Traveling (transiting) via Dubai -

[97tbird]

So we might have to transit via Dubai Intl Airport next year sometime.

We are both US citizens (me, naturalized US citizen, brown guy from Asia orginally, and wife, Caucasian US citizen by birth).

For those who have been there, is there any concern just transiting through Dubai? We have a layover of a few hrs there, and do NOT intend to go out of the air port. Is it generally safe for white American women? We're sort of experienced intl travelers in general but have not been to any mid-eastern countries. (only Europe and Asia)

What do you guys think? wife and I have read up on Dubai and seems even safe to go and have a vacation, by the accounts of most people from US who visited Dubai, and generally thought to be modern compared to most middle eastern areas...providing you abide by the rules/laws there and don't do crazy stuff that might [censored] them off.

Just pondering and seeing if any of you guys have any experience/tips. etc

Thanks IA

 

[hypervish]

Dubai is safe! No worries!

I travel to India occasionally and there is nothing to worry about there either. They may bug you for money at the airport when leaving but that's about it.

 

[fdcg27]

Well, if you want to go anywhere on Emirates, you'll connect in Dubai.
I'd have fewer worries connecting through Dubai than I would any European or American airport, although I've never done Dubai.
Dubai would have to be better than MIA, JFK, EWR, LHR, AMS or CDG.
Dubai is well spoken of by those who've connected through it, and there is no place else in the world today and probably never will be, where you'll see as many A380s.
But then Emirates currently operates more of them than every other airline in the world combined.
If you think you'll have problems based upon race, I doubt that, since so many people of so many races transit this airport every day.
You're more likely to be profiled in either the US or Europe.
There a lot of sites better than this one for asking about airport experiences.
You might try flyertalk or pprune.

 

[dparm]

Ask on FlyerTalk.

I think you'll be fine as it's a major international airport that sees people from all walks of life 24/7.

 

[UNC151]

I had to to travel to Dubai in 2012 and was more than a little apprehensive (only due to the surrounding area and not so much Dubai itself). I have to say that from the moment that I landed until I left I never felt more safe anywhere else. There is an "atmosphere" in the airport that lets you know there will be no funny business going on. Not oppressive, but I think you will understand what I mean when you are there.

I was in the city for 3 days and there was never an issue of any kind. I swear that if you left your wallet in the street the only person that would pick it up would be someone to hand it over to the police. I was treated with respect and was never approached by anyone that may have had thoughts about anything other than "normal business". The Burj Khalifa was magnificent as was the fountain below. The elevator traveled 124 floors in less than 60 seconds or about 42mph. It is said that everything is bigger in Texas--not quite; everything is bigger in Dubai.

 

[Kuato]

I know a guy that flies for Emirates. He says no.worries inside.the airport.

 

[y_p_w]

The only issues I've heard about are regarding alcohol. Theoretically anyone purchasing alcohol is required to have a personal license, which is only available someone with a residence permit. I understand this is rarely enforced unless they want to make an example out of someone. There are certainly places that will sell alcohol to someone without a license, and for most it goes off without issues.

There was a Norwegian woman working in Dubai who accused a man of rape. He copped to unlawful sex outside of marriage (claiming it was consensual) and then she got charged with the same crime. It was also found out that she had consumed alcohol and didn't have a license and she got an additional penalty. The slate was eventually wiped away via a royal decree.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/22/world/meast/uae-norway-rape-controversy/