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Female Travellers |
In general, Dubai is one of the best locations in the Middle East for women travellers. Checking into hotels is not usually a problem, though unaccompanied women might want to think twice about taking a room in some of the budget hotels in Deira and Bur Dubai where prostitutes often rent rooms.
Although things might be better in Dubai than in other parts of the Gulf, it does not mean that some of the problems that accompany travel in the Middle East will not arise here as well, such as unwanted male attention and long, lewd stares. Men in passing cars may beep at you, but usually these are taxi drivers touting for business. Don't be intimidated; it helps to retain a sense of humour.
Dubai is a very liberal place and people here are used to Western women. While it is liberal, try to dress conservatively out of respect for local Emirati culture. Once out of Dubai, a more conservative attitude is prevalent. Don't wear tight or revealing clothes and always sit in the back seat of taxis.
In banks, Etisalat (the national telephone company) offices, post offices and libraries there are usually separate sections or windows for women - great when there's a queue. In small Arab and Indo-Pakistani restaurants you will often be ushered into the 'family room'. You don't have to sit here but the room is there to save you from being stared at by men.