“No we don’t have to cover up.”

“Yes, we’re allowed to drive.” Those old chestnuts from people who don’t know any better overseas. 

The UAE is a very special place to be of the female gender, and here’s why. 

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1. Ladies’ only carriages

A god-send at peak hour, the ladies’ only carriages usually aren’t quite as rammed full during your commute and you just might even get a seat.

2. Ladies’ nights

We couldn’t possibly write this list without including one of the perks of being a female – ladies night! Lads are always complaining they miss out on the freebies, but it’s tough luck men. 

3. Our own queues 

Don’t mind if I skip the huge queues, with this ladies’ only one. Particularly helpful at the airports, and government offices – it’s great to move along a bit quicker. 

4. Ladies’ only parking 

Right near the door. Thanks Al Wahda. The Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has implemented a ladies’ only parking section which is usually fairly empty and nice and close to the entry. 

5. The empowering groups

Business In Heels, Dubai Business Women’s Council, American Women’s Network and various other female empowerment groups are lovely to join and see the positivity come from. 

Supportive women ahoy! 

6. You can get in places that are full

No business wants an oversupply of men, and often will let groups of ladies into places that men can’t get into. Sorry dudes, you’ll have to wait outside. 

7. The leaders of the UAE are TOTALLY supportive of women 

The Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai shared tweets on International Women’s Day, while Emirates loves its female pilots and HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan – father of the nation once said: “The woman is half of the society, any country which pursues development should not leave her in poverty or illiteracy. I am on the woman’s side.”

Tomorrow we celebrate International Women’s day. In the UAE we are proud to recognize them for their inspiration and great contributions

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 7, 2017

Most of my team are women. I thank them – and call on every government minister and leader tomorrow to celebrate their female team members!

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 7, 2017