<\/p>\n
This guest post is by Monica Chapon, a California-based desert enthusiast.<\/em><\/p>\nExploring the Middle East can often feel intimidating for travelers, and even more so for solo women.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While I personally love to travel throughout this region, I can certainly understand the hesitancy!\u00a0This is a very misunderstood part of the world, and it isn\u2019t always portrayed as very \u201cfemale friendly.\u201d<\/p>\n
But if you are dreaming of sweeping orange dunes, spice-filled souks, intricately decorated mosques, and a glimpse into Muslim culture, then Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is the perfect place to dip your toes.<\/p>\n
The UAE is a small country with a strong religious foundation. Islamic law dictates day-to-day life and traditions in this neighbor to Saudi Arabia.\u00a0Honestly, it\u2019s quite beautiful.<\/p>\n
After an oil boom, Dubai quickly went from a \u201csmall town\u201d in the desert the now-glittering hub that we see today.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Because of these fast changes, Dubai is truly a city of duality.\u00a0Each time I visit, I find myself pondering the juxtaposition of towering, record-breaking skyscrapers just minutes away from hand-built, rustic camel farms in the sand.<\/p>\n
While the UAE is one of the safest countries in the world to visit, it religious roots and rapid modernization mean that not everyone who lives and works there is accustomed to seeing a solo female traveler.<\/p>\n
So, while I highly recommend the UAE as a great place for women who travel alone, it is not without some challenges.\u00a0Below are my best insights for women traveling solo in Dubai.<\/p>\n
Solo Female Travel in Dubai<\/h2>\n\n
1. Crime rates are super low.<\/h3>\n First and foremost, know that the crime rates in Dubai are very low.\u00a0Theft and violent crimes are extremely rare.\u00a0In fact, the rates in the UAE are light-years better than my home country, the United States.<\/p>\n
As such, I have never felt unsafe here in terms of crime. I\u2019ve never had any items stolen, and I\u2019ve never felt in danger of any type of attack.\u00a0(For better or for worse, CCTV is common in downtown Dubai.)\u00a0<\/p>\n
As a solo woman in Dubai, rest assured that you are in a country where the laws are taken very seriously.<\/p>\n
2. But you will be stared at.<\/h3>\n Realize that while most people will not harass you in any way, you are a bit of an anomaly.\u00a0Though solo female travel is not a new concept in the Western world, it is still somewhat \u201cnew\u201d in this region.<\/p>\n
The majority of stares you receive are simply out of curiosity.\u00a0People will wonder why you are alone or where you are going, and some will just be intrigued about how \u201cdifferent\u201d you may look.<\/p>\n
Most men will look away quickly once you return their gaze, proving that it was harmless. But if anyone tries to hold your eye or use it as a reason to approach you, be cautious.\u00a0Trust your gut.\u00a0Balance courtesy with caution.<\/p>\n
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3. Women\u2019s places at school, home, and work differ from those in the West.<\/h3>\n It is worth highlighting a bit about women\u2019s roles in Emirati society.<\/p>\n
Schools and universities are segregated by gender, though more women attend college than their male counterparts do. <\/p>\n
However, the vast majority of women do not enter the workforce and instead opt for marriage and raising children. The Emirati women you do see in the workforce will typically be employed in education, health, and government services.\u00a0I do see a lot of expat women in the workforce, too.<\/p>\n
While I don\u2019t know how much of that is choice and how much is societal expectations, I will say that UAE society places a high value on those roles.\u00a0<\/p>\n
There is no denying that patriarchal ideology is still visible in UAE life, but I do applaud the small strides that the country has taken in recent years.<\/p>\n
4. Dubai is a melting pot.<\/h3>\n Over 80% of the population in the UAE is made up of expats, and the vast majority of them live in Dubai. Here you will find everyone, from Indians to Pakistanis to Lebanese to Canadians \u2014 and everything in between.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dubai is a true melting pot.\u00a0It is a colorful blend of many different cultures, living and working in various industries and making a life on this small piece of the Arabian Peninsula.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The Luxury Burj Al Arab Hotel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n5. It can cost much less than you think.<\/h3>\n You are probably familiar with Dubai\u2019s reputation for riches.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Burj Al-Arab hotel has a glamorous Royal Suite that goes for $24,000 USD per night.\u00a0The city built several manmade islands in the shape of palm trees.\u00a0And there is even an ATM in nearby Abu Dhabi where users can withdraw solid gold.\u00a0Solid gold!<\/em><\/p>\nSo, it\u2019s not really surprising that I am often asked how I can afford to stay there.<\/p>\n
Luckily, these extreme cases \u2014 while plentiful \u2014 are not the norm.\u00a0It\u2019s pretty easy to find hotels and guesthouses for under $40 USD per night.\u00a0And decent ones, too!\u00a0Comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and a washing machine can be included for that price.<\/p>\n
I recommend checking in the Deira and Al-Barsha areas for these deals, though I\u2019ve frequently found them in the Marina as well.<\/p>\n
