Dubai is a relatively safe city, with a low crime rate compared to other cities around the world. The city has taken various measures to combat crime, including strict law enforcement policies, strict immigration policies, and advanced surveillance technology.
Here's something to put things into perspective – a 2023 survey by travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip highlights Dubai as the safest city for solo women travellers. A Forbes report says Dubai now ranks No. 1 because, among other factors, it was given the highest scores for safety and walking alone at night.
Is Dubai Safe at Night? Yes, Dubai is safe at night. However, just like in any city, risks are increased after dark. Make sure you stay in lit areas and try to avoid quiet areas by taking taxis.
GENERAL SAFETY IN DUBAI
There's not much dispute that Dubai is quite safe for tourists. Dubai is heavily monitored, so violent crime directed at tourists is rare. Most tourist-directed crime in Dubai is likely to be petty stuff like pickpocketing, scams, or sexual harassment.
There are certain things you can't do in Dubai and PDA is one of them. In Dubai, holding hands, hugging, and kissing in public is considered socially unacceptable and if caught indulging in such acts, you might land up in jail. Many foreigners have already suffered the consequences.
Local families are often shopping at malls across Dubai so you're going to want to dress appropriately. You can wear shorts in Dubai and even skirts, if they are at knee length and not shorter than that.
When visiting Dubai as a tourist, you will be glad to know that the dress code in tourist places and hotels isn't very strict. Men can wear shorts, pants, shirts, or T-shirts. Women can wear dresses, skirts, shorts, and T-shirts, blouses, tops…
Unmarried couples in Dubai
Sexual relationships or unmarried couples cohabiting is illegal in Dubai. Cohabiting, including in hotels, is also illegal, however most hotels in Dubai do not enforce an 'only married couples' rule. The luxury hotels which mostly cater to foreigners are especially relaxed.
Can you drink alcohol in Dubai? If you're 21 or over, expat or holidaymaker, you can legally drink alcohol in Dubai. However, you will need to purchase alcohol from a licensed premises, such as a shop, and enjoyed in the privacy of your own accommodation.
The death penalty can be applied in the United Arab Emirates as a capital punishment for crimes endangering the society's safety. It is rarely carried out, however, as a panel of three judges must agree on the decision of a sentence to death and the death penalty may not be executed until it is confirmed by the U.A.E.
Cardiovascular disease is the principal cause of death in the UAE, constituting 28 percent of total deaths; other major causes are accidents and injuries, malignancies, and congenital anomalies.
Women tourists can wear cotton dresses, shorts, and skirts if they want to as long as they are long enough to cover the knees. T-shirts and tops can be worn by women if they're half-sleeved but tunics and sleeveless are better avoided.
“Holding hands for a married couple is tolerated but kissing and petting are considered an offence to public decency,” it adds. “Public displays of affection, as well as sexual harassment or randomly addressing women in public places, is liable to be punished by imprisonment or deportation.”
Can women drive in Dubai? Women can drive in Dubai and, in fact, the city offers women-only taxis driven by women. Until recently, Saudi Arabia — the UAE's neighbouring country — was the only nation in the world that had placed a ban on women driving.
Following this, unmarried couples may now live in the same accommodation and cohabit without marriage in the UAE. Therefore, you may travel with your girlfriend to Dubai and stay with her in the same hotel room without facing any legal issues pertaining to cohabitation.
Women should dress modestly when in public areas like shopping malls. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible. Swimming attire should be worn only on beaches or at swimming pools. Cross-dressing is illegal.
According to Dubai law, unmarried couples are not allowed to share a hotel room. The law is based on the Sharia law, which is the legal system derived from Islamic teachings. This law applies to both residents and tourists, regardless of their nationality or religion.
Dubai is home to different cultures where most forms of dress are acceptable. You certainly aren't restricted to any one type of clothing! However, it's always advisable and respectful to abide by the local traditions regarding dress codes in the emirate and stick to outfits that cover the knees and shoulders.
Avoid any tees with pictures or slogans that might be considered offensive. Vests and tanks shouldn't be worn in public but are fine for the beach or gym. It's definitely not ok to walk around shirtless in public, and that includes unbuttoning your shirt all the way down to show off your impressive chest hair.
See our advice above though about appropriate settings for wearing a bikini in Dubai. Can I wear shorts in Dubai? Yes, there's a time and a place for your short shorts, and times when you should really wear full trousers or a long skirt. On most occasions, you should dress for the heat, and shorts are acceptable.
Holders of regular (non-diplomatic) Australian passports can enter the UAE without obtaining a visa in advance. Australians may obtain a free multiple-entry Visit Visa of 30 days' validity (with an additional 10-day grace period) on arrival at any UAE international land, air or sea port.
English is the most commonly spoken language in Dubai. With a high number of expats, most of whom speak English as a native or second language, you'll find it easy to make your way around.
Most public places in Dubai will accommodate decent ripped jeans. For example, you can wear them in the desert, old Dubai, public transport, and shopping malls. However, if they are extremely ripped, avoid wearing the jeans in such places. Wear such in hotels, party brunches, beach clubs, and bars.