> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thesignaturejess.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Is Dubai Safe Right Now? My Weekend Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi - URL: https://www.thesignaturejess.com/is-dubai-safe-right-now/ - Published: 2026-05-17T08:34:05.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-19T13:48:21.000Z - Description: Writing live from the UAE in May 2026 - Author: Jess - Tags: #Dubai, #Abu Dhabi, Travel, Life, UAE *Hey there, I’m Jess* ✨*. On* [***The Signature***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/about-me/)*, I share reflections on beauty, routines, travel, wellness, culture, and everyday life. For those drawn to a calmer, more intentional way of living, I send a free newsletter each month on the 7th.* [***You're welcome to join***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/#/portal/)*.* --- "*Habibi, take me to Dubaiiiii!*" and finally it happened! I am writing you from the United Arab Emirates, where I am spending the weekend [between **Dubai**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/what-i-did-not-do-in-dubai/) and [**Abu Dhabi**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/abu-dhabi-day-trip-from-dubai/). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/05/IMG_8467-1.jpg) **The Qasr Al Watan presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, May 2026* [Weekend Getaway in DubaiWhat I didn’t do in Dubai in 96 hours: the Burj Khalifa, desert safari and Dubai Mall, and what I chose to experience instead![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-14007493-5be8-4e9f-9de5-d35025a7f8de.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1580674684081-7617fbf3d745-363f0488-cb80-48fa-b66f-fb4b09ff34be)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/what-i-did-not-do-in-dubai/) [Abu Dhabi in a NutshellFrom the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the Yas Marina Circuit, a first glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s culture, architecture and quieter luxury![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-a9a92b0b-bccb-4c2c-b43c-5f72a9071092.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_8383-1-1-96384545-0267-44de-8d1d-725adbca3f82.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/abu-dhabi-day-trip-from-dubai/) [Unlock 20+ Travel Guides](#/portal/signup/free) ## Is Dubai a good idea right now? My husband comes to the UAE for work very often, sometimes for weeks-long stints. I had the opportunity to come with him several times but I always declined, as they were never the right timing for me. I was about to decline this trip again - I have severe airplane fatigue, to be honest - but I decided to stop saying no, and say yes to discovering a new country where my husband has been spending a lot of time. I knew he really wanted to share with me what his life is like when he is here. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/05/IMG_8614.jpg) **Sunset in Bluewaters, Dubai in May 2026* [Travel Non-Negotiables from a Frequent TravelerI was two months old on my first transatlantic trip. 40 years later, I might know a thing or two about travelling![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-e33203e2-b1eb-4866-8a48-8d8b58d3c34f.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_3341-1-1-9f52717a-07ad-4b1b-b32d-45ff45ee4e5e.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/my-controversial-travel-opinions/) ## Is it safe in Dubai right now? **This is my experience as a tourist.** My husband and I don't live in fear and we were never scared to come although we have to be aware that the current regional conflict is on everybody's mind. Dubai has felt the impact, yet it has shown resilience through and through. The airport - one of the busiest in the whole world - was shut down temporarily, flights were cancelled, people were stranded and the anxiety around the world intensified rapidly. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/05/IMG_8263.jpg) **The Mall of Emirates in Dubai in May 2026* ## Where are the locals and residents? The locals became more cautious and temporarily stayed home more often. Nowadays the people who stayed are going out and about (after several weeks of working and schooling from home), yet life isn't exactly the same. There is still traffic, but a bit less. There is still activity in the malls, but a bit less. Yet the summer is about to start and Emiratis summer (yes, it's a whole verb here in the UAE!) elsewhere because of the scorching hot temperatures. The city will feel even quieter in a few weeks. Yet at every corner, you see UAE flags proudly displayed on buildings and balconies. There is a palpable sense of pride towards the government. It's heartwarming to see that show of affection and it not being just because of a football game. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/05/IMG_8383.jpg) **Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi in May 2026* ## Where are the tourists? We have been talking to locals, from my husband's coworkers to drivers, shopkeepers and hotel staff, and many say the past few weeks were challenging. Hotels are not at full capacity and it shows. Our hotel breakfast lounge is always empty in the morning. We have been to the [**Mall of the Emirates**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/sephora-dubai-beauty-review/) in Dubai and my husband said it was a "timid experience", as he had never seen it so quiet, especially around lunch break and after business hours. [Sephora Middle East Review: Everything I Bought in DubaiFrom aggressive sales tactics and viral beauty brands to a massive skincare and haircare haul, here is what Sephora Dubai actually feels like![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/size/w1200/2026/05/sephora-mall-emirates-dubai.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/sephora-dubai-beauty-review/) One of the most striking things right now is how hard Dubai’s hospitality industry is trying to bring people back. Hotels, restaurants and malls remain open as usual, but everywhere you look there are staycation offers, discounts and promotions trying to attract residents and tourists back into the city. We had the opportunity to visit several attractions in Abu Dhabi too, such as the **Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque** and the **Qasr Al Watan** presidential palace. Both were relatively quiet. It makes for a pleasant experience for us, but a desolate one when you think about tourism as a whole. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/05/IMG_8409.jpg) **Inside the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi in May 2026* [Share how safe you feel](#/share) ## What does it feel like to be a tourist in Dubai and Abu Dhabi? I am very happy to be here. I feel very safe everywhere my husband and I go. I sincerely hope it's a short episode in the history of this very prosperous and ambitious country. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2026/05/IMG_8597.jpg) **Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Residence (known as JBR) at sunset in May 2026* --- **Like this content and want more?* You can* [***subscribe to get a monthly edit***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/#/portal/) *and we can connect also on* [**BlueSky**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/eebbfd7d?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**TikTok**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/3a8dd75f?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**Youtube**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/5cd54466?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**Pinterest**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/f6c35afb?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb)