DUBAI

On Palm will be fine in normal summer clothes. Don't wear just swimsuit away from beach or pool. Malls on Palm fine in shorts and strap top. Etc. But if I went to Dubai Mall or emirates Mall would wear more covered up clothing. Same if go to old Dubai or the Souks. But maxi dress and pashmina perfect.

Also I Co-habited with my unmarried partner and took in lots of prescription meds, eg fentanyl / oxycodone with no issues

It’s fine to wear a swim suit, bikini etc. I personally didn’t like Dubai, I didn’t like the way the staff are treated, there’s a definite undertone there if you pay attention. Never known anywhere like it

TOTALLY off topic but we've just returned from Italy. Have an amazing day in Naples and saw some beautiful churches but I was gobsmacked at the number of female visitors (all nationalities) who not only didn't bother to cover bare shoulders as politely asked to upon entry but were wearing shorts and skirts with arse cheeks hanging out and cleavage you could land a jet.

So incredibly disrespectful. These are places of worship and work

Dubai is one of the safest countries you’ll visit (as a heterosexual). I’ve been an I’ve left a brand new iPhone 10 (at the time) on the beach and in a mall (absent mindedly)and wandered off for hours and fine, still there on both occasions.

id be wary of drinking and getting drunk, but seeing as you don’t drink, you’ll be fine :)

I got m&s ones mainly. These and John Lewis basic range have nice quite affordable yet not crap quality cotton or linen ones.
It's very humid now and these don't stick to me.

@Tartareistasty Do you have any suggestions as to where to buy some maxi dresses ideal for warm/hot climates?

Maxi dresses are absolutely the best. I live in them. You get breeze under 😁

That is no longer true.

Unmarried couples can cohabitate in the UAE.

Dubai and pretty much the whole of the Middle East is far safer for a woman than most UK cities.
For the hotel and private beaches 'normal' beachwear is fine though topless sunbathing isn't generally allowed.
Over the years attitudes have changed as to what is appropriate and you'll see a lot more shorts etc being worn in malls etc. However, please use your common sense. Cut off trousers/jeans are fine, looser summer trousers, Tshirts, maxi dresses with a light cardi/cover up are all fine.

I still dress fairly conservatively when I go over (after so many years in the region its just natural) and am often surprised at some of the clothes I see being worn.

Then why go there and contribute to their misery?

The reality is it's illegal to share a room with a male unless you are married. It's not enforced particularly but that's the truth.

I lived in Qatar for 3 years, I would never go to any of the Gulf countries for a holiday because of their treatment of women and migrant workers.

I live in Abu Dhabi, Dubai these days is like any western city - the malls are full of teens in crop tops etc.

When I go out in Dubai I wear my normal skimpy party dresses, it's not an issue in hotels, bars, restaurants AT ALL.

However, only out of respect, when I'm not in a hotel or restaurant, I cover my shoulders and knees, sometimes if it's too hot then I cover either shoulders or knees, but you really don't have to.

This

I think it's very safe as long as you are not unmarried and pregnant etc.
i would not go because I couldn't enjoy a holiday where local women are treated so appallingly

Was there in April, during Ramadam. I wore shorts/T-shirts and no one batted a eyelid . So many tourists walking around, just like any other tourist resort. We spent most of our time around Dubai Marina . Please don't overthink it (my DH does this) and enjoy it . I thought I would hate it but loved it

Good luck as a woman if you get arrested.

You will be totally fine. Hotels are a different world anyway everywhere.
I wear dress swim suit to our building's pool (I just like it and had the same one in UK).
As pp said, malla are cold and full lenghtclothes outside make ist much more comfortable so sun doesn't hit skin directly. Their local clothes are designed certain way for a reason.
Venture out for lunch dinner if you fancy. Lots, lits of good options and you can get good deals.
If you want an interesting experience go to waterfront market, get some seafood from stalls and have it grilled in restaurant at the back. 5*

Personally, I could never go because I would never want to financially contribute to that country. I’m female and my money will not support misogyny and climate change.

Will you be safe? Yes, of course you will.

apart from being a superficial consumerist hellhole with prostitution (often trafficked), large scale oppression of immigrants from poor countries, racism, systemic misogyny and lack of basic human rights... . you'll be ok

beware of prescription drugs too... they can be funny about that (killing poor migrants ok but some Dr prescribed sedatives and you out)