Dubai is being hailed as a safe haven for women.
Women from Australia, India, Pakistan and other nations say living in the emirate has turned fear into confidence and peace of mind.
Expat women share their experiences
Jennah‑Louise, a 37‑year‑old Australian who has called Dubai home for almost three years, says the city’s safety standards far exceed those she encountered elsewhere. She has travelled solo to roughly 50 countries and recalls an attempted kidnapping and an attempted drugging incident that shaped her view of what safety is not.
“In having travelled to approximately 50 countries solo, I am well experienced and understand the foundation of what safety is not – having had an attempted kidnapping and attempted drugging experience – and what safety is, and feels like.”
— Jennah‑Louise, expatriate resident
She adds that she rises before dawn, even when it is still dark, to train, feeling a deep sense of freedom whether she is jogging through Dubai’s streets or on the slopes of Jebel Jais. In other countries she says she would not feel safe to do the same.
Deepti Khanna and Ekta Alreja are two other women featured in the story. Both describe the joy and comfort of living in an environment where they no longer have to ask each other if they arrived home safely after an evening out.
A March 2024 study published in the US‑based journal Violence and Gender tracked the visual attention of 571 college students across four American campuses. The heat‑map results showed men mainly focused on the path ahead, while women consistently scanned surrounding bushes, shadows and dark corners, highlighting a higher baseline vigilance.
Research published in April 2023 in the UK‑based journal BioMed Central Women’s Health linked that constant environmental scanning to physical and mental strain, including headaches, muscle tension, insomnia, anxiety and depression. Women living in Dubai say the city allows them to switch off that background noise.
The United Arab Emirates consistently ranks among the safest countries worldwide for women and solo female travellers. The 2021 Georgetown University Women, Peace and Security Index placed the UAE first for community safety, reinforcing the perception shared by expatriate women.
These personal testimonies and academic findings together illustrate why Dubai’s reputation for safety matters: it enables women to pursue daily activities, training routines and social outings without the heightened fear that many experience elsewhere.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Dubai safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Dubai is considered a safe haven for solo female travelers, with the UAE consistently ranking among the safest countries worldwide and expat women praising its low crime rate and high safety standards.
Why do women feel safer in Dubai?
Women in Dubai report feeling safer because the city’s low crime rate and strong safety standards let them enjoy personal freedom, such as jogging at dawn or socialising without fear.
What makes Dubai stand out in terms of safety?
Dubai stands out due to exceptional safety standards reflected in top global rankings, including the 2021 Georgetown University Women, Peace and Security Index that placed the UAE first for community safety.
How does Dubai compare to other countries in terms of safety?
Dubai consistently ranks among the safest nations worldwide, surpassing many countries in safety indices and offering a secure environment that expat women contrast with experiences elsewhere.
What do women like about living in Dubai?
Women appreciate Dubai’s safe environment, which provides personal freedom, confidence for daily activities, and the ability to train or socialize without worrying about personal safety.