Additionally, hostels have started to crop up in Dubai. This was not a thing when I first traveled there seven years ago. With the cultural expectations demanded of men and women, this was not a sleeping arrangement that was \u201callowed.\u201d Nowadays, it\u2019s an option. (Note that in more conservative areas, like Sharjah, this will likely still not be the case).<\/p>\n
Avoid the large and expensive restaurants and opt for tasty, authentic food stalls instead. Falafel sandwiches, fresh-squeezed juices, and aromatic Indian dishes can be had on the cheap.<\/p>\n
6. You have a lot of transportation options.<\/h3>\n In Dubai, there are a lot of ways for solo women to get around.<\/p>\n
The metro system is cheap, clean, and on time, in my experience. Uber operates in Dubai, too.\u00a0And it is possible to hire private drivers, though this will be the more expensive route.<\/p>\n
Yes, women can drive and rent a car in the UAE.\u00a0It will be no problem to do so. However, traffic can be intense in the city, and there are crazy drivers here, just like everywhere else!<\/p>\n
One unique transportation option in Dubai is women-only pink taxicabs.\u00a0If you are feeling particularly nervous, these would be a great way for a solo woman to travel around Dubai. Look for the telltale pink rooftops that indicate \u201cwomen only.\u201d<\/p>\n
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It was over 120 degrees, but long pants and a loose, long-sleeve shirt is the way to go.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n7. Be mindful of how you dress. <\/h3>\n In Dubai, you will see a lot of variation in the way that women dress.<\/p>\n
Local women typically wear a long black dress called an abaya and a head covering called a hijab.\u00a0It is not uncommon to see even more conservative dress, such as a full burka, covering women\u2019s entire body except for the eyes. (In contrast, men wear a long white kandoura.)<\/p>\n
But you will also see tourists showing cleavage and midriffs, wearing short-shorts, and ultimately dressing like they are in laid-back Bali rather than conservative Dubai.<\/p>\n
While you might get away with it, I would strongly caution solo women not<\/em> to dress this way in Dubai. At the very least, you will be inviting a lot of unwanted attention and certainly offending local sentiments.\u00a0<\/p>\nInstead, your Dubai packing list should include items like loose palazzo pants, flowy kimonos, and scarves (which will be needed to cover your head when entering mosques). A good rule of thumb is to cover the shoulders, elbows, knees, and head.<\/p>\n
8. You may need to work harder to get off the grid.<\/h3>\n When I first traveled to the UAE, my goal was to spend most of my time deep in the desert, near the Saudi border, exploring and camping in this beautiful landscape.<\/p>\n
Spoiler alert: I did make that happen! And I have done the same thing on almost every subsequent visit.<\/p>\n
However, it did take a lot of persistence.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Solo women will have no issues getting around Dubai. But if you are trying to get to the far corners of the country, you will probably run into some issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Islamic culture, it is not common or accepted for a man to be alone with a woman that he is not related to or married to.\u00a0So it took a lot<\/em> of persistence for me to find a driver who would do this.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n
9. Be aware of local laws.<\/h3>\n This is something travelers should do regardless of their destination, and solo female travelers in Dubai are no exception.\u00a0This is especially important in the UAE, as it is governed by sharia law, which most Western travelers may not be familiar with.<\/p>\n
The rules and laws in the UAE forbid such things as drinking alcohol, using crude language, kissing in public, taking someone\u2019s photo without asking (particularly women), homosexuality, and a long list of other infractions.<\/p>\n
A few legal exceptions do exist, like purchasing alcohol at larger hotels or establishments.\u00a0And though Dubai is the most liberal of all seven emirates, I still recommend not testing the waters.\u00a0<\/p>\n
10. Solo women will get a unique perspective.<\/h3>\n One benefit of being a woman in Muslim countries is that you will get a unique perspective that your male counterparts cannot.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Men are typically not be able to interact in any way with local women they are not related to.\u00a0But as a woman, you will be able to approach other women, speak with them about the area, or ask them for help if you need assistance.<\/p>\n
One of the experiences I value most in traveling is to get to know local people and customs, so this is one of my favorite benefits of solo female travel in Dubai.<\/p>\n
Pin me for later:<\/p>\n
The United Arab Emirates is one of the safest countries in the world to visit, and Dubai in particular is one of the most liberal of all Middle Eastern cities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a great place to travel if you want a safe and comfortable crash course in Middle Eastern life.\u00a0If you go there knowing the benefits and challenges of solo female travel in Dubai, you are more likely to have a fun and successful trip!<\/p>\n
About the author: Monica Chapon has traveled to six continents solo and chronicles her adventures on her blog,\u00a0This Rare Earth. She can usually be found exploring the deserts of the world, taking impromptu road trips, or performing as an aerialist on silks. Follow along with Monica\u2019s adventures on\u00a0Instagram.<\/em><\/p>\nGet every new post delivered via email (3x posts per week, no spam, ever. Read our privacy policy here.)<\/label><\/p>\n
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