Let me address what you are really asking: Can I, as a Black woman, travel to the Middle East and feel safe, respected, and welcomed?
I get it. The Middle East carries a lot of assumptions – some earned, many exaggerated, and quite a few flat-out wrong. You have probably heard conflicting stories, seen scary headlines, or just feel uncertain about what to expect.
So let me give you the honest answer, backed by nearly two decades of taking Black women to Dubai and watching them have the time of their lives.
The Short Answer: Yes, Dubai Is Safe
Dubai is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world. We are talking safer than most major American cities by virtually every crime metric. The UAE takes security seriously – it is not just good for tourists, it is foundational to their economy.
Violent crime is exceptionally rare. Theft is uncommon. The kind of street harassment you might experience in other major cities? Largely absent here. Dubai wants your tourism dollars, and they have built an entire infrastructure around making visitors feel secure and pampered.
But I know that is not really what you are asking. You want to know about safety as a Black woman specifically. Let us talk about that.
The Black Woman Experience in Dubai
Here is what I can tell you after taking thousands of Black women to Dubai: You will be treated well.
Dubai is an incredibly international city. Over 80% of the population are expatriates from all over the world – South Asia, Africa, Europe, the Philippines, and yes, America. You will not stand out the way you might in more homogeneous countries. Black people live and work in Dubai. Black tourists visit constantly. You are not a novelty.
The luxury service culture in Dubai means you will likely be treated better than you are in many American establishments. When you walk into a five-star hotel, a high-end restaurant, or a luxury boutique, you are a guest with money to spend. Period. The customer service is exceptional across the board.
What About Curiosity or Attention?
Some women with natural hair – especially larger Afros, locs, or protective styles – report occasional curious looks or even polite questions. This is not hostility; it is genuine curiosity, often from people who have not seen certain styles up close. Most of our travelers find it flattering rather than annoying.
You might get asked for photos, particularly by tourists from countries with smaller Black populations. You can always say no – a smile and a head shake works fine.
But aggressive staring? Rude comments? Discrimination in service? We simply do not see it. Our travelers consistently report feeling respected and welcomed.
Cultural Safety Considerations
Dubai is in a Muslim country, and there are cultural norms to be aware of. But here is the thing – most of what you have heard is exaggerated or outdated.
The Dress Code Reality
You do not need to cover your head. You do not need to wear an abaya. In most areas – hotels, resorts, beaches, tourist attractions – you can dress as you would in any warm-weather Western city.
The actual requirement: Cover your shoulders and knees in malls and public spaces. That is it. A maxi dress, wide-leg pants with a nice top, or a flowy midi skirt all work perfectly. At the beach or pool? Wear your regular swimsuit. At your hotel? Whatever you want.
For more details on exactly what to pack, check out our complete guide: What to Pack for Dubai: Modest Fashion Meets Luxury Style
Public Displays of Affection
If you are traveling with a partner: Keep it PG in public. Holding hands is fine. A quick peck is generally okay. Full-on making out in the mall? Do not. This is not about oppression – it is just the local norm. Save the romance for your gorgeous hotel room.
Alcohol Rules
You can drink in Dubai – just not everywhere. Licensed hotels, restaurants, and clubs serve alcohol freely. You cannot drink on the street, in public parks, or at unlicensed establishments. If you are at a hotel bar, resort pool, or upscale restaurant, order whatever you would like.
Photography Etiquette
Do not photograph local Emirati women without permission. Do not photograph government buildings or military installations. Otherwise, snap away – Dubai is incredibly photogenic, and nobody minds you capturing the skyline, the architecture, or your own fabulous self.
Ramadan
If you visit during Ramadan, you will need to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Hotels provide private areas for guests to eat. It is a minor adjustment, and honestly, experiencing Dubai during Ramadan can be beautiful – the evenings come alive with Iftar celebrations.
General Safety Tips
These apply anywhere, but they are worth repeating:
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation.
- Keep valuables secure. Crime is low, but why tempt fate? Use your hotel safe.
- Stay hydrated. This is the real danger in Dubai – the heat can sneak up on you. Drink water constantly.
- Use official taxis or Uber/Careem. They are safe, air-conditioned, and reasonably priced.
- Have travel insurance. We recommend this for any international trip.
Why Group Travel Adds Peace of Mind
Solo travel to Dubai is absolutely doable – women do it all the time. But there is something to be said for experiencing a new destination with built-in community.
When you travel with Travel Divas, you have:
- A group of sisters who have your back
- Local guides who know the culture inside and out
- Logistics handled so you can focus on enjoying yourself
- Access to experiences that might be harder to arrange solo
- Someone to take your photos (because who else is going to capture that Burj Khalifa moment?)
We have refined our Dubai itineraries over years of experience. We know which restaurants welcome groups warmly, which experiences are worth the money, and how to navigate the city like insiders.
Ready to Experience Dubai for Yourself?
For the complete guide to everything Dubai has to offer, read: The Black Woman’s Ultimate Guide to Dubai: Luxury, Culture, and the Soft Life
Still have questions? Drop them in the comments below or join our Facebook community where over 150,000 Divas share travel advice daily.
– Travel Divas
