Leaving your home, starting fresh in a new country, new city is never an easy decision. You fear leaving behind life as you know it, your comfort zone, your home. However, sometimes taking the plunge into uncertainty can turn out to be for the best. Remember Eat, Pray and Love? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to start afresh in a new city? Do you ever wonder perhaps what living in Dubai as a woman would be like?
Dubai is one of the best places to move to, especially if you want to live alone. The cosmopolitan city attracts people from all over the world and offers many opportunities for women to thrive both personally and professionally. The city is tax-free, super clean, and the best part? Living in Dubai as a woman is extremely safe. You can take a stroll around at 2 am or run to McDonalds to satisfy your cravings without thinking about your safety.
While Dubai is one of the most lucrative places to live and work with hundreds of opportunities, there are certain cultural norms and laws that you should be aware of when living in Dubai.
Let’s see what Dubai has to offer to women.
Living in Dubai as Woman: Some Helpful Tips
Visa Requirements
One of the most attractive things about Dubai is that there are no extensive visa requirements and you can easily get a residence visa. With a residence visa you can open a bank account, and also travel to many nearby countries visa-free. You can also get a driver’s license and access to health insurance.
So, how can you get a residence visa? There are certain requirements that you need to meet. You can get the visa, if you are:
- Employed either privately or in a government organization
- Made investment in a property
- Dependent on a spouse or a parent
- Studying in a university
Dubai has also introduced Golden Visas for residents. You can apply for a Golden visa if you have:
- Specialized talent or have an accreditation by Emirates Scientists Council or holders of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence
- Made an investment of 5 million AED
- An outstanding grade in private and public school and university
- If you have a 5-year experience, bachelor’s degree and are earning more 30,000 AED.
The Best Areas to Live in Dubai as a Woman
Your experience of living in Dubai as a woman will greatly depend on the area you choose to live in. There are various options for you to choose from. If you are on a budget, then you can find good rental options in areas like Warqa, International City or Discovery Gardens.
However, we suggest that you choose areas that are closer to your workplace and have easy access to the Metro Station. You can find reasonable living options in Marina, Dubai Sports City or Business Bay.
If budget is not an issue, then you can also take a look at villas in Spring or maybe a studio apartment in Downtown.
Job Opportunities
Dubai is the largest urban area in UAE, home to more than 3 million people. Immigrants in UAE make up almost 87.9% of the total population and consists of a mix of different ethnic groups, including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Egyptian, and others. Another attractive factor about living in Dubai as a woman is that the UAE government strictly prohibits gender discrimination in workplace and aims to be among the top 25 countries in the world recognized for gender equality.
The male to female ratio in workforce is about 58.2%, with women being a mandatory part of top leadership and board of directors in big firms. There are several established bodies that actively work with the government to ensure all legislation made empower women and protect their rights.
You can also easily find a job in Dubai. The city is a thriving business center for many multinational companies including FMCGs and Tech companies. Some of the highest paying jobs in Dubai include lawyers, cardiologists, finance officers, and public relations officer.
Dress Code for Women in Dubai
There are a lot of misconceptions about the dress code for women in UAE. Since it is an arab country, some people think it is mandatory to cover up in burqas and be accompanied by a male guardian while heading out. So, let’s clear out that confusion for you.
There are no such restrictions or a fixed dress code for women. With the influx of immigrants in recent years, you would find women of different nationalities dressed up in their own ways. You can roam around the city in whatever clothes you want if it is modest dressing.
The dress code is not as strict as it used to be, and many women choose to wear Western clothing without any issues. If you are going to a beach or bar for recreational purposes, you can wear a swimsuit or bikini. Pool parties and private clubs are quite popular in Dubai and you can dress up in short, skin-exposing clothes while enjoying with your friends.
Exciting Social Life for Dubai Women
Dubai has a vibrant social scene, and there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends. You can participate in various activities and clubs, such as fitness classes, book clubs, and volunteer organizations. There are women only groups and communities on Facebook, Instagram, etc, where women can talk about their needs, daily problems, post opportunities, and help each other out.
You can also easily find great salons and spa, where you can avail personal grooming services comfortably. Restaurants also offer special deals and treats for women only groups.
Travel and Holiday Options for Women in Dubai
Another common misconception about Dubai is that women cannot drive or travel alone. As a major part of workforce, women are equally enabled to drive and travel around the city on their own. You can own your own car, house, villa, or any private space.
Dubai is known to be a safe city for women, and the crime rate is relatively low. The UAE government has also launched a smartphone application, called “Dubai Police,” that allows you to report crimes and contact the police in case of an emergency.
An exciting opportunity that Dubai offers is that if you have a residence visa you can travel to many countries without visa. Here are some of the places you can travel to on a long weekend:
- Seychelles
- Kyrgyzstan
- Georgia
- Oman
Investment Opportunities for Women in Dubai
Dubai is a land of opportunities, which means that there is always something you can invest in, especially property. About 30% of UAE property today is owned by women. The real estate industry in Dubai is growing every year with skyscrapers, beachfront homes, Lagoons, and villas. If you are a woman, who wants to invest her money in a tax-free region, the Dubai Real Estate is the ideal opportunity for you.
You can choose from a variety of off-plan properties. Famous developers such as Emaar, Nakheel, Damaac, and Danube frequently launch their new projects. The benefit of investing in an off plan property is that you get a brand new home and you can pay in installments.
If off-plan property is not something that interests you, then you can always in a ready home and then rent it out either to a full time tenant or run it on a short-term rental.
Are you ready to move to Dubai?
Living as a woman in Dubai can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it’s essential to be mindful of the local customs and traditions. Dubai is a safe and welcoming city with amazing opportunities. You can live freely, make friends from various nationalities, travel around on a long weekend and just make a life for yourself.