Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Dubai has low crime and visible security everywhere, which makes it feel safe. The infrastructure is modern and there are some women-focused features - pink taxis with female drivers, women-only metro cars, some hotels with female floors.
• Most people speak English in tourist areas and malls, less so in older neighborhoods like Deira. You can see the city's two faces easily: traditional souks in the morning, modern rooftop bars at night.
• Dress codes matter - cover shoulders and knees in malls and public areas, but beach clubs and hotel pools are fine for swimwear. Summer (June-September) is brutal with temperatures over 40°C, so you'll mostly be indoors or out after dark.
• The women-only metro cars are enforced with fines. Streets stay lit and busy late into the night in tourist areas. Old Dubai gets quiet after dark and attracts more attention as a solo woman, so it's better for daytime visits.

Arabic is official but English is everywhere in Dubai. Tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, malls, and transport all have English-speaking staff. Signs are bilingual. Emergency services (999) and Tourist Police (+971-4-609-6239) have English operators 24/7.

• Cover shoulders and knees in malls, restaurants, and traditional areas. Tank tops and shorts will get you stares and sometimes comments outside of beach clubs and pools. During Ramadan, dress more conservatively and don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight.
• Public displays of affection are illegal - you can get fined or arrested. Even holding hands might get you disapproving looks. Eating alone or exploring solo is normal and fine.
• You can only drink alcohol in licensed hotels, restaurants, and specific areas like the C2 district at City Walk. Don't drink on the street or in public. Being visibly drunk in public can get you arrested.
• Friday is the main prayer day. Some businesses close or have shorter hours, especially in the morning. Government offices do Friday-Saturday weekends, though many private companies now work Sunday-Thursday.
• English is common in tourist areas, hotels, and upscale places. You'll get by fine without Arabic, but 'shukran' (thank you) and 'marhaba' (hello) are easy to learn.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police Emergency: 999. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The metro is efficient and has women-only cars at the front and back of each train (marked with pink signs). It connects major tourist spots - Dubai Mall, Marina, the airport. Runs 5am to midnight on weekdays, until 1am Thursday and Friday.
• Pink taxis have female drivers and you can book them through the RTA Dubai Taxi app. Regular taxis work fine too - they're all metered and regulated. Uber and Careem (local version) both operate here.
• In winter you can walk comfortably along the Marina Walk, JBR Walk, and City Walk areas which have sidewalks and pedestrian zones. Summer makes walking outdoors miserable during the day. The city is spread out, so you'll need transport to get between different areas.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Dubai with local guides and curated experiences.