An American in Dubai

While I wouldn’t throw caution to the wind, I would assert that you don’t need to focus on any specific precautions before heading for Dubai. I am also a male American Caucasian, and felt enormously comfortable the entire time I visited. You will find that Dubai is quite the international melting pot and well over half the population are expats, with a fair number of Caucasians mixing in. My buddy (also an American male Caucasian) has lived there nearly seven years and has never had any issues - at least none he has shared with me.

Dubai is primarily a large tourist city and I met plenty of British, Australian, Canadian, etc. folks working full-time or on vacation here. There are also quite a few Slavs around, so Caucasians abound. It would clearly be different if you were a 24-year old female visiting solo, but being male is insurance that you should be largely ignored.

I expected being an American (male) Caucasian in Dubai to be a non-event, which it was – but what truly surprised me was the welcoming reception I received when we headed out into the rural areas (Oman and the Empty Quarter). Even in these sparsely populated, largely Muslim regions I encountered nothing beyond gracious courtesy. Of course I was careful to be polite in return, but unless you’re planning on being the ultimate ugly American I can only encourage you to go and discover this beauty for yourself!