If you live in Dubai, are passing through, or just looking for some Emirati love, then you are in the right place. There are plenty of attractive, like-minded, single individuals looking for their true love in Dubai.
But where should you start? And what do you need to know about the dating culture and rules in Dubai?
Not to worry. I’ve got everything you need to know about Dubai dating, and I even have two recommended online dating sites where you can find your true love.
Why Trust Doves-of-Love
- Faithfully reviewed over 1000 International online dating and matchmaking services.
- Experienced & dedicated team of dating bloggers and writers.
- Author of dating ebooks, including ‘International Dating Digest For Men: Finding Love Overseas’.
- Contributed in many publications including Notsalmon.com, Marriage.com, or Medium.com.
Why You Should Try Dubai Dating in 2025?
Dubai is one of the more liberal cities in the United Arab Emirates; however, in many respects, it is very traditional too.
In Dubai and on Dubai dating apps, there are many Emiratis and expats looking for true love.
Generally, Emiratis marry other Emiratis. However, online dating opens up many more opportunities where Arab singles can explore foreign cultures, date, find love, and marry like-minded singles.
Love knows no laws or cultural taboos, so don’t be frightened by the thought of dating someone from a more traditional culture than yours (or a more liberal one if you’re an Emirati looking for love online).
Dating Rules and Culture in Dubai
Every country has its own dating rules and cultures you should respect, whether you are a native, tourist, or expat.
Dubai is no different. The city is part of the United Arab Emirates, an Islamic country that subscribes to Sharia Law.
Here are the most important rules to keep in mind when dating in Dubai:
- No public displays of affection are permitted.
- It’s frowned upon to live with your partner before marriage.
- Raising your voice is a big no-no, so always speak politely and respectfully with your date.
- Local Emiratis are very traditional, so respect their view of the world and religion.
- No sex before marriage.
- Don’t take your Emirati date clubbing or partying since Muslims don’t drink alcohol.
- The male partner wears the pants in the relationship since Dubai is patriarchal.
- Don’t talk about sex or sexual relationships in public.
- Treat all ladies - expats and locals - with respect. Be chivalrous, and don’t take a photo of your soulmate without their consent.
- For dates, choose local attractions and public activities to get to know each other.
- Don’t announce that you are dating in public; keep this information private.
How Do We Select and Compare Dubai Dating Apps - Our Criteria
When I look at online dating sites, I feel like I have a magnifying glass in front of me. I look at the dating site in minute detail so I can find all the good points and all the bad points before making my final recommendation (read our guide: Dating Sites Reviews – How to Choose the Best Dating Service).
I evaluate all dating sites according to a set of strict criteria:
- How reputable is the site? Do users rave about the site? Is it legit and safe for my readers to use?
- What is the profile quality and quantity?
- What are the costs of the online dating site and what’s free? Will users feel like they need to rob a bank to stay in touch with their true love?
- How usable is the site? Can a user easily find what they are looking for?
- How safe is the site? What protection measures does the platform have in place?
Our Recommendations: Dubai Dating Apps for Men & Women
Looking for your Arabian soulmate?
Sign up to one of these two recommended online dating sites:
ArabLounge.com - Best for: Those looking for Arab singles all over the world and forming serious relationships
ArabLounge.com is part of World Singles Networks, a US-operated company. The Arab online dating platform was created in 2002, so it’s been operational for more than two decades.
The purpose of ArabLounge.com is to connect Arab Singles from all religions (and not all Arab singles are Muslim – there are many different religions and interpretations of Sharia Law), nationalities, and walks of life so everyone can have the happily ever after they’ve dreamed of.
- Profiles are approved by moderators, which helps weed out fake profiles and scammers
- Unique features like Photo Slideshow and My Mood
- Can send winks
You can do the basics like signing up, creating your profile, searching and browsing, and sending winks for free on ArabLounge.com.
If you want to send messages to those you are interested in, have detailed search options, and boost your profile’s visibility in the search results, you need a Platinum Power membership.
