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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

DUBAI

163 replies

Question10 · 03/08/2023 23:07

I have booked a holiday to Dubai in a 5 star hotel on the palm. The plan is to stay in the resort for the week & enjoy the pool etc. AIBU to worry about going to Dubai? One of my friends has told me that she would never go there because of their strict laws and she’s got me worried. I’ve done some googling and I’m still a bit worried. Will I be able to wear a swimming costume at the pool? Do I need to cover up? If you have been to Dubai before, I would really appreciate your opinion.

OP posts:
Original poster
Question10 · 03/08/2023 23:39

@parietal this does play on my mind

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Seddon · 03/08/2023 23:34

Question10 · 03/08/2023 23:31

@Seddon thanks. I’ve got to think strategically about what to buy that covers my knees and shoulders but is ok for really hot weather!

If you're going to shopping centres they'll be freezing - as will the a/c in any car, so not too much of a worry there!

The locals - male and female - are in full length clothes because once you reach a certain level of extreme heat it's actually more comfortable to have that protection between your skin and the air. I got around in a suit for work, it was fine.

parietal · 03/08/2023 23:33

I'd never go to Dubai because the government has an awful record on human rights and women's rights and climate change But I imagine you'll be safe enough if you stay in resorts and don't take illegal drugs etc.

JustCheckingUp · 03/08/2023 23:33

I wore maxi dresses and covered my shoulders. I’m heavily tattooed and nobody batted an eyelid

Original poster
Question10 · 03/08/2023 23:32

@Seddon how do you find it living there?

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Seddon · 03/08/2023 23:31

Sorry should have added that I lived there for years. Once inside the bubble of a tourist resort things will feel pretty normal.

Original poster
Question10 · 03/08/2023 23:31

@Seddon thanks. I’ve got to think strategically about what to buy that covers my knees and shoulders but is ok for really hot weather!

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Seddon · 03/08/2023 23:29

You don't need to cover up around a hotel pool. I'd make sure I was fully dressed before going back inside the building though.

Although millions of British tourists don't, consider covering shoulders and knees while out and about e.g. shopping centres - you certainly don't have to by law or anything, but it's more respectful of the local culture and will make you feel less exposed to leering from men.

Original poster
Question10 · 03/08/2023 23:26

@JustCheckingUp thank you. Did you cover up?

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JustCheckingUp · 03/08/2023 23:21

I went alone last year for work and worried a little, but honestly it’s the safest place I’ve ever been. After work I saw the sights and went shopping. You’ll be fine doing pool life as you would anywhere else

Original poster
Question10 · 03/08/2023 23:15

Thank you. I’ve seen similar posts on IG and when I booked I didn’t think much about it. But now I’m worried. Hence the post here!

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Shurleyknot · 03/08/2023 23:12

My sister and her boyfriend are currently there. Shes been in and out of the pool in her normal bikinis drinking cocktails and wine and holding hands with her other half too and not a sign of a wedding ring. I do not know about outside the resort but certainly inside is fine and safe enough or so Instagram tells me anyway!

Original poster
Question10 · 03/08/2023 23:09

Did you feel welcome & safe there?

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