Solo Travelling Tips for Females in Dubai

Traveling solo lets you push your boundaries as it drives you out of your comfort zone. Like interacting with people you normally would not have bothered to connect with, free to wander at your command and your pace, and the best part is that you do not need to comprise your bucket list offerings to suit the group's demands. Traveling solo as a woman has been a strange concept, but it is not taboo today. The challenges of solo traveling, especially for females, nevertheless still exist. However, there is a quotient of excitement and thrill that will definitely overcome it. Let's take you through some solo traveling tips for females in Dubai for the best holiday experience. 

Solo Travelling Tips for Females in Dubai

Solo Travelling Tips for Females in Dubai

Download the useful mobile applications

As you are in the modern age, many applications provide essential services that will help ease your holiday experience without any hassles and confusion. For example, the RTA App has an inbuilt journey planner that helps you plan your journey across public modes like taxis, marine transport, metro, and buses. Other key applications you can use are our Dubai Metro which will help you navigate better on red and yellow lines, The Dubai Mall App, Careem, you're on the go cab buddy, and IMO/ BOTIM for Wi-Fi video/audio calls. You could book some exclusive experiences like View at the Palm on mobile apps that provide local tours & experiences.

Solo Travelling Tips for Females in Dubai

Using public transport is safe

You may have concerns about traveling using public modes of transport like buses, taxis, and metros. It is safe to travel using public transport, irrespective of the day. Using metros is a very cost-effective & quick solution for solo travellers. For instance, you could visit Dubai Dolphinarium by taking a metro on the Green Line to Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station and 5-minute taxi ride for the remaining distance. Dress conventionally if you are traveling late as you may feel a bit insecure as there are not many people who travel late using public transport.

Use the free Wi-Fi

Major attractions and places in Dubai offer free Wi-Fi services for their guests and tourists. Use the free Wi-Fi rather than consuming your limited mobile data on your local SIM. You can check Google Maps, drop in a quick message, or browse the internet to search for something. Internet calls, with a few exceptions, do not work here. All video apps like Whatsapp, Hangout, Google Duo, FB Messenger, facetime, and WeChat are blocked. 

Know the traffic rules

Dubai is super strict with its traffic rules, irrespective of whether you are driving or pedestrian crossing. As a result, you may have a habit of crossing busy roads when the cars are running, irrespective of the traffic signal. However, if you are found not obeying traffic rules, you may commit a punishable offense in Dubai. 

Solo Travelling Tips for Females in Dubai

Understand the local laws

No matter which destination you are in, understanding and following the laws and regulations is a must, with Dubai being no exception. UAE is governed by sharia law that you may not be familiar with and won't want to be testing the waters in any case. Using foul language, public kissing, clicking someone's picture without permission, public displays of affection, homosexuality, and drinking alcohol in public is a serious offense even though Dubai is the most liberal among all Emirates. 

Be connected, Use a local SIM card

While you travel solo as a female, safety should be kept with paramount importance over money. So using a local SIM card is always recommended in Dubai. It will cost you only around AED 50-80. So keep a budget handy for purchasing a local SIM card during travel. 

Solo Travelling Tips for Females in Dubai

​Avoid being overfriendly

You may meet new people during your solo travel in Dubai and form new friendships. Immersing themselves completely into the local culture is how travelers can best experience a destination's true nature and traditions. However, being overfriendly can often be misinterpreted or misrepresented.

​Avoid drinking in public

Dubai has strict laws defined for alcohol and spirit consumption. They are not banned, but you can purchase them only at duty-free shops while entering the country. Some Emirates have strict rules forbidding the possession of liquor as well. All Dubai residents & tourists need licenses to purchase alcohol from liquor stores, which can be availed against tourist passport. You can purchase drinks at hotels, clubs, bars, lounges, and restaurants, but the cost would be sky-high. In addition, being drunk in public is considered a serious offense, such as drinking and driving.

​Beware of your surroundings

Many people will look away if you try to return the stare proving it is harmless in any form. But trust your instincts, and maintain caution, balance, and composure while being aware of your surroundings

Solo Travelling Tips for Females in Dubai

Don't be surprised at being stared at

The crime rates in Dubai are almost negligible, with violent crimes and theft on the lower side. The Emirate takes its laws very seriously. People may not harass you in any form, but solo travel as a female is a new concept that will bring in many stares. This new concept is yet to be accepted widely in the region. The stare is more out of curiosity and intrigued by how different you look. Keep the emergency numbers handy to make a fast and smart move in case of trouble.

Solo Travelling Tips for Females in Dubai

Dressing guidelines

Islamic traditions define modest dressing for men & women, and you may end up offending the sentiments of people by not dressing modestly. While entering religious places like the mosque, your arms and legs need be covered. While western wear like shorts, short skirts, singlet tops, and spaghetti string dresses or shirts are widely accepted in Dubai for tourists, make sure you wear swimwear only on the beach. 
When traveling to offbeat experiences like the Dubai Desert Safari, you could dress light and focus more on wearing breathable rather than modern stuff. So loose palazzo pants, scarves, and flowy kimonos would be a thumbs-up for Dubai.

Make full use of the unique perspective

You can easily interact and mingle with local women or ask for any kind of assistance if required, unlike solo men travelers. Count it as a key benefit applicable only to solo female travelers in Dubai. The UAE is a great place to travel, and using the benefits can help you overcome certain challenges that are coming your way.

Keep a record of the emergency contact numbers with you always

While you can be assured of zero crimes and violence in Dubai, keeping emergency contact numbers handy while traveling is always better. Wherever you go, irrespective of whether they are fun experiences like the Motiongate or extreme experiences like the IMG Worlds of adventure rides, some must-haves are:

• The ambulance and Al Ameen – 800 4888 (ext. 4444)
• Air rescue – 999
• Emergency services – 04 223 2323
• Fire department – 997
• Hotel or place of accommodation contact details
• Police – 999
• ​Tourist security – 800 4888

P.S. This article is contributed by Savita Pillay. She is an educationist turned writer from Pune, India. She is an avid reader, who loves to travel and experiment with various cuisines while on the go.