When it comes to being a woman, her safety and complete wellbeing are questionable factors and are topics of major concern globally. A woman is entitled to equality, education, healthcare and nutrition, fair wages, right to vote, own property, live without fear and violence, not be physically harmed or be mentally hampered, marry at the age she wishes to and have children at her will, make her independent choices, most importantly have her own voice, live life on her own terms and be well protected by the law and the system of a country she belongs to or wherever she would like to migrate and settle happily and thrive personally and professionally, including living in Dubai. A woman deserves all of this and much more. The narrative is changing gradually; however, mankind has a lot to work on and achieve with regards to empowering women in the true sense.
Dubai is Welcoming
Dubai as a city, is modern in its approach and is cordial and affable to women as compared to a general misconception that women in the UAE or the Middle East are oppressed and it is not worthy of living or shifting to Dubai. Living in any place has its share of pros and cons but it is not so challenging as it seems to be. It is certainly not as free and ultra-modern as it would probably be in the West, but Dubai is relatively liberal and overall worthy for a woman to consider moving here or even for a local to juggle a successful career and a content personal life in this technologically advanced and luxurious Emirate. The crime rate in Dubai is much lower. Dubai homes are safe in major areas and there are friendly and diverse nationalities present including the expat communities. Homes for sale in Dubai or homes for rent in Dubai for women are a growing reality.
Dubai gaining Popularity
Women hold powerful positions in business and at the ministry in Dubai. Harassment at the workplace is very rare. Discrimination of any sort is subject to investigation and action is taken. Emirati women have the right to inherit property as men. The UAE aims to be amongst the top 25 countries to instill gender equality. They are undertaking several initiatives to implement the same. Apart from the women who live here, alone or with families, Dubai also sees a large number of women tourists every year who enjoy this shopping destination and plenty of its entertainment attractions. Women just need to be mindful to be adhering to the culture and norms, respect the traditions and not violate any rules laid down and the rest of life is favourable in Dubai.
Dubai is Liberal yet Modest
Unlike many Islamic nations, it is not mandatory for a woman to wear a burqa, headscarf, or a veil in Dubai. They may wear it as per their choice. However, women are expected to dress modestly. They can add some fashion for sure whether its western or traditional attire but excessive skin show is not accepted. Tourists tend to wear revealing outfits, Emiratis are polite towards them but it is disrespectful to dress in the way that they do not approve of. The upper torso must be decently covered and dresses must ideally be knee length or longer. Cross dressing is not permitted. Swimwear and club wear is allowed only in private or special enclosed gatherings but in public the skimpy wear is objectionable. Nudity is prohibited.
Freedom of Movement with Vigilance
Women are allowed to drive a car in Dubai. Travelling in local taxis is safe. There are women taxi drivers in this Emirate. They drive the famous ‘Pink Taxis’ in Dubai. If a man is driving a taxi and it’s a solo female passenger, she is expected to be seated in the rear seat of the vehicle and not next to the driver. On other public transport, women are advised to mostly sit in the women’s section towards the front. If a woman is being followed by a car, she could immediately capture its number plate if it is possible and report the stalker.
Unchangeable Drawbacks
This is the only area where Dubai would be considered rather regressive or extremely traditional in their thought process and the rules they impose as compared to many western nations. Unmarried couples cannot stay together. Premarital sex and sex out of a marriage is taboo. Women are expected to be virgins when they get married and the family’s reputation could be at stake if someone is not found to be one. Homosexuality is illegal. Same sex relationships are prohibited. LGBTQ community faces issues. There could be a progressive reform years later but the need of the hour is to respect the religion and culture.
Perks and More Guidelines for Women in Dubai
There are women-only days in Dubai at many venues, movie theatres and amusement parks and there are ladies’ days and ladies’ nights throughout the week at various clubs and restaurants. Ladies only salons and spas exist too along with the unisex ones. Some other things to note would be that women’s consent must be taken for clicking their pictures in public. Women must avoid asking men for directions. If the woman is alone, she should try asking another woman if one is around and avoid direct eye contact with men as much as possible and not walk alone in secluded areas. When a woman wishes to dine alone, she is expected to be seated in the family section of a restaurant. She could reside alone in a hotel room and it is advised for her to check the scale of the property as well as the surrounding and book the hotel room accordingly. Any untoward incident can be taken up to the police for help. In general, women must not attract any unwanted attention and must appear confident at all times.
