Safe or stupid to travel in the Middle East as an american female?

Question

Do you think it's safe or stupid for me to take a trip over to Qatar and the UAE as a female with her boyfriend?

Answer 1

Not at all. Just go for it. Avoid Israel and Iraq because that is where the trouble lies;-p

Answer 2

Very SAFE! Qatar and UAE are very safe countries. I went many times to Dubai and I've been living in Qatar for quite a long time and I never had any trouble.

In Qatar you can leave the car door open and when you come back, nothing is missing!

good luck,

Answer 3

I haven't been to those countries in particular, but in general the Middle East is perfectly safe.  I doubt that a rich country like the UAE would be any danger (just...no s*x on the beach - follow link for why).

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnew...

And Qatar has such a huge immigrant population from all over the world, you'll fit right in.

In the ME, my gf and I normally pretend that we're married.  It makes life easier.

Answer 4

In general I think both places are pretty safe, and have pretty large tourist industries especially UAE/Dubai.

Are you planning on staying at tourist areas/resorts or traveling around on your own? Either way make sure you do a little research and obey the local laws/customs. Both are quite conservative countries- if you're at a resort hotel or something they're much more lax but outside those areas you need to pay close attention to stuff like modest dress, public displays of affection (I think thats illegal in Qatar), etc.

Answer 5

Very safe..more so than the usa even...really...because criminals in Arab countries are dealt with harshly. especially when they mess with americans or europeans because the countries don't want "international issues" that may effect business/government relationships.

I do recomend adhering somewhat to the local culture..because you will be more comfortable. basicly don't run around half naked or get publicly intoxicated....

UAE does have issues with s*x trades..so avoid being alone around men  when possible..like taxi's etc...if you do...be aware of your surroundings, and keep your embassy's phone number stored in speed dial on your phone..very effective in threatening anyone who pesters you....but most likely you will only have to worry about getting the local price for things...that will probably be your bigest challenge...have fun