How is Dubai for women travelers?

by Susan
(Punta Gorda, FLorida)

A friend just asked me if I would like to accompany her on a trip to Dubai. Altho I've traveled quite a bit, this was never on my bucket list and I'm wondering if it's a good choice for this year's travel budget.

My concerns about Dubai are:
- Is it safe or culturally restrictive for single American women?
- Is it outrageously expensive or can one have a good time on moderate funds?
- Is it a worthwhile choice or just another kind of tourist trap?

I would welcome any input before I make a decision.

Answer: Dubai is an excellent choice if you're curious about the Gulf States but not ready for a strict Muslim society. Of course Dubai is Muslim but it has huge diversity and you'll find people from all corners of the world because of the great employment opportunities and tax breaks.

In other words - you won't find it culturally restrictive at all. Just dress moderately or even better, appropriately. There's nothing wrong with a bikini on the beach but a sleeveless top and a visible belly-button in a market or traditional area would be seriously frowned - although it's likely nothing would happen to you. There is no religious police chasing you here.

I'm not sure about when you're going but beware the 'summer' months - you'll be hot, hot, hot. And the humidity is also quite daunting, although since you're from Florida you'll be more acclimated than others might be.

When it comes to safe travel for women in Dubai - don't give it another thought. Dubai is probably one of the safest cities in the world. You can walk around at night on your own and the biggest danger you may face is being propositioned by men. True, there are quite a few Western sex workers around and if you're on your own, dawdling and wearing revealing clothes, there's every chance you'll be approached. But violence and major crime? Hardly.

Dubai is expensive, no question. But it doesn't have to be exhorbitant. The more 'touristy' you are, the higher the price. If you want to eat at world class restaurants, you'll pay the price. There are plenty of excellent Arab eateries at reasonable prices, and I'd opt for those - excellent shawarma skewers! In fact you'll even find reasonably-priced hotels.

Taxis are cheap and the metro is new so if you don't rent a car you'll be able to get around easily. Where you'll really get stung is alcohol, if you happen to drink. Few places have liquor licences and those that do are generally attached to hotels and resorts of the more expensive kind, so beware - a cheap meal could turn into an extravaganza if you're not careful.

As for being worth it, I have yet to visit a place that isn't. If you're looking for an Arabian Nights setting, you probably won't find it in Dubai. There are some older sections but this isn't the heartland of the Middle Eastern culture. That said, the glitz is in itself a tourist attraction - I mean, the Burj Khalifa is a landmark famous around the world, and may still be the world's tallest structure. If you're seeking some culture, there's always the Dubai Museum (definitely worth the visit) and the Jumeirah Mosque, where non-Muslims can go to admire the architecture.

One major pastime in Dubai is shopping, and you can spend (or waste) a lot of time going from mall to mall. The one shopping experience I would recommend is the Gold Souk, along with the Spice Souk nearby (more for the atmosphere than the spices though).

Just a word of warning: Dubai is safe and may seem westernized, but that's a veneer. So no public affection, no drinking publicly, and no drugs. This is where the western veneer would peel off quickly.

Other than that - enjoy Dubai! It'll be an unusual travel experience and one you may not get a chance to repeat.

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