This piece wishes to debunk several misconceptions about living in UAE as a woman. Otherwise, it will be unfair for individuals who want to visit the United Arab Emirates but are too scared to take that flight. What’s the accurate picture of living in Dubai as a black woman? By the end of this discussion, you should have answered this question. Besides highlighting any misconception about UAE, we will explain the facts to help you understand how your life will be once you relocate to this country.
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Common Misconceptions about Living in UAE as a Woman
Most women can’t imagine living in the UAE due to certain misconceptions, including the following;
Sexual Harassment in the UAE is Rampant
Whereas some people associate UAE with sexual harassment, that’s far from the truth. Ironically, there are less than 2 women in every 100,000 women who are sexually harassed in this country. Whereas even one woman who is harassed sexually is one too many, the UAE is doing way better than most countries.
A Woman Must Cover Your Hair
Do you know a woman who does not need to cover her hair in the United Arab Emirates? The only exception is when entering the mosque for apparent reasons. It is crucial to respect other people’s religion, so besides covering your hair, you should also wear an abaya when entering the mosque. Under different circumstances, living in Dubai as an American woman would mean letting that hair down or doing a ponytail, depending on what you like.
A Woman Can’t Own Property
One of the misconceptions about living in UAE as a woman is that you can’t own property. On the contrary, a woman can own a property in the country by purchasing or inheriting it. Equally important, she can sell her property without consulting anyone, including her guardian. As long as it adheres to UAE natural laws, one can own and control property, including land, regardless of gender.
A Woman Can’t Access Education Like Your Male Counterparts
That’s also far from the truth since 95% of the women are literate. According to UAE living conditions, more women than men are pursuing higher education.
A Woman Can’t Work in the UAE Government
The country was position 35 due to its efforts in promoting women’s political empowerment during the 2023 World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report. So, such a claim is indisputably one of the misconceptions about living in UAE as a woman. The country’s public sector represents a country that embraces and encourages female participation, with this gender holding two-thirds of its position. Some even hold leadership positions, and that’s remarkable.
A Woman Can’t Work in the UAE
Since sustaining UAE living conditions without a livelihood is complex, some women haven’t relocated to this country due to this misconception. Around 40% of the country’s workforce constitutes women. Besides government, women work in all sectors, including business, healthcare, and education, to mention a few. They receive the same salaries as their male counterparts, holding similar positions.
A Woman Can’t Drive
This misconception about UAE is partly due to its adjacent neighbor, Saudi Arabia. For so long, women weren’t allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, but even that has changed over time. So, don’t assume you can’t drive if you move to Dubai. Living in Dubai as a black woman or any other woman allows you to work as a taxi driver. Women also run logistics companies if they so wish. Only women can drive the women-only taxis, too.
A Woman Needs Guardian’s Permission to Get Married or Travel
It is yet another misconception about UAE. All Emirati women don’t need permission to get married or travel. As long as one has reached the legal age, she can travel or marry if she deems fit. However, that may not be the case for some foreign women. Their visa status determines if a foreign woman can get married or travel without the guardian’s permission.
A Woman Can’t Own a Business
Besides working, a woman can also own a business in the United Arab Emirates. It explains the gender’s active participation in the private sector. Do you know that 10% of the business owners in the UAE’s private sector are women? In 2023, 15 of its women were among the 100 Most Powerful Arab Businesswomen, according to Forbes.
Women’s Rights Are Inferior
Living in Dubai as an American woman means you have the same rights as an Emirati man or woman. The constitution clearly gives everyone equal rights, and women aren’t an exception. Therefore, you can come to work anywhere, including outside the home, get an education, run for office, and vote. Workplace discrimination, especially against women, is illegal.
Final Words on UAE Living Conditions
It is no secret that there are many misconceptions about living in UAE as a woman. Fortunately, our discussion has debunked some significant myths about residing in the country. It turns out that the UAE treats men and women equally. It is safe, conducive, and fun to live in UAE as a woman.
