The Dubai Series Pt 2 - Safety in Dubai

​As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed once said, "If a woman wanders alone at night without fear, you know she is in the Emirates."

The UAE consistently ranks among the top countries in global safety indexes, with 95% of residents feeling safe to walk alone at night and 98.5% of women reported feeling secure living and working in Dubai.

According to Numbeo's report last year, the UAE is ranked as the second safest country out of 163 nations. Among the top 10 cities globally, three are in the UAE: Abu Dhabi ranks first, Ajman comes in second and Dubai holds the fifth position.

This is a compelling reason to consider relocating yourself/your family to this safety-conscious country, (especially for solo female expats).

Why is Dubai so safe?

Dubai's safety is a result of strict laws and regulations that serve as strong deterrents against crime. The city is equipped with advanced security cameras and extensive police monitoring, making it one of the safest cities in the world. The visible presence of police, sometimes in luxury cars like Lamborghini, reinforces this sense of power and security.

Moreover, all residential and office buildings in Dubai have 24/7 security guards on duty, ensuring constant vigilance and peace of mind for residents and employees. This round-the-clock security presence is just one more reason why Dubai is considered one of the safest places to live.

For women and children, Dubai offers additional layers of protection:

•Female-only sections on public transport.

•Female taxi drivers for added comfort.

•Designated seating areas for women in hospitals, dental clinics, and other public places.

•Security guards on the doors of schools.

•Various safe neighbourhoods for families to settle in. You will often find children playing together outdoors in these areas. A bit like the UK in the 1990s (with much nicer weather).

Is it safe to meet people?

The sense of safety extends to socializing. Although you should always ensure that the group looks legit before attending, there are countless Facebook and MeetUp groups, giving expats endless opportunities to connect through events and activities, whether you’re into fitness, art or simply making new friends. From female networking to under/over 30s clubs, people can easily meet in a secure environment. Our team has attended everything from paint classes and brunches to rock climbing and fitness events, building lifelong friendships along the way.

Hear from our team:

‘Being able to go to the gym late after work and walk home without worrying is a big deal for me. Back home in Ireland, I couldn't do that, so I love that I can here!’ - Laura

‘I've only been here four weeks, but I already feel much safer than back home in Ireland. I would never walk alone at night there, but here I feel completely safe walking home by myself after a night out.’ - Molly

‘I sometimes (accidentally) walk around with my handbag wide open without even thinking about it. When I go back to the UK, friends remind me to close my bag. You just forget out here.’ I'm forever leaving my laptop, phone and handbag in the gym cafe or any cafe for that matter knowing it will be there when I return' - Lauren

‘What makes me feel protected is the respect I receive, whether it’s getting help at the petrol station, in the mall, or when my car breaks down. I also feel secure leaving my phone or bag at a table, knowing it won’t be touched.’ – Denisa

Addressing misconceptions:

I’m sure you’ve heard stories and read articles about Dubai. Recently, we came across a blog offering some misleading advice for women travelling here, suggesting they should ‘hang on tight to possessions,’ ‘watch out around ATMs,’ and ‘be careful how they dress.’ As a company that’s been based in Dubai for over a decade, it’s disappointing to see such outdated and inaccurate information still circulating.

We aren't saying not to be mindful of your belongings and dress respectfully in places of worship, but Dubai is far more relaxed than many assume. For female travellers and residents, Dubai is one of the safest places in the world, offering peace of mind that’s hard to find elsewhere.

It’s common for lost items, like phones, to be returned without issue, and there are even social experiments online showing people leaving belongings at the beach for hours, only to return and find them untouched.

Culture

Muslims and non-Muslims, expats and Emiratis live together peacefully in the UAE. Various cultural and religious festivals are celebrated year-round with equal enthusiasm by people from all nationalities and backgrounds. It’s not uncommon to see Christmas decorations everywhere in December or lights and celebrations during Diwali. Additionally, the city enforces laws that protect individual rights, including strict bans on discrimination based on race, gender and nationality.

And lastly - useful emergency contact numbers

999 for Police

901 for Tourism Police

998 for Ambulance

Al Ameen is a 24/7 service that is made to protect the people, society and the country as a whole. In case of any trouble or incidents of concern call or send an SMS to 8004444. You can remain anonymous with this service.

What do you love about the safety of the UAE?