Is Dubai Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Dubai, is largely safe for solo female travelers. The city is one of the safest in the Middle East due to strict laws that are heavily enforced. Petty crime rates are considerably low and violent crime is rare. However, it's still a good idea to exercise common caution and aware of local customs and laws. It's especially important to respect local dress codes and public behavior regulations to avoid any unnecessary attention or issues.

Safety rating

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How safe is Dubai?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Dubai is recognized as a safe destination for solo female travelers, even at night. It has strict laws and highly effective law enforcement that together discourage crime. Street lighting is excellent and the city is well-monitored with security cameras. However, cultural norms regarding dress and behavior are different than in Western countries. While walking alone at night, it's important to respect these norms, stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense to avoid potential discomfort.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Dubai is renowned as one of the safest cities in the world. Public transportation, including buses, trams, and Dubai Metro, are highly secure with well-maintained infrastructure, CCTV surveillance and very rare instances of crime. Women-only sections in trains are also available, which promotes further safety and comfort. Hence, the journey is generally very safe for solo female travelers whist using public transportation in Dubai.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Dubai, being a popular global city, maintains a good level of safety measures. The local law enforcement is quite strict about public etiquettes and ensuring the safety of all visitors, especially women. Occasional instances of staring or unwanted attention can, however, occur especially in the more traditional areas. Despite these, most areas in Dubai are relatively free from street harassment, particularly in the city centers where the majority of tourists and expatriates stay.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, is considered one of the safest cities in the world. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing or purse-snatching are typically low in comparison to other global cities. However, as with any major city, it's always advised to stay vigilant, mindful of your belongings and avoid less crowded areas especially during late hours. Dubai police are very efficient and responsive which adds to the secure environment.

Is Dubai worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 41 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.1/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5

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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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

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

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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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

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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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

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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Mia

Mia

Germany

Solo travel

For the most part, I felt safe.... There are many activities, depends on budget and personal preference. However in hot summer-months might be somewhat limited, because it gets hot for outdoor activities... Restaurants are mostly clean, the prices are ok to expensive...you can find restaurants, snack bars and fast food chains everywhere..... You can get rid of the budget quickly.... I stayed in Hostel... I used mostly Metro, sometimes Taxi, i walked also a lot...i used Google Maps to find spots

Posted: April 7, 2024Experienced: January, 2024
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Solo travel

I felt safe in Dubai, I could walk at 2am and still feel safe. I stayed there for 2 months apt is expensive if I want a good location. Food is good but I liked the food in sharjah better as it was more authentic. I did a few activities through viator and facebook. So met some cool people.

Posted: March 20, 2024
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Is Dubai safe for women?

Safety index

4.7 /5

Based on 26 local experiences

Crime index

1 /5

Based on 26 local experiences

Very safe! It is one of the only places in the world where you can walk alone at night without overthinking. I'd, however, recommend being a bit careful staying in the non-main areas of Dubai like Nahda, Deira, etc, where catcalling could be a little bit of an issue.

Posted: January 16, 2025
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Dubai is very safe, and walking around at 3 am poses no problem even if you’re alone. In certain areas you can even leave your valuable belongings unattended and you’d come back to find them untouched. There are specific areas (industrial areas generally) that can make you feel a bit comfortable walking around them at night, mainly due to the sheer number of men walking around, but none would actually dare to cross your path, it’s just the general discomfort we normally experience around a large number of men in one place. I’d say Dubai and UAE in general is by far the safest place I’ve been to.

Posted: December 30, 2024
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Meet locals in Dubai

Rashmi

Rashmi

About Me

Happy go lucky soul who loves to explore and enjoy life as it comes! I love to eat to my heart's content - no compromise on that 😋 Dancing is my preferred choice of workout. Cows have a special place in my heart ♥️

Speaking

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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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Stay with locals in Dubai

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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Laura

Laura

Dubai

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi everyone, my name is Laura , I am working in Dubai, if you come here I can give you advice about staying here and I can meet you on my day off ( Sunday ) to go and visit some places. My native language is Spanish if you want I can teach that to you. In exchange I am looking for accommodation in Europe for a few days on august. I would like to travel to Europe and get accommodation. I don't like parties , I like to explore nature, landscapes, go to the beach, and ride by cycle. I'll be happy to show you some nice places here.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Dubai

Gabrielle

Gabrielle

About Me

I’m an east London gal who loves to cycle and run as a way of exploring my own city and other places when I travel, which I also love doing!

Speaking

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Elisa

Elisa

About Me

Hey girls! I am a 28 yo Italian, currently living in Athens, Greece. A big passion for traveling, aiming at 30 countries before 30... 4 still to go! Big cat lover (I got two), always available to talk about pets 😺🐶

Speaking

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Safety in United Arab Emirates