Is United Arab Emirates Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

United Arab Emirates is generally safe for solo female travelers. The country has strict laws ensuring overall safety and security. There is respect for rules and regulations, and serious crimes are rare. However, the cultural norms and rules can be strict, particularly regarding dress code and behavior. It's advisable to familiarize yourself with these rules and respect them. Solo women travelers should take precautions just as they would traveling in any major city worldwide.

Safety rating

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How safe is United Arab Emirates?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

United Arab Emirates, particularly in its main cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is quite safe for women during the night. Both cities uphold consistent law enforcement, CCTV surveillance, and well-lit public areas to ensure safety. However, it's important to always take usual safety measures into consideration. Stick to populated and well-traaveled areas, be cautious when using taxis and avoid dark and secluded places.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its high standard of safety and security. The country offers a wide range of reliable and efficient public transport options such as buses, taxis, and the Dubai metro, which all operate under strict rules and regulations to ensure passenger protection. Female travelers can feel especially secure as buses and the Dubai metro provide designated compartments for women and children only. These services also employ regular inspections and surveillance systems for continuous monitoring, aiding in maintaining a secure environment.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

The United Arab Emirates, particularly cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are generally safe with low instances of street harassment. It is renowned for its respect towards women and stringent laws in favor of women’s safety. However, just like anywhere else in the world, it is advised to be cautious and avoid isolated areas, especially during the night time. Their culture highly values modesty, therefore, appropriate dressing in public areas is recommended.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

The United Arab Emirates, in general, prides itself on being a relatively secure destination for tourists. Petty crimes like theft or pickpocketing are significantly lower compared to other major cities of the world. However, vigilance is necessary as the risk is not entirely absent. Beware of your belongings and surroundings in large crowds and touristic spots.

Is United Arab Emirates worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 48 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.1/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5
Aleksandra

Aleksandra

Republic of Serbia

Dubai, Couple travel

honestly it's hard to describe this experience. I really enjoyed my holiday but I didn't like Dubai itself. lots of entertainment and things to do but overall a terrible place in terms of how the city is built. the only really convenient way to get around is by car. the prices are high. everything there is made for one category of people, there is no niche. I was supposed to feel safe in Dubai but I didn't. there were no out of the ordinary situations but I felt anxious. the overall impression is: cool, definitely worth visiting once in a lifetime, but no desire to come there often

Posted: June 13, 2025
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Maryam

Maryam

Iraq

Dubai, Family travel

It’s very safe i walked around at all times alone every time . You will not fell afraid for any thing it’s so clean and safe and you ll be able to move around freely at all times which i liked the. Most

Posted: May 21, 2025Experienced: March, 2023
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Elena

Elena

Russia

Abu Dhabi, Group travel

I visited Abu Dhabi last March with my friend 🇦🇪 We stayed in “Traders Hotel” - it’s a 4 stars hotel on first coastline. We visited Yas Island for few times. I really recommend to visit there karting, Ferrari Park and Yas Waterworld. We had a lot of fun there! Also I can recommend Yas Marina Circut - they have only women days for entrance, so it feels more comfortable and safety even at night time. It was very hot there, so I can recommend you keep the walks for the evenings and use a good sunscreen! Don’t use very open clothes, not only for respecting the culture, but also for the protection of sun. Our breakfasts were included in our hotel reservation, so I can’t really recommend any good places. But fast food prices in the mall were definitely higher than in Moscow. We used taxi and public transport for moving in the city. Be ready - you can’t pay for public transport by card or cash, you have to buy a special transport card Hafilat, you can find it in the airport. I was enjoined my time in Abu Dhabi - sunny, clean and safe city. I’d love to come back there!

Posted: May 8, 2025Experienced: February, 2024
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Nastya

Nastya

Russia

Abu Dhabi, Group travel

I was feeling safe during all the trip. You really need to visit Yas Marina Island: waterworld, karting, Yas formula one circuit, Ferrari world. By the way, only women can walk on the track for free. And there are discounts for women at the karting. The local food is not very tasty but there are lots of restaurants where you can eat. About money — I’ve spent about 1200 dollars I was staying at a very nice hotel called Traders Hotel, 4 stars I was traveling with my best female friend and we were talking a taxi or a bus

Posted: May 8, 2025
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Dubai, Solo travel

It was safe, it was nice, the shopping experience is amazing, there are a lot of things to do there. The magic garden, the global village, the Chinese food and burger in Dubai JBR, the metro rides that makes everything closer.

Posted: May 4, 2025
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Dubai, Solo travel

Yes i feel very safe there, people in Dubai are very open-Minded, friendly and nice. I could ask about everything and everyone was so kind for me (as a foreigner in solo trip). Dubai by night was so beautiful and magical.

Posted: April 20, 2025
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Is United Arab Emirates safe for women?

Safety index

4.8 /5

Based on 60 local experiences

Crime index

1.3 /5

Based on 60 local experiences

United Arab Emirates

Super safe! I’m pretty sure it’s all over social media too how one leaves their car running with the engine on and nobody would dare try stealing it or even leaving your bag unattended is not really something to stress about

Posted: June 2, 2025
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Liezel

Liezel

Dubai

Dubai is a city where women can travel at ease. You can go out anytime of the day and night and no one will touch. Staring is normal especially if you are wearing something vulgar however cameras are everywhere and people are abiding the law so there is no need to worry about safety.

Posted: May 31, 2025
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Safety in United Arab Emirates