A Simple Guide to Solo Female Travel in Dubai – From A Local

Guest Post by: Neha Singh from DubaiWikia

Travelling to Dubai is on everyone’s bucket list. This land of superlatives attracts all including all kinds of travellers, including men and women who want to travel solo. But if you’re still sceptical about solo female travel in Dubai, just read on for more information; I’m sure that it will convince you to pack your bags even before this post ends.

. . .

When To Visit Dubai?

Visit here any part of the year; one thing is sure that there will be something to keep your hands full.  But knowing when to visit will be an added bonus. Winter months (November to March) are considered the peak time as the weather is cool and pleasant. Moreover, the city becomes a galore of fascinating events and attractions with Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), Glow Garden Dubai, Dubai Miracle Garden, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, and Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, among many others.

If you find winter months too touristy or crowded, travel to the city during the summer months from April to September. Dubai is almost empty during this period, especially in July and August, with less influx of tourists and most expats flying back to their home countries. As opposed to the winter months, the best thing is that it promises you guaranteed unbelievable savings. Alternatively, you can skip the summer trip to Dubai if you are more inclined to outdoor activities or can’t bear harsh desert heat.

. . .

What To Wear In Dubai?

This is probably one of the most important things to consider for your solo trip to Dubai. This city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may be uber-stylish, studded with the most awe-inspiring contemporary sights and amusement options, with endless shopping choices but, it’s also one of the world’s few cities which still beautifully preserve its age-old customs, culture, and traditions all embedded in the strong Islamic beliefs and values.

So make sure that you pack modest dresses which shouldn’t necessarily be the region’s traditional attire. It’s ideal to opt for dresses that are non-revealing and properly covers your arm, shoulder and knees. It’s particularly vital when you’re in a public place (like shopping malls, cinemas etc) or while visiting a religious landmark. This not only allows you to avoid unnecessary stares but also lets you easily blend in with the crowd.

Apart from these simple guidelines, you should also pick your dresses as per the region’s weather conditions. Use layered clothing in the winter months and be sure to carry staples like a lightweight jacket and a shawl for your visit to Dubai. The sun is strong year-round, so your packing must-haves should include sunscreen cream/lotion, sunglasses, hats etc. Also, don’t forget to carry any medicines that you take on a regular basis.

. . .

Ideas For Hassle-Free & Budget Solo Female Travel

Dubai is certainly not a cheap destination, but a bit of planning and minor tweaks in your budget will help you to save. So if you’re looking to cut down on your expenses, just keep a check on our following suggestions. This would definitely help you stretch your wallet and explore the city for longer.

• Plan your Dubai holiday in advance, if possible at least 4-5 months before.
• Research extensively for the best deals to confirm your accommodation, air tickets, and transfers.
• Look out for all discount promotions, coupon deals etc to secure your favorite Dubai tours or activities booking at unbelievable rates.
• If you’re not entitled to any visa exemptions, be sure to approach an experienced visa service provider who will help you to select the right Dubai visa and get it approved right in time for your Dubai travel.
• There are budget dining options including excellent street food. But if you fancy dining in a posh venue, make the most of their happy hour deals which let you dine for half the rate.

. . .

Top Safety Tips for Solo Female Travel

Dubai is a crime-free city and places utmost importance on the safety of locals, expats and tourists alike. Be it malls, beaches, hotels, or museums, there will be security teams to both guide and guard you wherever you go. That said, it’s always advisable to take into note the following safety precautions to avoid any potentially dangerous moments.

⚡ Most of these tips are about practising good judgment and staying safe –  whether you are a solo woman traveller or not!  

• Once the darkness takes over, Dubai is flooded with light. But when you’re travelling alone, it is best to choose a flight time that lands in the city during the daytime. This gives you the chance to discover the city first and feel more comfortable with your surroundings.
• For discovering the city, consider a shared Dubai city tour through a reputable travel company. This allows you to travel in the company of like-minded people and even make some long-lasting friendships.
• If you prefer to explore Dubai on your own, avoid wandering to less-known or remote destinations. Places, where tourists go, are always safer.
• Carry just enough money for your day and use your card wherever possible. This is one of the best ways to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
• When you visit a restaurant, bar or nightclub, don’t leave your food or drinks unattended.
• Choose a centrally located Dubai accommodation with easy access to transport means such as Metro, buses, taxis etc.
• Acquaint yourself with the region’s local laws and customs. For instance, smoking and drinking in public is a serious offence that may result in a penalty. Moreover, don’t eat or drink in public during Ramadan.
• Also, it’s wise to stay in a room on ground / lower levels. This lets you avoid taking longer elevator rides alone, especially in the nighttime.

