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United Arab Emirates

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.

4.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

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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: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: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: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.

Tap water:Safe

Although tap water in the United Arab Emirates is technically safe to drink, many locals and expats prefer to consume bottled water or filtered water. The reason behind this is not because of a lack of clean water, but due to the desalination process through which tap water is produced, which can give it an unappealing taste. However, it is safe for cooking and brushing teeth. But if you have a sensitive stomach or are unsure, it's safe to stick to bottled water.

Amani

Egypt

Solo travel experience

This trip was my first one out of Egypt as solo traveler. I dis enjoy my time there and got to know new people. As I like nature, I did a hiking trip which was amazing. UAE is very very safe. Make sure to visit Khorfakan, and the global village. If you like walking, you would enjoy your time there.

Posted: November 7, 2023

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Natalia

UAE is one one of the safest places in the world, cameras everywhere, you can leave all your belongings and phone on the table if you need to go to restroom. No one will even try to take it. If you forget anything in taxi, they will return it to you quickly.

Posted: March 8, 2024

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Before your visit to United Arab Emirates, it's essential to check travel advisories for United Arab Emirates, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution in the United Arab Emirates due to threats of missile or drone attacks and terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: July 13, 2023

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Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in the United Arab Emirates because of the terrorism threat. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: April 19, 2024

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Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises to exercise a high degree of caution in the UAE due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: April 23, 2024

Solo travel experience

Lots to do, beautiful beaches, very modern. I have been to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, both cities are used to tourists and expatriates, so when it comes to clothing, there is no need to cover up excessively, unless you feel more comfortable that way. In smaller surrounding areas, I covered my shoulders and didn't wear anything that reached above the knee, just out of respect. If you go to the Grand Mosque (which I would recommend, it's beautiful), they require you to cover up, and you will get something like a hood or cape to wear inside. But on the beaches, bikinis are perfectly acceptable.

Posted: September 7, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet local women in United Arab Emirates who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Sarah

About Me

Hi everyone I’m a French teacher & mother based in Dubai. I love travels 🫶🏼 And I can travel alone times to times Don’t hesitate to contact me

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Anita

About Me

Hi My name is Anita. I am Indian living in Dubai for over 30 years. I work for an events company and love travelling I would to make friends feom around the world and explore new cultures, cuisines, places and basically live my life to thr fullest. Hoping to meet like minded people. Thanks

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Stay with local women in United Arab Emirates who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Nawar

Dubai

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Hi! Excited to start my journey with Travel Ladies :) more to come

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Kumbi

Dubai

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey everyone!! My traveling story started early in life, thanks to my dad’s job we were always on the move and traveling around. I didn’t know it and the time but this sparked something in me and since then I’ve always felt restless staying in one place for too long when there is so much of the world to see! So straight after Uni, I moved to Zanzibar and stayed there for 2 years, then after moved to Dubai where I’ve been for a year and a half now. Any opportunity that allows me to travel, I’m going to take it, but I always used to rely on people and got let down so many times before. I recently gathered the courage to take the globe on my own, hoping this app helps me.