Solo Travel in Dubai

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Adventure GatG, Beach GatG, Shopping GatG

Dubai is a fascinating destination to visit. If you are planning a solo trip to Dubai, below is our guide on Dubai solo travel including things to do in Dubai alone, where to stay, which tour company to use and how to get around. Find out how to get from the airport and an itinerary for a Dubai solo female traveller. 

All companies included have been recommended by solo travellers from our solo community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article for solo female travel Dubai. 

* Before you solo travel Dubai, check what paperwork or visas are required for Dubai.

N.b. By booking through this page for your Dubai solo trip, you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping. 

Contents

• About Dubai
• Dubai Tours
• Where To Stay in Dubai
• Getting Around Dubai
• Itinerary for Dubai
• Travel Guide To Dubai
• What To Pack For Dubai
• Best Time To Go To Dubai
• Travel Insurance For Dubai
• Airports in Dubai
• Travelling Onwards
• Questions about Dubai
• Map of Dubai
• Plan a Trip to Dubai
• Related Posts

Burj al Arab

Solo Travel To Dubai

Travelling solo in Dubai is easy and this glitzy city is great for a holiday. That's why I've given it 5 out of 5 stars. Is Dubai safe for solo female travellers? Yes, Dubai is a cosmopolitan country with many nationalities and it's changed so much in the last few years. 

Generally, anything goes within the hotels where you can drink alcohol and party until dawn. You don't even need to cover up here anymore as women wear everything and anything. You'll find little black dresses for brunch as well as women covered up too. Dubai has a fantastic tourism infrastructure with a cheap metro system, affordable taxis and plenty of tours that you can join solo.

You won't feel awkward being alone here and especially not dining alone. You can also attend events solo and won't feel out of place. I use Platinumlist where you can attend the Dubai Opera, a dance event or a concert at the Coca Cola Arena. I love Dubai for solos so much that I just moved here alone! 

Dubai at night. View of the Burj Khalifa from C'est La Vie

About Dubai

Travel to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and you'll discover gorgeous beaches, futuristic skyscrapers and year-round sunshine. Since the discovery of oil here in the 1960’s, Dubai has barely stopped building. Anything the rest of the world can do, Dubai tries to do it better.

From the world’s tallest building to man-made islands shaped like the world, this millionaire's playground has everything and is scattered with pyramids, giant aquariums, a palm island, and the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East (Ski Dubai is found in the Mall of Emirates). It literally has all the tourist places you could ever need.

A ticket to this destination does not come without a price tag. This Emirate is unique and brimming with first-class hotels but there is accommodation to be found for those on a more modest budget. Discover my recommended places to go alone in Dubai below. 

TIP – If you are planning things to do alone in Dubai, consider purchasing a Dubai Explorer Pass. Save up to 47% at 3, 4, 5 or 7 top attractions including the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. * Buy the Dubai Explorer Pass here

* Click here to discover all activities and things to do in Dubai

The Palm Island

Places To Go in Dubai

This Emirate state oozes opulence, (even the airport has sparkling diamond columns). One of the top things to do in Dubai is shop. The shopping is amazing and you could spend a week just browsing the high street and designer stores. Many malls offer free shuttles to the larger hotels, or you can use the hop on hop off bus but you have to book a day ticket first. 

Dubai is mainly known for its gold, and gold souks can be found in the malls or the Deira district. From Dubai Festival Mall to Mall of the Emirates, or Ibn Battuta Mall (the largest themed mall in Dubai), discover the best place to shop in Dubai. It's not just fashion shops that you'll find in the malls. Inside Dubai mall is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, one of the world's largest suspended aquariums with sharks and rays. It's a Dubai must see. 

One of the relaxing things to do in Dubai on your own is to spend time on the beach. No trip here is complete without a dip in the warm waters of the sea. Most hotels have their own section of private beach which you can pay to enter. Laze at the public beach of Jumeriah Dubai where you can dine in one of the many restaurants along The Walk at JBR.  

Spend a day at the public beach at JBR

The Dubai Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai is one of the best places to visit in Dubai. The Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and one of Dubai’s most iconic sights. Needless to say that you can get an amazing view of the city from the observation deck which stands at 555 metres (a must see in Dubai). * Check prices, dates and availability

If you’re looking for a classy venue to enjoy a cocktail, you can’t get better than the Sky Bar at the world’s most famous 7 star hotel – the Burj Al Arab. Designed as a sail, this unique hotel has a stunning lobby full of reds, golds and royal blues that will make you feel like a princess. Cocktails are expensive and there is a minimum spend but it is definitely worth the visit (and you get free dates thrown in!) Because of its exclusivity we recommend taking company with you.

