What is it really like for British western white women to live in Dubai?

Sorisa · #1 (**permalink**) 12th December 2007, 10:45 AM

Hi,

I have lots of questions and would be grateful if someone could help answer them.

I am thinking about relocating in Dubai. I am an independant British white female who wishes to escape to a better climate and standard of living and am considering Dubai amongst other places.

So what's it really like? How easy is it to go about your daily life as a single western woman. Are there any clothing restrictions or are there best practices of clothing. What can you wear on the beach? Is it safe to go to the beach, shopping, restaurant, take a taxi etc on your own?

Are their any issues associated with day to day life or can I expect the same issues as I have living in UK as a single person?

How are women treated in the work place? How are British women regarded by locals? Is it true that many women who do not cover up or go out on their own are regarded as prostitutes and get hassle from men or followed or from other prostitutes thinking that you are on their patch?

I also understand that sex outside of marriage is illegal (it is still in UK but the law is so out of date it is ignored), so how do you have to conduct your relationship with your boyfriend. Can you stay over their house or live together. (I may be moving with my british boyfriend but not necessarily live together).

Any other advice that you can give?

Thanks in advance for your help.

synthia · #2 (**permalink**) 13th December 2007, 07:34 AM

Welcome tot he forum! An interesting question.

Sorisa · #3 (**permalink**) 13th December 2007, 10:19 AM

Hi Synthia,

Thanks. Seems lilke Jimmi has read the same "20 reasons not to move to Dubai" as I have. Is it a case of the grass is greener? Would appreciate any female insight into life living in Dubai.

Thanks
Sorisa

judas · #4 (**permalink**) 14th December 2007, 12:25 AM

Just curious. Seems like there are a few posts from people who want to move there, what's the appeal?

I really know nothing about Dubai, but Brits (err, any white people) moving to anywhere near Iran/Iraq seems like a mighty-fine way to end up a headless infidel.

And from the questions people are asking, and the answers that are coming up (eg. wondering if its safe for a woman alone in the street, that it is illegal to be gay), it just doesn't sound like the most tolerant, safe, modern (thinking) place.

kaz101 · #5 (**permalink**) 14th December 2007, 01:04 AM

Hi Sorisa,

I haven't lived in Dubai but I've been there a couple of times on stopovers to and from Australia with my husband.

Although I'm married myself and my husband have different surnames and although this didn't cause problems on our first trip, on the second trip the receptionist at a hotel said we had to have separate rooms. It was the same hotel we had stayed in before and I was about to get annoyed when a higher ranking receptionist said it was alright for us to have one room. I was beginning to think that if I had to take my marriage certificate with me I wouldn't be visitnig Dubai very often.

I found that most of the apparently independent women working there that I thought could be from Dubai were actually Indian.

I got stared at a lot in Dubai, to the extent that I was about to say something to the men that were doing it but my husband pointed out that this may not be a wise move

I'm bi-racial (English/Jamaican) but look Mediterean, and some people say possibly Indian (which is in my Ancestry) so I don't know whether that was the issue. A possible local walking around in Western clothes with a white man. By the way I wasn't dressed in anything revealing - shirt and jeans most of the time.

Judas - don't judge Dubai but it's neighbours. Dubai has it's own culture which may not always agree with British or other Western cultures. It's very open for tourism and has been built up from virtually nothing by one family that is still the ruling power. It has a wonderful history and if any one ever goes there a trip around the museum is fantastic. I'm not really into museums but we managed to spend the day there.

Would I live in Dubai? No for various reasons. It's too hot in the summer and I am not a person that likes that much heat! I'm also used to a lot of personal freedom. I lived on my own, in my own house and had my own job etc. Now this is not unusual in the West but I think it's rare in Dubai. So I think although I will continue to have holidays there it wouldn't be my choice to live.

Regards,
Karen

Sorisa · #6 (**permalink**) 15th December 2007, 09:50 AM

Thanks Kaz & Judas,

The appeal of Dubai - boyfriend just about to be made redundant and has job offer in Dubai, so thought we would look into it especially as a warmer climate is definately an appealing place to start.

Kaz seems like my initial thoughts and concerns are about right considereing your blog. Shame there is little information around for females to read. My boyfriend keeps being told that Dubai is a great place to live and I would love it cause it has loads of shops and as long as I don't wear mini skirt belt and skimpy top I'll be fine so I have nothing to worry about. However those giving the advice are male and have never met me and seem to think that all women want is somewhere good to shop lol. I am not a plain Jane housewife type. More independant sophisticated independant business woman who gets out there and enjoys life.

Don't think Dubai is for me, but will certainly go at some point - like your point about surrounding coutries museams as I would like to go there too for that reason however the country needs to be more stable before I make plans.

Have encouraged boyfried to look towards Canada and so far he is liking what he sees.

Thanks again
Sorisa

synthia · #7 (**permalink**) 16th December 2007, 07:14 AM

One question that is raised by the hotel room story is, can an unmarried man and woman from the west live together?

Sorisa · #8 (**permalink**) 16th December 2007, 03:04 PM

Indeed, also can you go on holiday as unmarried couple - I am guessing not unless you want seperate rooms. Also what about people who are in the middle of divorce but have found a new partner. Some divorces take years through no fault of the often "injured" party.

Heatherw · #9 (**permalink**) 30th December 2007, 03:27 PM

Hello

I cannot believe all the misconceptions there are about living here!

I am a white english girl (well im 27) and have been in Dubai for 1 year now.
There has never been any trouble, if you look for it you will find it, same as anywhere but Dubai is very safe, i can walk around here at any time of day and night and feel safe, which i couldnt say when i lived in london.

Of course you hear all the horror stories but its not like that

When i was deciding if i should move out here people who had been told me how lovely it was, and the people that hadnt been told me how terrible it is (?)

I have been living with my boyfriend (not married) and there is no problem, it is against the law but they turn a blind eye as they want westerners out here.

Please dont rule out dubai just yet, it really is lovely

Elphaba · #10 (**permalink**) 24th January 2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by judas

Just curious. Seems like there are a few posts from people who want to move there, what's the appeal?

I really know nothing about Dubai, but Brits (err, any white people) moving to anywhere near Iran/Iraq seems like a mighty-fine way to end up a headless infidel.

And from the questions people are asking, and the answers that are coming up (eg. wondering if its safe for a woman alone in the street, that it is illegal to be gay), it just doesn't sound like the most tolerant, safe, modern (thinking) place.

As you say you know nothing about Dubai and the rubbish you have spouted proves that.

Dubai is probably safer than any UK city.

I suggest the poster keeps quiet if he knows nothing about the place.

From a long term resident.