UAE ranked the safest destination for solo female travellers
In global index
According to a new report by Wethrift, the online discount platform, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been named the safest country for solo female travellers. In an analysis of the top 30 countries on the 2023 Women, Peace, and Security Index, the UAE achieved fifth place overall, scoring 88.15. Notably, it secured the number one spot for safety, earning the highest score of any country surveyed for walking alone at night.
This latest recognition further cements the UAE’s growing reputation as a progressive and secure travel hub, particularly for women exploring the world independently. The country’s safety score of 83.52, the highest among all nations in the report, surpasses long-standing travel favourites such as Japan (73.82) and Singapore (77.38).
The study demonstrates the UAE’s efforts to establish a secure, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all visitors.
Affordability is another key factor that helped push the UAE to the top of the rankings. Despite higher hotel costs averaging $125.83 per night, other essential travel expenses remain surprisingly low. A typical daily food budget is just $8.15, while a one-way local transport ticket costs only $1.36. This balance between luxury and affordability makes the UAE appealing to solo travellers who enjoy premium experiences without straining their budgets too much.
Tours
Regarding things to do, the UAE leads in variety and accessibility. The study found that there are 103 guided solo traveller tours available throughout the country. This number surpasses those offered in higher-ranked destinations like Lithuania and Slovakia, which offer 16 and 15 tours, respectively. These options include everything from cultural experiences in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to desert safaris and heritage tours across the Emirates.
Nick Drewe, CEO and trends expert at Wethrift, highlighted the UAE’s standout performance: “The UAE’s position as the safest destination for solo female travellers represents an achievement in global tourism. With an unmatched safety score of 83.52 for walking alone at night, the Emirates has successfully created an environment where women can explore with confidence and peace of mind.
“What’s particularly impressive about the UAE’s performance is how it balances luxury experiences with everyday affordability. Whilst hotel costs are higher than in some destinations, daily expenses like food and transportation remain surprisingly budget-friendly, allowing travellers to enjoy premium experiences without excessive daily spending.
“As women increasingly represent a growing demographic of independent travellers, we expect more destinations to follow the UAE’s example by adopting female-friendly policies and infrastructure to attract this valuable market.”
Performance
The UAE’s strong performance is part of a broader trend towards safer and more affordable travel for women. Countries like Poland, Lithuania, and Slovakia topped the rankings thanks to their low travel costs and reasonable safety levels. However, none could match the UAE’s combination of safety, guided travel opportunities and mid-range pricing.
Poland, which took the top overall spot with a score of 99.59, offers one of the lowest daily food budgets at just $7.37 and a high number of tours (65). However, its safety score for walking alone at night (61.97) falls well below that of the UAE. Lithuania and Slovakia scored high for affordability but offered significantly fewer solo travel options.
Meanwhile, although culturally rich and well-developed, destinations like Japan and Spain ranked lower due to higher overall costs and relatively lower safety ratings. Japan, for instance, despite offering over 500 solo traveller tours, scored only 75.86 overall, mainly due to its elevated median cost for guided experiences.
The report utilised data from Numbeo, Tour Radar, Expedia, and Bookmundi. It assessed countries based on key travel metrics, including hotel and meal costs, transportation prices, solo tour availability, and personal safety. A weighted scoring system emphasised affordability and safety, making the final ranking particularly relevant for female travellers planning solo trips in 2024 and beyond.
With the rise of solo female travel worldwide, more nations are likely to implement policies and develop infrastructure to attract independent women travellers. The UAE is a prime example, providing strong personal security, accessible luxuries, and numerous solo travel opportunities. It could become a blueprint for other destinations looking to gain trust and attract this growing and impactful travel demographic.
Image: Affordability is a key factor that helped push the UAE to the top of the rankings. Credit: Max Avans
Last Updated on 3 weeks by Arnold Pinto
