A Woman’s Travel Guide to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates
Dubai is a world-class travel destination. From glitzy skyscrapers and luxury shopping to white powdery beaches and picturesque sand dunes, there’s absolutely no shortage of attractions.
Plus, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on hospitality, Dubai is one of the most welcoming places in the world—yes, even as a female solo traveler.
That said, there are a few rules and cultural norms to be aware of before you go. I know you might have some questions about what to expect, so I’ll share some tips and highlights from my trip to help you plan your own visit.
What’s the Best Way to Get to Dubai?
When I visited Dubai, I flew on Emirates via Mumbai, India. If you’re leaving from the US, there are direct flights from several major cities, including Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York (JFK), San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC.
Do Americans Need a Visa to go to Dubai?
Dubai is located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which does not require US citizens to apply for a visa beforehand. Your visa will be issued upon arrival and valid for 30 days from the date of entry. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your expected time of arrival in UAE and you have a round-trip ticket or confirmed ticket to another destination. Learn more on the UAE’s embassy website.
When’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Dubai?
In Dubai, the high season is November to March, low season is June to August, and shoulder seasons are April to May and September to October. High season is when the weather is best—from November to February, the temperatures range from 60–80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is also when the majority of tourists opt to visit, so prepare for crowds and make sure you book anything at the top of your to-do list well in advance.
If you opt to go during low season, you’re likely to find fewer crowds, but be aware that the heat and humidity can make it pretty uncomfortable (expect temperatures to range from 90–105 degrees Fahrenheit).
Where Should You Stay in Dubai?
You’ll find plenty of accommodation options in various price ranges in Dubai. If you feel more comfortable staying somewhere that’s used to Western travelers, there are many international hotel chains in Dubai such as Hilton, Marriott, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton, etc.
Is it Safe for Women to Travel to Dubai?
To put it simply, yes! Dubai has a very low crime rate and women can feel comfortable visiting and navigating on their own. But there are a few guidelines to keep in mind and help you feel more secure:
- Dress conservatively when out in public. While swimsuits and cover-ups are fine at your hotel or on the beach, make sure you’re not wearing anything too revealing when you’re out and about.
- Stay in groups or pairs (especially after dark).
- Avoid making eye contact with men you don’t know and don’t engage in any sort of public displays of affection (PDA).
- In my own experience, if you are following the rules and keeping a low profile, locals are friendly and won’t bother you. Just don’t allow yourself to be obviously drunk or draw a lot of attention to yourself.
- Take advantage of transportation options for women, like the women-only cars on the subway and women-run taxis.
How Should Women Dress in Dubai?
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to dress modestly (covering your legs and shoulders and avoiding clothing that’s tight or revealing). While you’ll see many local women covering up their hair, you don’t need to do so unless you’re visiting a mosque or other religious site. You can bring a pashmina or scarf to place over your head during your visit, though most mosques also have coverings available.
If you’re going out to a nightclub or bar, you can wear whatever you’d like inside, but it’s a good idea to bring a scarf or cover-up to wear on your way or as you travel between venues since many bars and nightclubs are located in hotels or shopping centers where more modest dress is expected.
When it comes to swimsuits and bikinis, you can wear whatever you’d like at your hotel pool or beach, but make sure you have something that provides full coverage when you’re out in other public places.
If you’re looking for more guidance on what type of clothing to bring, Lonely Planet has some good advice to help you plan your wardrobe (and just visiting Dubai in general as a woman).
Do Women Need to be Accompanied by a Man in Public in Dubai?
No, women don’t need to be accompanied by a man while out in public in Dubai. You can absolutely visit on your own. But you may feel more comfortable traveling with another person or a group, especially at night.
Can Men and Women Hold Hands or Show PDA in Public?
While holding hands in public is allowed, kissing and hugging are not acceptable. Dubai also has laws prohibiting sex between unmarried couples. While most hotels are unlikely to check your marital status if you’re staying with someone of the opposite sex, you may be better off booking separate rooms to avoid any potential issues. Dubai is a place where hooking up with a stranger has potential legal consequences, so just be aware of that and decide what level of risk you’re comfortable with.
