Can A Woman Travel Solo To Dubai? Yes, Here’s How!
Are you wondering whether you can safely visit Dubai as a solo female traveler? Here is all you need to know for your solo female trip to Dubai.
The number one question I see from people all over the internet is whether Dubai is a safe place to visit as a solo female traveler.
I can confidently say, yes it is. Moreover, it is one of the safest places in the world. Why do I think that?
Because I have traveled to Dubai since 2011 until now many times as a solo female, with another female friend, and with my mom.
With my tips and advice, you will explore Dubai without fear, see the most important landmarks, feel comfortable, and most importantly be safe, while making the most of your trip.
Solo Female Travel In Dubai
Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates, a country in the Middle East. Due to the news, people have misconceptions about the Middle Eastern part of the world.
Please do not listen to advice from people who have never visited the United Arab Emirates, one of the world’s safest countries.
Is Dubai Safe For Solo Female?
Even Though Dubai has changed a lot since 2011 when I first visited and I could see the changes happening every year, it is still one of the safest places in the world.
The crime here is very low due to the strict rules that the whole UAE has. Therefore, when it comes to walking on the streets during the day and night, you are very safe here.
I always felt more safe here than back home in Europe. For example, one time I needed to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai early in the morning.
Around 2 am, I went by taxi to the bus station from where I took a bus to Abu Dhabi. From Abu Dhabi station I went by taxi to the place I needed to be. Back home I would be scared to do that.
However, to be safe, you also need to follow the rules of the country. While Dubai is much more open than other Emirates of the UAE or other countries in the Middle East, it is still a city in the Muslim country.
Dressing in Dubai
Women do dress almost anything they want, however, I would be respectful towards the culture and dress appropriately depending on the place I’m going to.
You are totally fine wearing short skirts, dresses, and shorts on the streets, and bikinis at the beach and pool, but when you go to malls, make sure they are not too short.
When visiting the old Dubai dress more conservatively not to get unwanted attention. For more about the dress code in Dubai, click here.
Drinking alcohol and going out at night in Dubai
Nightlife in Dubai is amazing. There are many nightclubs, rooftop bars, and pool parties you can attend. As a solo woman, you can attend ladies’ nights which are usually on Tuesdays or Wednesdays where ladies drink for free, or very cheap.
If you don’t feel comfortable experiencing nightlife alone, you can join the ex-pats network called Internations.
Dubai is an international city with 80% of expats living here. In this application, you choose your city Dubai and you can connect with people from whichever country you like. You can see what events are happening and you can attend these events where you will meet up with many expats.
Also, you should know that men here are very hungry, so be careful not to get into trouble. Any public display of affection is not allowed here.
Drinking in Dubai is allowed from the age of 21 years and only in the places officially designated for that. It means, hotels, bars, clubs, pool parties, and restaurants.
Tips: Never drink on the streets. When you get drunk, go to your accommodation, don’t be wild in public. Do not drink and drive. All these things can cause you not only a big fine but also a prison.
How To Get To Dubai And Around Dubai
Dubai has one of the largest International airports in the world. You can get a flight here from everywhere. If you need cheaper tickets, you can also fly to the neighboring Emirates, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah.
From Dubai International Airport you can either take a taxi, Uber, a private transfer, or take a metro if you are on a budget.
To move around Dubai, you have few options. You can rent a car if you are a confident driver and want to be flexible. However, Dubai has great public transportation and taxis are widely used here. There are also pink taxis for women only.
Dubai is not a walkable city, meaning it is spread out over a large area, so to get from one place to another you have to use either public transportation or a taxi. However, there are many areas where you can walk.
If you are going to use public transportation, buy a silver Nol Card which you top up with a credit and can be used on all public transportation. Metro has the first carriage dedicated to women and children.
Where To Stay In Dubai As A Solo Female
The best areas to stay as a solo Female are:
- Dubai Marina– is very popular with expats. There are many restaurants, bars, a small shopping mall, and grocery shops around the Marina. It is a short walking distance to JBR and the beach.
- Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)– Close to Marina, another location popular with expats and tourists. Here you will find popular JBR Beach, restaurants, hotels, and residential areas.
- Dubai Downtown– city center with the most famous landmarks like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Mall.
What areas you should avoid:
- Deira– As a single woman, I would avoid the Deira area in the old Dubai, especially at night.
For more details about the best areas to stay in Dubai as a tourist, read my article here.
Things To Do As A Solo Female In Dubai
There are so many things you can do in Dubai, whether you are traveling solo or with someone.
1. Spend a day at the beach
What kind of holiday it would be without going to the beach? There are many beaches in Dubai where you can go.
Some hotels have their own designated area of beach, which is private, but you can visit any public beach. You are very safe on public beaches; there are many tourists, and most of them have lifeguards, too.
Normally, I don’t leave my belongings unattended, but here I do even I watch them from the sea while swimming. People here don’t steal as they do in Europe for example. Still, you don’t have to bring high valuables with you.
The only thing you should be careful about is the male workers from certain countries who come to the beach during their days off and try to take pictures of women in bikinis. You don’t have to be scared to tell them off when you see they do take pictures of you.
2. Explore Downtown
Downtown Dubai is the city center where Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Mall are located.
Whether you want to go shopping or just look around, Dubai Mall is a must-see. So many designer shops, and entertainment, like Dubai Aquarium, cinema, ice rink, and many more can be found here.
You can eat in any of the restaurants here or the food court, or opposite the mall is Souk Al Bahar with more restaurants.
You must go to the top of Burj Khalifa and after watch the Dubai Fountain Show. ➡️Buy your tickets to the Burj Khalifa in advance here.
3. Take a Big Bus Tour
Taking a Big Bus is a great way to see the whole city and visit those places and landmarks that are interesting for you. You will also get to sail on Dubai Creek. ➡️Choose one of the tours here.
4. Desert safari
While in Dubai, don’t miss the desert. It is an amazing place where you can experience dune bashing, camel riding, quad biking, sandboarding, and enjoy traditional buffet-style dinner, show, and shisha if you choose the evening tour.
➡️Here are some tours to choose from.
5. Visit Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE. It is about 1.5 hours away from Dubai. Here you can see the most beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Emirates Palace.
More attractions are Ferrari World, filled with roller coasters, and Yas Island Waterpark.
Even though you can get to Abu Dhabi by car or bus, the best is to ➡️take an organized tour if you travel alone.
6. Experience Emirati Culture
To get to know the Emirati culture and history, head to Bur Dubai and visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and Al Seef. From there you can take a traditional Abra boat that will take you to the other side of the creek to Deira and here you can visit some of the traditional souks.
7. Swim with dolphins
During my one solo trip, I went to the Atlantis Hotel in Palm Jumeirah to swim with dolphins. It was an amazing experience and I asked one lady there if she could take me some pictures. With this activity, you also have free entrance to the Aquaventure waterpark.
8. More things to do in Dubai alone
Other places of interest for solo travelers are Miracle Garden, the largest flower garden in the world, Global Village, and Museum of the Future, for adrenaline junkies, there is Ziplining or sky diving. And experience Dubai nightlife.
Where To Eat As A Solo Traveler
There are so many places to eat in Dubai. If you are not comfortable eating alone in a restaurant, you can opt in for a food court, or street food, or you can order food to your hotel room or Airbnb.
You can also take advantage of the food tours.
The Wrap-Up: Is It Safe For Women To Travel Solo To Dubai?
Dubai is an international city and one of the safest cities in the world. Women traveling solo to Dubai are very safe here, taking into consideration that they follow the rules and laws of the UAE country.
Whether you stay in a hotel or Airbnb, choose one of the recommended areas. You can explore the city alone, take an organized tour, or find some friends in the expat community.
I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did every time I visited this extraordinary city.