There are three subscription options:
- 1 month will cost you US$19.79 (discounted from US$32.99)
- 3 months will cost you US$14.99 per month (a discount from US$24.99 per month) - pay a once-off US$44.98
- 6 months will cost you US$11.99 per month (discounted from US$19.99 per month) - a one-time payment of US$71.96
- Site is available in English, Arabic, Dutch, and French
- Can see an activity history of who winked at you, viewed your profile, and more
- App on the Google Play Store
If you are looking for a comprehensive review of ArabLounge.com, I’ve got one for you!
Muslima.com - Best for: Those looking for discreet hookups and casual dates
Muslima.com is part of Cupid Media Group’s 30+ online dating sites. It was created in June 2006, so Muslima.com has been operational for nearly two decades. Read our review: Muslima.com Review: How reliable and serious is Muslima?
The company describes Muslima.com as an “international Muslim matrimonial site” and a premium service that’s specifically designed for Muslims.
- Cupid Tags so others can find your profile based on keywords
- Ranking boost when you become a paying member
- Translation feature to help minimize language barrier issues
Free services on Muslima.com include registering on the site, creating an online dating profile, basic matching, and communicating with paying members.
If you want to communicate with anyone, disable ads, and access translation services, you need to sign up for a Gold, Platinum, or Diamond subscription.
The costs for a Gold subscription are:
- 1 week - US$18.00
- 1 month - US$35.99 per month
- 3 months - US$23.33 per month; billed as US$69.98 once-off
- 12 months - US$11.67 per month; billed as US$139.99 once-off
The costs for a Platinum subscription are:
- 1 week - US$20.50
- 1 month - US$40.99 per month
- 3 months - US$26.66 per month; billed as US$79.98 once-off
- 12 months - US$13.33 per month; billed as US$159.99 once-off
The costs for a Diamond (aka exclusive) subscription are:
- 1 week - US$41.00
- 1 month - US$81.98 per month
- 3 months - US$53.32 per month; billed as US$159.97 once-off
- 12 months - US$26.67 per month; billed as US$319.98 once-off
- Apps on the Google Play Store and App Store
- Site is available in almost 30 languages, from English, Spanish, and Turkish to Arabic, French, and Chinese
- Verification badge on verified profiles
Dubai Dating Apps and Sites - FAQs
The United Arab Emirates regularly bans online dating sites and unbans them just as quickly. So Tinder sometimes works, and sometimes it doesn’t. One way to use Tinder in the UAE, whether the online dating platform is or isn’t banned, is with the use of a VPN.
LoveHabibi isn’t a free dating site, and the platform doesn’t offer a free trial either. So if you sign up to LoveHabibi, expect to pay a monthly fee of US$35. A note on free dating sites – nothing in life is free, so be careful where you sign up and share your information.
I blacklisted ArabianDate.com because the sign up process is confusing and there’s a difficult-to-find customer service help option. Other reasons for blacklisting ArabianDate.com are bad user reviews and trust ratings and no information on the profile verification process so profiles are probably unverified.
Bumble is one of the dating sites that may be blocked in the United Arab Emirates, and you need a VPN to use Bumble in Dubai. That being said, Bumble is popular in Dubai, especially amongst expats.
Expats find dating very challenging in Dubai because the city is considered a transit phase so they stay there for a while before moving on and everyone works long hours, leaving little time for a healthy work-life balance where there’s time to date. Plus, sex before marriage is illegal there.
Final Thoughts on Dubai Dating Sites
Online dating is still as popular as ever, and if you are looking for a single Arab to make your heart happy, then sign up to Muslima.com or ArabLounge.com.
Remember to be considerate of the local dating culture, and your date will soon fall in love with you.
If you want to read more, check out my top 3 Arab dating sites for 2025!
Wanna find out how to meet an amazing foreign woman and have experience in International dating, but you have no idea how to start it. Keep calm, we are right here to help! ☝️ Ask Krystyna
