New data from The Visa Services Agency, a leading Dubai-based visa services expert, reveals a significant year-on-year rise in female visa applicants among the residents of the UAE. Women accounted for 34.5% of total visa applications in 2024, increasing sharply to 45.5% in 2025, while the share of male applicants declined from 65.5% to 54.4% over the same period. This shift reflects a broader global trend toward female independent travel, with Japan, Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), South Korea, and Vietnam emerging as the top destinations for women traveling solo.
UAE Women Lead the Trend
Financial independence, high safety standards and exceptional global mobility drive the rise in independent female travel from the UAE. Additionally, the UAE is home to many influencers, entrepreneurs, and content creators – for whom travel is not just leisure, but an integral part of their lifestyle and professional journey.
“Women in the Emirates are setting a new standard for solo travel. As one of the world’s most connected and progressive travel hubs, the UAE provides women with the safety and opportunity to explore the world on their own terms,” said Anastasia Yanchenko, CEO of The Visa Services Agency. “We expect the number of female visa applications to continue growing next year, with an average increase of 10-15% in 2026.”
Profiles of UAE Solo Female Travelers
The new data identifies several fast-growing categories of solo female travelers from the UAE. Self-care travelers seek restoration, mindfulness, and emotional balance. Lifestyle travelers and influencers view travel as an integral part of personal branding and content creation. Cultural explorers are drawn to art, museums, gastronomy, and aesthetically rich locations. Quiet luxury travelers prioritize premium service, serene settings, and meaningful experiences. Finally, businesswomen and professionals form a rapidly expanding segment, traveling for international conferences, industry forums, exhibitions, educational programs, and business meetings.
Top Solo Destinations for Women from the UAE
The data highlights several regions that consistently attract solo female travelers from the UAE. Japan stands out as one of the safest destinations globally, ranked ninth in overall travel safety and rated first for safety from violent crime and transportation safety according to the 2026 Safest Countries ranking by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. The country draws travelers with its rich aesthetics, culture, slow-living lifestyle, wellness programs, creative retreats, and gastronomy.
Across Asia, solo travel saw a 16% YoY increase in accommodation searches in 2025, with Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam emerging as key destinations for independent exploration. UAE travelers increasingly seek restorative experiences in these countries, with Bali recognized as a global center for self-discovery and wellness retreats.
The United States remains a popular destination for professional growth, creative industries, fashion events, and cultural experiences, with Dubai-based influencers and content creators frequently traveling to New York, Los Angeles, and Miami as part of their career development.
Europe, including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, attracts travelers interested in cultural routes, art-focused itineraries, gastronomy travel, weekend solo trips, and lifestyle-driven journeys. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is favored for education, theater, exhibitions, museums, and calm urban solo itineraries.
About The Visa Services Agency
The Visa Services Agency is a Dubai-based visa and residency services expert with seven years of experience and over 20,000 successful visa applications. The company’s personalised, efficient services for individuals and businesses navigating complex immigration processes provide a sense of confidence and security.
