What’s it like for expat women living and working in Dubai?

With more expats than locals residing in the UAE, moving to Dubai appeals to many. However, relocating to a conservative environment where men constitute a significant portion of the population can be daunting for some women. What cultural changes are you likely to face? Will you be treated differently than your male counterparts? Barriers to settling in the UAE are not uncommon; surveys show that, along with India, Thailand, and the UK, the UAE receives some of the highest respondent rates for personal characteristics creating challenges—these include gender, ethnicity, personal life choices, openness to integrating, marital status, sexual orientation, and religion. Gender, in particular, is a dominant factor affecting expats globally¹.

Despite these challenges, the UAE is also known for its positive views toward expats. A 2018 survey found that Dubai residents considered expats to be an "important" and "vital" part of the population, which is understandable given that expats account for a large percentage of the city’s residents². If you plan on moving to Dubai, you should generally feel welcome.

Job Opportunities

The working world can be difficult for women, with many feeling they are not offered the same opportunities or promotions as men, and that the glass ceiling—an unofficial barrier to professional advancement—prevents fair pay³. A common misconception is that women cannot work in Dubai. In fact, women can work in Dubai, and many claim the opportunities are better than in many places in the West⁴. While traditional gender roles persist in the Middle East, expats are not expected to adhere to the same roles, and the influence of foreign nationals is shifting the role of women from home and family to the workforce. However, many industries remain male-dominated. Expat women can work with their own employment visa or, if their residence visa is sponsored by their husband, they can apply for a work permit via their new employer⁴.

Dress Code

Modest dress, such as keeping your shoulders covered, is required in most of the UAE, although it is a misconception that women must be fully covered in public. Dubai is known to be slightly more liberal than the rest of the country—you may see female tourists in shorts or with exposed shoulders. However, if you travel around the UAE, especially to places of worship, research what to wear first. In shopping malls, modest dress is advised, though expats and tourists often wear less. On private beaches or in hotel pools, swimwear is permitted, but you should cover up when leaving these areas. Dress codes in restaurants, bars, and clubs can vary, so check ahead. When visiting a mosque, women should cover their hair, arms, and legs, wear loose-fitting clothing, and remove shoes⁵.

Traveling Around

Women are allowed to drive in Dubai. The UAE’s neighbor, Saudi Arabia, only recently lifted its driving ban on women⁶. Dubai’s metro offers women-and-children-only carriages, which some find comfortable and others confusing; these are optional, and women can use mixed-gender carriages⁷.

How are Women Treated in Dubai?

Some customs in Dubai and the UAE may result in women being treated differently than men. For example, handshakes may be avoided for religious reasons, especially with women. The city offers women-only areas, such as designated queues in government buildings, pools and gyms, pink taxis, and metro carriages, as well as ladies’ nights in clubs and bars. These are optional, and women can use regular taxis and mixed-gender venues⁷.

Laws to Consider

There are several laws to be aware of before moving to Dubai. The UAE advises against public displays of affection; handholding is generally acceptable, but more intimate gestures are not. Being LGBTQ+ is illegal in the country⁸. Sex before marriage is also illegal, and there have been cases where couples faced legal trouble for being pregnant outside of marriage⁹. It is also illegal to live with someone of the opposite sex to whom you are not married or closely related⁸.

1. World Population Review. "Dubai Population 2024," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/dubai-population.
2. Global Media Insight. "UAE Population Statistics 2024," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.globalmediainsight.com/blog/uae-population-statistics/.
3. Grazia Daily. "Female segregation, xxxx fear, deportation: The reality of moving to Dubai as an expat," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/opinion/female-segregation-xxxx-fear-deportation-reality-moving-dubai-expat/.
4. Middle East Institute. "Women's Education in the GCC: The Road Ahead," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://mei.edu/publications/womens-education-gcc-road-ahead.
5. Edarabia. "Dubai Residency Visa for Wife/Husband," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.edarabia.com/dubai-residency-visa-wife-husband-guide/.
6. Gulf News. "Do's and don'ts for Dubai visitors, residents," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://gulfnews.com/how-to/dos-and-donts-for-dubai-visitors-residents-1.1248905.
7. Time Out Dubai. "Dubai Metro to relocate cabins for women and children," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.timeoutdubai.com/news/409938-dubai-metro-to-relocate-cabins-for-women-and-children.
8. Time Out Dubai. "Dubai Metro to relocate cabins for women and children," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.timeoutdubai.com/news/409938-dubai-metro-to-relocate-cabins-for-women-and-children.
9. Gulf News. "Do's and don'ts for Dubai visitors, residents," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://gulfnews.com/how-to/dos-and-donts-for-dubai-visitors-residents-1.1248905.
10. Equaldex. "LGBT Equality Index - United Arab Emirates," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.equaldex.com/region/united-arab-emirates.
11. Gulf News. "Couple face deportation for out-of-wedlock pregnancy," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://gulfnews.com/uae/crime/couple-face-deportation-for-out-of-wedlock-pregnancy-1.1895964.