Dubai is simply a spectacular city that has nestled itself in the middle of the Arabian Desert and has been enticing travelers with its dazzling attractions, opportunities for thrilling experiences, and getting a glimpse of the lavish. This city of concrete giants, luxurious malls, and vibrant nightclubs has long remained in the imagination of lovers of travel across the globe.
However planning a Dubai vacation brings along with it a sense of ambiguity and concerns about safety and acceptance.
I am aware of the challenges that we may experience when planning vacations in Dubai. While the ambiance of a modern city might be welcoming to tourists, Islamic laws still prevail in the region, which can make it difficult for LGBTQ+ tourists to blend in. Thus, in this article, we will explore the specifics of gay travel to Dubai, as well as answer the most popular questions and concerns. From traveling with a same-sex partner to navigating local customs and using dating apps, we’ll explore what you need to know to make an informed decision about your Dubai getaway.
Can I Go on Holiday to Dubai With My Boyfriend?
It is possible to take your boyfriend on a holiday to Dubai but there are certain precautions to take and or certain things to avoid when in Dubai. Although this answer might be considered shocking to some because of the UAE’s overall conservative image, Dubai can be seen as a relatively more liberal city in the region. Despite the concerns, many LGBTQ+ travelers, including gay couples, have been to Dubai and had no problems visiting the beautiful attractions, staying in luxurious accommodations, and even experiencing the desert for themselves.
But one has to be prepared for it and approach the visit with adequate knowledge of what is going on in the country. It is actually forbidden to be gay in the UAE, including Dubai, from a legal point of view. This legal reality means that while you can travel with your partner, you’ll have to be careful in the way you behave and how you hold hands or hug. Indeed, any signs of affection between the partners are prohibited in Dubai for any couple, homosexual or heterosexual. This cultural norm is prevalent even in holding hands, kissing or any other physical affectionate touches in public places.
When it comes to a gay couple visiting Dubai, it is advisable to act as friends or colleagues or in any way not as a couple in a same-sex relationship. Most hotels and resorts are prepared for the foreign guests and may not pay much attention to your relationship. However, it is always advisable to consider the possibility of such queries and to have low-key strategies in mind.
Can Two Men Share a Room in Dubai?
Two men can share a room in Dubai as there are no laws against it or any problems that may arise from it. This is a practice that is normal and is not considered objectionable in most of the hotels and other places of accommodation in the city. It is worth noting that Dubai, as a cosmopolitan city for commercial and tourist purposes, is aware that businessmen, colleagues, friends, and relatives of the same sex may have to share a room.
Remember to take care of yourselves and each other. Here are some practical tips to ensure you understand local laws, customs and regulations before you travel.
Generally, hotels in Dubai do not question guests on their marital or non-marital status or permit same-sex visitors to share the same room. This is something that is perfectly acceptable, as friends, colleagues, or relatives of the same gender often share a room due to convenience or cost. This norm can be useful to gay couples who would like to sleep in the same room during their stay.
However, in order to make sure that one doesn’t have to face any awkward situations, it is better to opt for a double bed which actually are two single beds. This is not a rare occurrence and again, if privacy or local perception is an issue, can be an added level of privacy. This is because many hotels have twin rooms or rooms with two queen beds that will be ideal for this purpose.
Nevertheless, let me stress that although room sharing per se is not a problem, the general setting of your stay should be considered rather carefully. Regarding the rules of conduct, PDA or other overtly romantic gestures are forbidden in the general areas of the hotel, including the lobby, restaurants, or pool areas, for any guests, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Is it Safe to Use Grindr or Other Dating Apps in Dubai?
Generally, using dating apps such as Grindr in Dubai is harmless, but there are certain risks that one should be careful about. In the case of the UAE, there isn’t any law that outright prohibits the use of such apps but due to the legal and cultural sensitivity surrounding the issues of LGBTQ+ people, it is advisable that one exercises caution and secrecy.
It is however important to note that many LGBTQ+ travelers and residents of Dubai do use these dating apps without issue. But there is one factor that needs to be taken very seriously – personal safety and the company one decides to keep. The fact that such applications enable users to remain anonymous is both a virtue and a vice, as it means that people can find friends and, at the same time, face danger.
In the case of dating apps in Dubai, there are certain measures you should observe. First, one should avoid posting or sending naked pictures or any other personal information through the platforms. The applications themselves may be secure and have no issues. However, the legal system of the UAE is such that such content may be used against you if it gets into the hands of the authorities.
It is also important to be careful when arranging a face-to-face meeting with a stranger. If at all you decide to meet the person, ensure that the venue is a public place that is in areas with high traffic and preferably those that are famous for being tourist attractions. Do not accept invitations from strangers to your hotel room or visit their homes if you are not conversant with the area or the person.
Know that there have been cases, although very limited, where the police have been using dating apps to arrest members of the LGBTQ+ community. Although these incidents are not very frequent and unlikely to happen to tourists, they make it crucial to be very careful when engaging in such services in Dubai.
The third important aspect is that internet usage within the UAE is confined and some websites as well as applications may be unavailable. Usually, dating apps are quite open to the public, but it doesn’t hurt to use a good VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Conclusion
Being an LGBTQ+ traveler in Dubai, especially for gay men, is a balancing game between establishing one’s individuality and being a tourist while observing the laws of the land. Although there is much to see in Dubai, and the city is perfectly safe for gay travelers, it is important to be cautious.
As we have seen, gay couples in fact can travel to Dubai as couples, rent a hotel room, and use dating apps but always with an understanding of the local laws. The essence for an exciting yet safe trip is in being mindful of the cultural expectations, while at the same time embracing the magic and opulence that Dubai has to offer.
When traveling to any destination with different cultural norms, it’s essential to prioritize safety and cultural sensitivity. For more detailed advice on navigating these aspects of international travel, I highly recommend reading our article on Navigating Cultural Sensitivity: Tips for Gay Male Travellers. This resource provides valuable insights that can help you travel more confidently and respectfully, not just in Dubai but in various destinations around the world.
As you plan your travels, remember that Dubai is just one of many exciting destinations waiting to be explored. At Gay Couple Getaway, we offer a wide range of destination guides and travel information tailored specifically for LGBTQ+ travelers. If you are interested in traveling and seeking the next travel destination, or if you are interested in gay travel destinations anywhere in the world, I invite you to visit other links. This is your chance to be amazed at how easy it is to find the perfect holiday destination!