Can Same-Sex Gay Couples Hold Hands in Public in Dubai?
No. Dubai does not allow public displays of affection between same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ rights are very limited. While you may see local men holding hands, this is strictly platonic. If you’re not in a married heterosexual couple, it’s generally recommended to keep your sexual orientation to yourself while visiting Dubai.
How Do You Get Around in Dubai?
There are plenty of options for getting around in Dubai.
Dubai Metro
My friend and I mostly used the Dubai Metro during our visit. While there are dedicated cars on the trains for women and children, you don’t have to use them if you don’t want to.
Taxis
Dubai also has plenty of taxis. If you’re a woman traveling solo, you can book a “Pink Taxi” that’s operated by a female driver and specifically for female passengers.
What do you need to know about money? Is Dubai an expensive place to visit?
The official currency in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates is the dirham (written as AED—Arab Emirate Dirham—on currency exchanges). The exchange rate is about 3.6 AED to 1 US dollar.
Here are a few ideas of what things cost in Dubai:
- Lunch for two (three courses in a mid-range restaurant): 150 AED
- One-way Monorail ticket: 5 AED
- Fancy coffee: 18–35 AED
Credit cards are widely accepted, so you don’t necessarily need a lot of cash for your visit. It’s a good idea to let your bank and credit card company know that you’ll be traveling before your trip.
What Are Some Popular Things To Do in Dubai?
How should you spend your time while you’re in Dubai? Here are a few of the popular tourist attractions.
Visit the Mall of the Emirates
Mall of the Emirates has everything you can think of, from luxury shopping, arcades, and restaurants to movie theaters and Ski Dubai indoor ski slopes with real snow. Definitely an easy place to spend several hours!
Discover the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The Dubai Aquarium features an underwater tunnel where you can be immersed among the schools of fish, sharks, rays, and more. You can also see penguins, crocodiles, and otters—or go on a shark dive if you’re feeling particularly brave!
Be Amazed by the Burj Khalifa
Visit Burj Khalifa—the world’s tallest building—and enjoy breathtaking views from the observation decks. You can also book a stay at the Armani Hotel, pamper yourself at the Armani Hotel Spa, or indulge in a high-end dining experience at one of the onsite restaurants.
Explore Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island (in the shape of a palm tree) that’s home to luxury resorts, including Atlantis and The Palm.
Go on a Desert Safari
If the wilderness is calling, you can experience dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and traditional Bedouin entertainment.
What Are Some Budget-Friendly Things To Do in Dubai?
Everything I mentioned in the section above is a top attraction that comes with a big price tag. But there are also some options that are a bit less expensive for budget travelers.
Check out the Dubai Fountain Show
Watch the mesmerizing water and light show outside the Burj Khalifa. This takes place every 30 minutes from 6pm until 11pm daily. You can watch the show for free.
Visit a Hookah Shisha cafe
There are lots of hookah (or shisha, as it’s often called locally) cafes and lounges where you can enjoy a meal and flavored tobacco in a relaxed setting.
Browse the Souks (traditional Arab markets)
Dubai has several souks (traditional markets) where you can shop for jewelry, fabric, and other souvenirs.
Window Shop at a Mall
Even if you’re not really planning to buy anything, you can spend some time in the expansive malls window shopping and enjoying the AC on very hot days.
What Should You Eat in Dubai?
You’ll find a lot of American/international chain food restaurants in Dubai, but I also recommend trying more local cuisine. This blog offers a good overview of the local fare, including shakshuka (scrambled eggs with tomato and pepper), thereed (a meat stew with potatoes, similar to Moroccan tagine), and luqaimat (fried dumplings).
In Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking high-end shopping, chilled out time by the beach, sand dune adventures, or just the chance to marvel at the skyscrapers and architecture, Dubai is calling! I can’t wait to hear how you ladies visiting Dubai spend your time there.
