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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 23:09

Did you feel welcome & safe there?

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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 23:15

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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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 23:26

@JustCheckingUp thank you. Did you cover up?

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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 23:31

@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 23:31

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 23:32

@Seddon how do you find it living there?

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JustCheckingUp · 03/08/2023 23:33

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

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.

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.

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

@parietal this does play on my mind

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Original poster
Question10 · 04/08/2023 00:01

Thanks for the replies all. I feel a “little” less worried

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Original poster
Question10 · 04/08/2023 00:02

@parietal oh and no drugs and we don’t even drink alcohol

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tt9 · 04/08/2023 01:15

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)

Chequeredred · 04/08/2023 06:35

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.

Tartareistasty · 04/08/2023 06:37

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*

Tiqtaq · 04/08/2023 06:40

Good luck as a woman if you get arrested.

bert3400 · 04/08/2023 06:43

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

littleripper · 04/08/2023 07:00

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

Newusernameaug · 04/08/2023 07:03

tt9 · 04/08/2023 01:15

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)

This

user556378 · 04/08/2023 07:12

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.

Original poster
Question10 · 04/08/2023 07:36

Thanks everyone for your replies. Just woke up in the UK!
The treatment of migrant workers and women’s rights does play on my mind.

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jeaux90 · 04/08/2023 07:59

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.