Just along from the Burj is the Souk Madinat Jumeriah: Dubai’s own little Venice, where you can take a boat ride through the Dubai water canal and narrow waterways to the Arabian Market. A unique way to get here from the hotel is via beach buggy cruising along the sandy beach.

Dubai Marina has great restaurants and bars and is vibrant at night. During the day you can go jet-skiing here or just admire the yachts before a spot of window shopping at the Dubai marina mall. 

Visit Al Seef

If all the modernity gets too much then take a trip back in time with a visit to the old part of the city. The museum is a refreshing escape from the modern skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road and teaches you about the first Persian settlers and Dubai's pearl diving history. Or visit the Al Fahidi historical district, one of the Emirate’s oldest areas that provides a glimpse of life back in Dubai before the ninety seventies, with traditional buildings and a labyrinth of lanes to lose yourself in. 

One of the must do things in Dubai, along the Dubai Creek is to join a dhow cruise at night. Although it can be a bit touristy with a belly dancing show put on for the passengers, you get to see a different side of Dubai as you sail past the old area and away from the skyscrapers and city life. One tip is to buy the premium hop-on, hop-off bus ticket where get an Arabian dhow cruise included so there’s no need to buy a specific tour.

Atlantis Palm Hotel

The Emiratis love their camel racing and the Nad Al Sheba Camel Track can be found just outside the city but as betting is forbidden, it’s all about the taking part. If you want to try it for yourself, the local camel farm is the place to visit in Dubai to have your own camel ride on these galloping animals.

When you want to escape the city, the Dubai desert is only a stone’s throw away. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is a protected nature reserve covering an area of 225 sq kms. See mammals, reptiles and more than 100 birds within its location. 

One of the best things to do in Dubai if you love adventure is to take an exhilarating 4WD drive Dubai desert safari, racing up and down the sandy red dunes. Excursions in Dubai also include driving a quad bike for some dune bashing too. 

If you're a cultural Girl about the Globe, one of the cultural things to do in Dubai is visit a Bedouin village for a glimpse of traditional nomadic life. Visit between November and May and you’ll see Dubai Miracle Garden in full bloom. From a floral clock to a floral castle, experience famous buildings made up of flowers in this 72,000 sqm park.

If you want to indulge your inner child and explore Dubai from a childlike perspective, visit the Dinosaur Park, the largest dinosaur park in the world. Or if dinosaurs aren’t really your thing, Dubai Garden Glow (on the same tour Dubai ticket) is a theme park with illuminated colourful displays, laser light shows and even a Burj Khalifa replica made from recycled items.

Or delve into Bollywood blockbusters at Bollywood Parks Dubai, one of the Dubai Parks and Resorts, where you can can transport yourself to India, and enjoy rides and vibrant performances from Mumbai.

Other places to see in Dubai are: Wild Wadi Waterpark, one of the top tourist attractions for those seeking adventure, IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world's largest indoor theme park: and the impressive Jumeriah Mosque and Sheik Sied Palace.

With plans in the pipeline for a Universal style theme park and the world’s biggest shopping mall, who knows what tourist attractions in Dubai is coming next.

* Visit Dubai during October to April for camel racing.

* Although the sea looks calm be careful of the strong currents.

See the fountain show at Dubai Mall

Dubai Tours

Dubai isn't a destination for overland adventure tour groups such as G Adventures or Intrepid but there are plenty of activities in Dubai and Dubai excursions that you can do here. Here are my recommended companies for tours in Dubai:

Big Bus Tours – These hop-on, hop-off Dubai sightseeing tours are an easy way to get around Dubai. It includes a guided sightseeing boat cruise on a traditional dhow, and free entry into the Atlantis Aquarium (which is amazing!) They also offer a night tour which is perfect for those wanting to explore the city safely at night.

Dubai Private Tour– This company has 16 years experience and can arrange private touring in Dubai such as a city tour, desert safari or even a dinner cruise for your stay. Their Dubai tour packages also include a desert bbq dinner and belly dance performance, as well excursions from Dubai such as a full day Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai. 

Get Your Guide– Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated Dubai activities and Dubai attractions. Choose from Burj Khalifa tickets, a camel safari or a Dubai city tour visiting the Dubai Museum, a trip to Dubai Creek or a dhow dinner cruise. There are several to choose from including a Dubai half-day city tour, and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews for your day sightseeing tour and price. Then check availability then book online.

* Check all Get Your Guide Dubai day tours and prices here

Where To Stay in Dubai

Known for its luxurious Dubai hotels such as the Burj Al Arab – classed as a 6 star hotel in Dubai, you may think that accommodation here will cost a small fortune but you can find reasonable accommodation if you are on a budget. There are many hostels within the city offering both mixed and female-only dorms for those wanting to spend their money on experiences instead and wanting to meet others. 

