Female photographer taking foto's at night. Is it safe? | United Arab Emirates - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:19:44 +0000

Hi everyone,

Im flying via Dubai on the 27 July and have a 10 hour transit at night. I was thinking of checking out the city at night and taking some night shots. I can't wait to see the moderne architecture!! (Especially if it's lit up!)
Im just wondering if it is a good idea being, short (1,61), blond (short hair) and alone at night on the streets with my camera and tripod?
Ive read many posts saying it's very safe, but because my equipment might attract attention I'd like to know for sure.

My flight arrives at 12:00 am and leaves at 10:10 am.
Im also thinking of getting a hotel (Ibis) in case I'm really tired, so I can also freshen up etc.
Also a few other Q's:
What would a taxi cost in the middel of the night to the Ibis World Trade Hotel, and to make a round trip to the highest building/hotel, then back to the ibis??
Does anyone know a nice bar/ resturaunt that is open that late to get a bite and a drink?
Any other tips would be welcome, if anyone else would like to sight see that night company is welcome :)

anonymous

ONLINE

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:33:28 +0000

Dubai is one of safety cities on the world nearly 0% crime rates.

Regarding you travelling alone always take local taxi and better for a lady to sit at the back of the taxi. Don’t make any friendly talk – people think you’re offered them more.

Dress respectably you should be fine) you can take photos but maybe police will think sometime else so just be careful

The taxi rider from airport to down town can cost around nearly 100 AED = 27 USD
Min charge for taxi in Dubai can cost 10 AED 2.72 AED it depends how far from hotel to tallest building) cost can be) 30 AED or 40 AED each way) 30AED = 8 USD 40AED = 10 USD) all taxis have metres.

Have a long on this web site gives you good idea on restaurants

http://www.timeoutdubai.com/restaurants

You will be fine – you may get man looking but just ignore them don’t talk to them) only other advise is remember you are going to Arab Muslim country respect culture and law of nation you will be fine.

If you are bringing any medicine make sure you get a doctor letter) in the past few tourist got put in jail for breaking Dubai laws.

Dubai immigration will ask you where your staying at – just tell them hotel name and full international code of your hotel number.

Custom may look at your back that is normal thing don’t be worried about that.

If you have any other question you drop me an email on LP I will try my best to reply a.s.a.p.

Good Luck and have fun in Dubai.

Kind regards

Jay

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ONLINE

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:51:13 +0000

Very safe : stick to the main roads and don't wander into tiny little alleys however. If you get propositioned by motorists, ignore them and do not react. That's a result of the ladies of the night out at that time. Dress very conservatively at that time of the night - it is about 38 degree at night, so wear cottons.

The Burj Khalifa opens at 10 am and closes at 10 pm or 11 pm so you will miss going to At the Top (the observatory). A taxi from the Ibis to the BK will be less than 20 dirhams one way. Don't keep him waiting : lots of taxis around. The building is beautiful : if you can, pop by the Armani hotel entrance for a view of the BK at night as well.

All hotel bars are open till 3 am - the food outlets take their last order by 11 pm or so. If you don't mind the humidity sitting outdoors and you would like nice photo ops of the Burj Al Arab hotel, go to Bahari Bar (MIna Al Salam) or Koulebah (AL Qasar) at the Madinat Jumeriah or 360 at the Jumeriah Beach hotels. There are lots of all night open take aways on Shekh Zayed Road particularly Lebanese food outlets.

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