Most of all, have the following numbers and apps on your device.

📞 Important Numbers 📞

• Ambulance: 998
• Police: 999
• Water complaints: 922
• Important Apps
• Dubai Metro
•  RTT
• Careem
• The Dubai Mall

. . .

Dubai Solo Travel & Covid-19 Guidelines

Dubai is one of the world’s first places that was declared safe amidst the pandemic situation. So if you’re planning to visit Dubai in the near future, you can be certain that this city has taken all proper measures to contain coronavirus and its aggressive spread.

Make sure that you abide by all safety measures and guidelines as set by the UAE government.

• Install DXB app and include all your pertinent details in it.
• Bring your health insurance that covers COVID-19 expenses.
• Fill out and sign the health declaration form just to confirm that you’ll take care of all expenses in the event you’re tested positive for COVID-19.
• Get your PCR test done within 96 hours of your Dubai travel.
• Submit your test report once you arrive at Dubai International Airport.
• In the absence of a PCR test, you can undergo the test in the airport itself.
• Self-isolate until your test result is cleared.
• If your test result comes back negative and you don’t have any symptoms, you can go outside and explore Dubai.
• Make sure that you comply with all COVID-19 preventive measures such as wearing masks at all times while in public, regular sanitization of hands, following strict social distancing norms etc.

. . .

Best Things to See And Do In Dubai – Attractions And Experiences That Are Worth Taking Solo

1. Burj Khalifa: No intro is needed for Burj Khalifa! It’s one of the world’s most recognized landmarks. Standing tall at an altitude of 828 meters, it was opened in 2009 and continues to be the world’s tallest building. It’s located in one of the city’s most posh neighbourhoods in Downtown Dubai and is worth a trip for its ‘At the Top’ observation decks plus enlightening multimedia presentation and the quickest of its kind elevator ride.

• The Dubai Mall: Adjacent to Burj Khalifa, this massive mall is one of the world’s biggest. People of all age groups flock here in droves not only for its over 1200 outlets but also for its fantastic amusement and edutainment attractions. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, KidZania, VR Park, DubaiDino, and Dubai Ice Rink are just a few of the options.

• Dubai Fountain: A trip to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall is not finished without watching this stunning spectacle of water set to Arabic or international music.  Found on Burj Lake, this is one of Dubai’s most visited free attractions.

• Desert Safari: The unspoiled desert landscape surrounding the city stands as an ode to its towering and dazzling skyscrapers. And the endless seas of desert sands should be experienced on a desert safari with an exhilarating 4X4 ride, camel ride, and cultural activities like henna tattooing, Shisha smoking, BBQ dining etc. Dubai desert safari is an absolutely safe activity when you take it through an experienced desert safari company.

• Ski Dubai: This is one attraction that adds to Dubai’s status as the city of unimaginable experiences. Located inside the Mall of the Emirates, this place gives you the chance to have some “freezing winter fun” even when the mercury is at its peak.  So forget about the season of your Dubai visit; just come and try all your favourite snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and more.

• Dhow Cruise: Don’t miss this! It offers a marvellous sightseeing experience from the water plus excellent dining and entertainment show on board. But make sure that you rely on a reliable dhow cruise provider for this specific activity along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina.

• Dubai Parks and Resorts: If you’re a theme park lover, this is one of the top attractions. The first of its integrated resort has a plethora of accommodation and dining options plus four theme parks such as Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai, and LEGOLAND Water Park.

• Burj Al Arab: This is one of the world’s most luxurious hotels and is easily identifiable by its majestic sail-shaped structure. A selfie with the Burj Al Arab is included in most city tours but you can take this to next level by reserving a table at one of its dining venues.

• Souks: These are authentic traditional Arabian markets that make a great treat for those who love bargain shopping. The most visited among them is the Gold Souk.

1. Al Bastakiya Quarter: Also called Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, this 19^th ethnic quarter has been reinstated to its ancient glory and is sure to blow your mind with its old-world vibe and timeless structures topped by wooden wind towers or traditional air coolers.

. . .

Summing up

You now have all the information you need for your solo travel in Dubai. I hope you make the most of this guide and have an amazing solo trip to Dubai.

You can read more of Neha’s tips and suggestions for solo travel to Dubai on her website DubaiWikia

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]