This Emirate is known for its 5-star hotels and Dubai has so many hotels to choose from. From 3-stars within the Deira district to the luxurious 5-star hotels in Dubai along Jumeriah Beach, the Palm or Dubai Marina. If you prefer self-catering options, you’ll also find apartments and aparthotels that generally have a gym and a swimming pool. 

Airbnb Dubai connects you to locals in Dubai and can be a cheaper option than staying in hotels. Plus you also have the opportunity to meet locals too. For coliving, Villa Omh Dubai is a fantastic choice. This stylish villa has a relaxing and welcoming vibe.

If you are searching for the best accommodation in Dubai for solo travellers, all of the Dubai accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For all other places to stay, click on the link below. 

• To book, check prices or availability for all types of accommodation Dubai

Savoy Central Hotel Apartments

Situated in Dubai’s downtown these apartments are great value and come complete with a kitchen, health centre and a gym. Plus there’s room service too. Choose from a studio or executive studio.

• Prices from £80 / $110 per night for an executive studio. 
• Check prices, dates and availability: Savoy Central Hotel Apartments 

Shangri-La Hotel

Gorgeous and chic with friendly staff, the standard of Shangri-La Hotel Dubai is excellent for the price. With stunning rooms and views to match and a great breakfast included, you’re guaranteed a good stay. Choose from a deluxe twin or king with a sea view, a deluxe king or twin with a view of the Burj Khalifa or upgrade to a Horizon king club room and more with lounge access.

• Prices from £196 / $269 for a deluxe twin room with a sea view
• Check prices, dates. and availability: Shangri-La Hotel

Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach

If it’s beach, shopping and cuisine that you’re looking for Anwaj Rotana fits the bill. With 6 restaurants onsite and near the beach, this Dubai hotel is perfect. Choose from a classic twin or king room with sea view, a Club Rotana or premium king room with sea view or a classic suite.

• Prices from £230 / $315 per night for a classic twin room with a sea view
• Check prices, dates and availability: Amwaj Rotana

Getting Around Dubai

Travelling in Dubai is easy with good public transportation. Buses run frequently from the airport to Deira bus station. The hop on hop off bus takes you to the old town and back to the new city and is a good way of getting your bearings.

Some hotels offer free Dubai transportation to the shopping district but there is also an extensive bus network. To see some of the tourist sights, Line 8 is a good route to take, or you can take the Dubai Tram that runs to Jumeirah Beach. The other bus lines may not be as frequent.

The Dubai metro is also easy to use. Most stations are above ground so it’s also a good way of seeing the city. The red line takes you to Deira City Centre. Dubai transportation costs from AED4 and tickets must be the Nol card which are also used on the tram and bus.

Most people take taxis here and you can hail a metered Dubai taxi anywhere. There is also Uber in Dubai, a popular taxi app where you request your journey through your mobile phone and pay through the app. If you visit Palm Jumeirah Dubai, take the Palm monorail. Plan for your journey around Dubai using the Wojhati travel planner app.

* To hire a car we recommend pre-booking car hire with Avis so you can collect your car when you arrive at the airport.

Itinerary For Dubai

Dubai can be visited on a long weekend city break but as the flying time is 6 hours from the UK, it’s definitely worth staying at least 4 to 5 days in Dubai. If you are unsure what to do alone in Dubai, whether you can only do Dubai in a day, or Dubai in 5 days, below are recommendations for things to do in Dubai for 5 days. To create your best Dubai itinerary 3 days or for 4, just customise the days that you prefer for your Dubai trip itinerary. 

Day One – Start the morning shopping in one of Dubai’s giant malls. Explore the aquarium or even go skiing inside one at Ski Dubai! (one of the Dubai top attractions). Then head to the Burj Khalifa when you are all shopped out. Stroll around the grounds of the Burj Park then watch the Dubai Fountain show, another of the tourist attractions in Dubai which puts on a display in the evening. It's also one of the places to visit in Dubai for free. 

Day Two – Take a hop on hop us bus city tour and see the city to get your bearings then climb aboard a dhow for a river cruise along the creek, stopping at the old souks for nose-tingling scents and the Pearl Museum. Then relax in the afternoon on the beach. If your accommodation doesn’t have a beach, relax at Jumeriah Beach (the public beach).

Day Three – Continue the sightseeing in Dubai and discover Dubai’s Little Venice. Take a boat ride then spend some time at the Arabian Market before taking a buggy to the Burj Al Arab for a drink and some dates (of the cuisine kind) at the Sky Bar.

