly dress in loose clothing in any public place.

They should keep their head covered with a scarf while visiting the mosque. During summer women can wear breathable fabrics but their shoulders and knees should be covered.

At the beaches, you are free to wear swimsuits and bikinis but not in any public place, and thus respect the local custom and culture. Hats and sunglasses are a necessary must during the hot blazing summer days but the winters are enjoyable with different kinds of jackets and jumpers.  You are allowed to wear stylish dresses during your visit to the nightlife.  

Safety And Security

The first question that comes to mind when a woman travels to Dubai is that is it safe for a woman. The answer is yes. Compared to any other country in the Western World, Dubai is extremely safe for women. Gallup's Law and Order report has ranked Dubai as the safest country for women to work at night but along with some safety precautions. Dubai ranks high on the safety index so women feel secure as residents or visitors. The robust progressive laws protect women's safety and thus women are empowered.

The constitution of the UAE provides gender equality and protects from any discrimination against women. There are stringent laws to protect women against violence, assault or harassment and the penalties are very high for the offenders. In public places like parks, there are security personnel who can handle potential threats and emergencies.

The CCTV cameras protect both the resident, as well as the tourists.  The transportation system like the bus or tram, offers exclusive seats for the women ensuring convenience in commuting daily. Pink Taxis are driven by women for women.

 Pink Priority areas are exclusively dedicated to women with traditional or religious backgrounds accompanied by women security personnel. The police stations are specialised in female officers who are well-trained to handle women-related problems effectively addressing the safety of women.
 

Social Life And Community

Dubai offers vibrant social life by offering social clubs specifically meant for women. There are an array of activities and women can connect with other like-minded individuals for a good network. There are various fitness clubs, art and cultural organizations catering to the varied interest of women. Dubai is famous for its High Tea Culture among women in the afternoon. They assemble at a common place may be a luxurious hotel or a cafe and enjoy socialising and unwind themselves.

Ladies’ Day and Ladies' Night are conducted at various luxurious places, where they can enjoy themselves to their fullest. The community is also very supportive towards women. Various events are organised like baby showers for the new mothers to enjoy. For women to be comfortable, there are dedicated saloons where they can avail the facilities by women staff only.

 Dedicated spas and saunas are also available for women to unwind without any hesitations. They are free to share their views or exchange ideas on the various social platforms available like WhatsApp and Facebook. During the various occasions of Eid, Christmas and Diwali people join together and indulge in the cultural festivity of the customs and traditions prevailing in the place.

Various Pros And Cons of Life As A Woman In Dubai

There are many challenging experiences those women face in any city and Dubai is no exception. Yet women in Dubai feel secure and can pursue any career of their choice and move around freely even after the daylights in this safe and peaceful environment amidst the diverse cultures prevalent over here. But there are certain aspects that one needs to ponder into while moving to Dubai.

The traditional Islamic customs ensure that women have certain restrictions on dress codes which may pose challenges for women with a liberal lifestyle. The laws of the land have certain limitations where you should cover your head while at a mosque, cannot take food in the daylight during Ramadan, cannot click a picture of a person without his permission, or show affection to a person publicly.

Moreover, matters related to marriage divorce, and child custody are governed by Sharia law which may have certain limitations for women. So life as a woman in Dubai has a lot to offer with certain limitations along with the blazing heat which goes to around 40 Degrees. Though certain things are inevitable yet you will feel protected and safe and live your life to the fullest as a woman in Dubai.

Conclusion

Life in Dubai as a woman is enriching and exciting combined with professional growth cultural diversity and empowerment.  It offers a rewarding lifestyle with a perfect balance for women seeking a fulfilling and rewarding life coupled with the traditional culture and customs of the country.