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 /5

based on 39 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5

Dubai, Family travel

Dubai is hands down the safest city I've ever visited! (For us Ladies at least) If you're looking for a place to unwind, have a good time, and indulge in some luxury, Dubai is definitely the spot.I had the pleasure of visiting Dubai for the first time in June 2024, and I been there 3 times since then because I just can't get enough of this incredible city. I can't recommend it enough!

Posted: February 5, 2025
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Dubai, Couple travel

It was excellent. I recommend to book a safari. There are a lot of cheap ones with everything included. Recommend visiting Burj Khalifa of course and Dubai Mall. Also the aquarium in the mall is amazing. The amazing infinity pool at Aura. Beef bar has excellent food to order but also this Korean restaurant right next to the fountains is top.

Posted: January 26, 2025
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Mariana

Mariana

Romania

United Arab Emirates, Solo travel

I felt extremely safe, even when I was wearing a more modern dress. Out of respect for the culture, I did try to dress more conservatively but did not encounter any weird looks, cat calling or open flirting from locals. I would recommend in Dubai to stay in Downtown as you can easily reach all the touristic attractions. Marina is also very nice, you are close to the Palm. Use the subway, the traffic is insane and can add up in terms of costs.

Posted: October 27, 2024
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Dubai, Solo travel

It wasn't good for me; it was too hot and not safe. But the food was good. The hotel was scary, and I couldn't go out because of the hot weather. I went to the cinema and watched "The Dancing River." I did a lot of shopping. I went there with my friend.

Posted: August 8, 2024Experienced: July, 2019
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REGINA

REGINA

Taiwan

Dubai, Solo travel

In 2023 was my first solo trip to Dubai, I didn’t really fully enjoy. I figured it’s probably because I didn’t make friends. I felt so lonely. So I thought I should give it a try again this year. And I’m hoping to make friends

Posted: July 21, 2024
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Nsam

Nsam

Cameroon

Dubai, Solo travel

Dubai is an awesome place for any kind of vacation. And I enjoyed my stay there. It was amazing and the people I met were very friendly. I felt very safe throughout my entire stay I used the train and thier Uber for transportation The food wasn’t any much different as I stuck to KFC mostly

Posted: July 6, 2024
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Dubai, Solo travel

Dubai is an amazing place to visit if you have money to splurge. Best time to visit This place is September to February. This city is all about creativity uniqueness and aesthetics. Your gallery can be full with pictures of these monuments and Backdrops.

Posted: June 8, 2024
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Nilab

Nilab

Netherlands

Dubai, Solo travel

It was very safe, not very cultural. Good for a city trip and for going out. If you like to do cultural things I would not spend a lot days here. It’s good for like a long weekend trip. For a woman on your own a bit boring maybe:

Posted: June 6, 2024
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Dubai, Group travel

It was such an awesome stay. I made so many friends from different Nationalities. Had a chance to visit Buj Khalifa , the tallest building. Was introduced to Property Management. And this is my future goal.

Posted: May 10, 2024
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Tabitha

Tabitha

Kenya

Dubai, Solo travel

Dubai is a very beautiful place, 100% safe you can walk on the streets even at 2am. The food is so so good, with a-lot of cuisine choose from;I was actually spoilt for choice. Being a cosmopolitan city, you can enjoy a diverse range of cultures, languages, and food. The beaches are clean and very safe, with a good breeze and nice waves. The public transport is great, the bus and metro very functional and operate until midnight. Taxis are also available, but if you would like to save a few coins, hop onto the metro! For ladies, there is free alcohol for ladies on ladies nights..just check up the clubs offering free drinks for ladies! I had a blast with lots of free wine! However, during the winter months, November, December, January and February, it can get cold, especially at night.

Posted: April 23, 2024
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Is United Arab Emirates safe for women?

Safety index

4.8 /5

Based on 45 local experiences

Crime index

1.1 /5

Based on 45 local experiences

Abu Dhabi

Really safe actually. Cameras are there almost everywhere in public and there's always police around to check on streets and local buses if people are following the rules. If you avoid certain seculuded places you will be totally fine alone. I'm not a local but I've lived in this city my entire life.

Posted: February 1, 2025
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Jessie

Jessie

Dubai

Dubai is totally safe and a lot of helpful people around. Public transportation can get cramped but is still very safe. You can always ask a stranger for directions and will definitely help you out. Expats are every where and for sure you’ll get someone who can soeak your language.

Posted: January 31, 2025
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Meet locals in United Arab Emirates

Nawar

Nawar

About Me

Salam! I have been to amazing places in this world, met wonderful people, and made international friends, so I'm always looking for the next amazing thing. I'm based in Dubai, let's chat if you're visiting :)

Speaking

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Marhaba

Marhaba

About Me

Hey! My name is Marhaba, I am an educator and a mum to two lovely cats.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in United Arab Emirates

Nawar

Nawar

Dubai

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Salam! I have been to amazing places in this world, met wonderful people, and made international friends, so I'm always looking for the next amazing thing. I'm based in Dubai, let's chat if you're visiting :)

Speaking

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Camélia

Camélia

Dubai

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My name is Camélia, I am French/Tunisian, I have visited many countries and I find this app cool. looking forward to host or visit amazing people who like to explore and visit new places.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to United Arab Emirates

Hafi

Hafi

About Me

Hi, I travel a lot solo and I would love to meet other people while traveling.

Speaking

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Safety in United Arab Emirates