Day Four – Venture to Dubai’s man-made palm island. You can easily spend a day here at the Atlantis Palm, a gorgeous 5 star hotel with shops and first-class restaurants. Explore the Aquaventure Waterpark and take the ‘Leap of Faith,’ a 9-story tall mega-slide on a Mayan Temple.

If you prefer to stay dry, wander around the Lost Chambers Aquarium (where you can also snorkel inside) and the Atlantis Room displaying artefacts from the fantasy world of Atlantis before having a drink at Nasimi Beach. * Check prices, dates and availability

Day Five – Explore the desert landscape and take a 4WD desert safari through the sand dunes. Visit a Bedouin village to see their traditional nomadic life. In the afternoon visit the Sheik Sied Palace and Jumeriah Mosque. * Check prices, dates and availability

The Emirate is perfect for a stopover on a multi-centre trip to Thailand, Malaysia or Bali and can also be twinned with the Maldives or Seychelles.

Travel Guide To Dubai

If you need a guide book for your travels we recommend Rough Guides. Covering where to go and when to go, things not to miss, itineraries, getting around, festivals and events, history, and maps, they are amongst the most comprehensive guides on the market.

The Rough Guide To Dubai

If you are planning on travelling a solo trip to Dubai, the Rough Guide to Dubai covers topics such as: book your trip, accommodation, getting there, getting around, food and drink, and travel essentials. They also include Dubai tourist attractions, shopping, eating and entertainment so you can maximise your time and know exactly where to go. 

* Check prices for Rough Guides

Best Time To Go To Dubai

Dubai is a year-round destination thanks to its desert location but the weather can change in the winter months. In December and January as well as warm days expect some clouds, wind and even a few days of rain. But it is still Dubai so you can sunbathe during the day and just wear a jacket for the cooler nights.

The summer months in Dubai can be extremely hot. In July and August, temperatures can reach more than 40 degrees Celsius making it too hot to sightsee. For any Dubai trips, avoid 12 pm until 3 pm when the days are at their hottest and choose to browse air-conditioned souks and shopping malls instead. 

Spending the days inside and the evenings outside is the best way to survive the hot months and the hottest times of the day before getting back on the beach or a swimming pool in the late afternoon. The heat can cause fog over the city too so make the most of a clear day for any trips to the Burj Khalifa. 

When travelling to Dubai alone, the best time is between October to March. Or visit between mid-December and January for the annual Dubai shopping festival. This chart shows the average maximum day temperatures for Dubai from January to December to help you plan the best time to go to Dubai.

Travel Insurance For Dubai

If you are visiting Dubai as a solo female traveller, travel insurance is always recommended especially if you are planning on adventure tours to the desert.

True Traveller and World Nomads are two insurance companies which can cover travel to Dubai. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.

All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover and additional baggage cover.

* Check insurance cover and prices for True Traveller

N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Airports in Dubai

Dubai’s main airport is the Dubai International Airport which is one of the world’s busiest international airports. The airport is known to work as a hub for all major airlines and is the hub for Emirates Airlines.

A taxi is the quickest way from the airport into the city and costs approximately £20 for the 30 minute journey. Taxis are available 24 hours from the terminal. The metro is the cheapest way and costs £2. From Terminal 3 it departs every 10 minutes and takes 42 minutes.Find schedules here.

Line 10 Skybus costs £3 and takes nearly 1.5 hours. Bus stations are opposite both terminals and leave every 10 minutes between 6am and 10pm.

* If you are traveling to Dubai alone, feel more confident with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book your transfer with Hoppa Dubai, a reliable and safe service for solo females.

Travelling Onwards (check visas before you travel) 

Because of the short distances it’s easy to combine Dubai solo travel with other Emirate states, plus you only need one visa for the whole of the UAE.

To Oman: If you are planning a solo trip from Dubai to Oman, Al Darah border is two hours from Dubai (make sure you get an entry and exit stamp and have Omani currency). If you choose to drive the Musandam Peninsula is a dramatic drive.

To Saudi: Currently women are not allowed to drive in Saudi so you can’t take a hire car here. Visas need to be applied for before you travel.

Where can I go from here?

• Oman – 1 hour
• Iran – 1.5 hrs

Questions About Dubai

• Can I drink the water? It is safer to drink bottled water or you can take your own water filter with you.
• Is tipping expected? Yes.
• Any ATM’s? Yes.
• Fixed price or barter? Fixed price in the malls, bartering in the souks.
• Which side of the road do they drive? The right-hand side.
• Good for vegetarians? Yes, you'll find several places in Dubai for vegetarians and vegans.
• Any Seven Wonders of the World? No.
• Is Dubai safe for single females? Yes, Dubai is very cosmopolitan. Read more in the Solo Travel section. 

Map of Dubai

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