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World Women’s Day: Why Dubai treats me like a lady

We list the reasons why Dubai is the preferred city by women.

"I feel safe in Dubai. I don't have the same feeling of security in my own country, which is very sad," says Ornella Parigi, an Italian expat in UAE since 1994. This is the common sentiment many expats we spoke to share about the city. 
In today's uncertain times, 'safety' is beyond doubt the most voiced concern among expats. Away from their homeland, they find safe haven in Dubai. Ask any expat and the negligible crime in Dubai tops their list of reason to stay in the city.
As the International Women's Day is just two days away, we list a few reasons why women feel safe in Dubai. Read on -
1. Freedom to venture out
Fancy a midnight walk at Dubai Marina or grabbing a late night ice cream? It might come as a surprise to outsiders but a woman can enjoy a carefree stroll at midnight without being concerned about her safety. Be it leaving for an early morning shift at 5 am or coming home at 1 am from work, you can easily hop on public transports or cabs and walk to the safety of your home.
If you sense discomfort, just dial 999 and the Dubai Police will be at your rescue.
2. Ladies only
Dubai is home to expats who come in search of better opportunities and send every penny saved back home. As such, the public transports - Dubai metros and Dubai buses are the most preferred modes of transport. It is not surprising that 9,880,952 residents use the metro every month, adding up to 118,571,429 riders every year.
To ensure comfort for female travellers, Dubai Metro has reserved compartments for ladies. There are reserved seating and marked areas for ladies in Dubai bus too. So, in spite of the rush hour,  ladies can travel stress-free.  Men travelling in the ladies compartment can be fined Dh100 if caught.
Dubai Metro: 10 things that will get you on-the-spot fines of up to Dh2,000
3. Be treated like royalty
Much to the chagrin of few men, ladies usually get preference or dedicated separate lines at medical centres, ATM counters, hospitals, offices and most other counters. If there is no dedicated queue, the men (fellow expats and locals) would let you jump the line. Chivalry does exist in this part of the world.
4. No eyes on you
Thousands of female expats comfortably relocate and work in the city without any worries. The females we spoke to expressed how they had the freedom to wear whatever they desire without being judged or stared at by onlookers, a luxury they didn't enjoy back home. This also busts the misconception that many have about Dubai's restrictive dress code.
5.  All the love you need
Being single in the city comes with its advantages. Unlike some other cities where getting a rented apartment for a single lady may seem like a herculean task, Dubai is a smooth sail. You will get an apartment if you have a residency visa, irrespective of your relationship status. And your neighbours and watchmen will be more than happy to lend you a helping hand.
10 questions Dubai expats are tired of hearing
anita@khaleejtimes.com