Travel Tips for Women Visiting Dubai
Many travellers imagine that visiting Dubai as a woman is much more difficult, complicated, and stressful than it actually is. Dubai ranks high on the list of the world’s safest cities, despite its location in a region that often makes headlines for being in seemingly eternal conflict. More importantly, the city’s reputation as a glitzy destination, combined with its Islamic-rooted governance, means that understanding what is and isn’t allowed can sometimes be confusing.
While female visitors certainly aren’t expected to don burkinis at the beach, brushing up on local customs and norms before your trip will help you avoid awkward or potentially risky situations. Additionally, it will let you in on several female-centric perks too.
What Should I Wear in Dubai?
Dubai’s quest to be the biggest and brightest might appear to indicate otherwise, but this city still has strong traditional roots. Emiratis—both men and women—dress in loose-fitting robes, and many local women choose to cover their hair or faces with a scarf. Visitors aren’t required to do the same, but covering your thighs and shoulders is recommended. Consequently, pack long skirts or baggy trousers. If you plan to visit a local mosque, women are required to wear a headscarf; however, these are usually provided if you forget to bring one. A colorful pashmina or scarf draped around your head will suffice.
Moreover, Dubai’s bars and clubs have a different dress code. You can wear whatever you would to go out back home; however, be aware that many nightlife spots are located in hotels or shopping centers. Therefore, it’s wise to bring a cover-up to avoid awkward situations when moving from bar to bar. For example, if you decide to bare midriff, thighs, or shoulders, bring a scarf or another cover-up to wear when heading to your next venue.
It’s perfectly fine to wear your bikini on the beach or at the pool, but refrain from wearing it while out and about. Not only will you be uncomfortably cold due to Arctic-like air conditioning in most malls and public spaces, but you might unintentionally offend locals, who are likely too polite to address it directly.
What Should I Wear If I’m Visiting During Ramadan?
During Ramadan, you can still wear a bikini when sunbathing at the hotel pool or beach; however, ensure you’re covered up while walking through the hotel itself. When you’re out in the city, it’s advisable to don a below-the-knee skirt or loose-fitting trousers, along with a top that covers your upper arms and is not low-cut.
Will I Be Harassed?
Women visiting Dubai can feel at ease while sightseeing, taking taxis, and dining out alone, even late in the evening. The World Economic Forum ranks the United Arab Emirates as the world’s second safest country. Though you might encounter unexpected attention, it’s essential to recognize that many cities worldwide are not entirely free from such encounters. If approached with a chat-up line, it’s perfectly acceptable to ignore it or politely but firmly decline.
Can I Drink Alcohol in Dubai?
This is a somewhat grey area. At the airport, Dubai Duty Free sells a variety of alcohol to anyone over the age of 21. Bars and clubs in the city’s hotels offer enticing happy hours, and the free-flow boozy Friday brunches are legendary. Nevertheless, drinking alcohol in Dubai is technically illegal unless you possess a license. However, there’s no way for temporary visitors to obtain one. Dubai police don’t typically seek out tourists consuming alcohol unless disturbances occur. Recent discussions have called for clarification on ‘the law that forgot about tourists,’ but thus far, the existing regulations remain unchanged.
What Are Ladies’ Nights?
One of the big perks of being a female traveler in Dubai is the endless array of ladies’ nights. Initially limited to women receiving a free drink or two on a Tuesday evening—a clever marketing tactic during the city’s male-heavy drinking days—ladies’ nights have evolved into a Dubai institution, occurring every night of the week at various venues. From complimentary or discounted access at beach clubs to free cocktails at bars and half-price dinners at some of the city’s finest restaurants, ladies’ nights can significantly reduce the cost of a night out.
Can I Stay in a Hotel Room with My Partner If We Aren’t Married?
While thousands of unmarried couples coexist without issues in Dubai—presumably sharing beds as well as addresses—sex outside marriage is illegal and punishable by jail and possibly deportation. This law appears to fall into the ‘if no one is bothered by it, then it’s okay’ category. However, should a complaint be made regarding you cohabiting with a member of the opposite sex—be it checking into a hotel room with your travel partner or bringing someone home from a nightclub—you could face problems. Hotels do request passport details from guests checking in, but this is primarily for security reasons rather than an attempt to identify those engaging in premarital sex.
Contraceptives, such as condoms, are available in supermarkets, pharmacies, and petrol stations. However, the morning-after pill is illegal, and doctors in the UAE are mandated by law to report pregnancies in unmarried women. If you suspect you might be pregnant, it’s advisable to wait until you return home for professional consultation.
Who Should I Contact in an Emergency?
The Dubai Police are highly responsive and can assist with a wide range of issues, from theft to road accidents. For emergencies, dial 999, and for non-emergency situations, use 911. However, in scenarios involving sex or alcohol, it’s often better to contact your embassy for further guidance. In cases of sexual assault, reconsider reporting to the authorities. Although action against the perpetrators may be taken, you could possibly be charged with sex outside of marriage and face prosecution yourself. Instead, contact your embassy, which can provide assistance without involving local authorities.
How Can I Meet Locals in Dubai?
What better way to learn about life in a city that has transformed from a small fishing village into a mega-metropolis in less than half a century than by engaging with locals? The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding hosts enlightening sessions weekly, offering insights into local culture and traditions with Emiratis of both sexes, including a candid Q&A session. Other avenues include local meetups through platforms that connect you to diverse people from all over the Emirates.
What Do LGBT+ Travellers Need to Know Before Visiting Dubai?
LGBT+ rights in Dubai face significant repression. Public displays of affection are frowned upon for both straight and gay couples. While it’s common to see local men holding hands and engaging in platonic gestures, cross-dressing in public is illegal, and transgender travellers may encounter difficulties when filing official documents. Gay travellers sharing accommodations are unlikely to face major issues unless staying in smaller, locally run hotels. It’s advisable to choose higher-end, internationally branded hotels. There are no prominent gay scenes in Dubai, but venues advised for LGBTQ+ visitors include The Play Room at The Oberoi.
