Emirati adventurer Alya Alshamsi encourages women to explore the UAE through solo travel
- Last updated: June 18, 2026 | 09:12
Looking beyond the UAE’s famous landmarks, Instagram travel influencer and content creator Alya Alshamsi is encouraging women to embrace solo travel and discover the country’s lesser-known destinations. On her Instagram platform, Alshamsi shares experiences from both local and international travels, giving followers an authentic look at destinations while promoting meaningful exploration.
Her passion for travel comes from a desire to experience different cultures, landscapes, and environments firsthand. “I love exploring new places and discovering what makes each destination special,” she said. “Whether it’s the culture, the people, the nature, or the experiences it offers, every place has something unique to offer.”
Valuing both companionship and independence, Alshamsi enjoys travelling with family and friends but is equally comfortable exploring alone. She believes solo travel offers opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. “Travelling alone gives me the freedom to explore at my own pace,” she said.
“It creates a different kind of experience that helps me grow and learn more about myself.” Exploring destinations away from crowded tourist attractions has become one of the most rewarding aspects of her travel experiences. Throughout the UAE, she has visited secluded beaches, mountain landscapes, desert regions, and hidden locations that many travellers often overlook.
Young travellers often associate the UAE with its modern cities and iconic attractions, but Alshamsi believes the country’s natural beauty deserves equal recognition. Through her content, she highlights lesser-known locations that showcase a different side of the nation. “I enjoy discovering places that many people don’t know about because they reveal a different side of the UAE,” she said. “I love sharing these spots with others and showing that the country has so much more to offer than its famous attractions.”
As a female traveller, Alshamsi described the UAE as one of the safest and most welcoming countries for women interested in travelling independently. She encourages more women to step outside their comfort zones and explore destinations across the country. “There are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from beautiful natural landscapes and mountains to beaches, deserts and off-the-beaten-path destinations,” she said. She also encourages women who are considering solo travel to seek advice from experienced travellers and content creators who can offer practical recommendations and reassurance. According to Alshamsi, supportive travel communities can help build confidence, particularly for those travelling alone for the first time. “I’m always happy to help,” she said. “Whether it’s recommending places, sharing safety tips, explaining how to get somewhere or answering questions, I’m more than happy to share my experiences.”
Alshamsi stated that one of the most rewarding parts of creating travel content is seeing how her experiences inspire others to explore places they may not have considered visiting before. Through messages and comments from followers, she has seen how travel can encourage people to become more adventurous and open to new experiences. She believes travel offers valuable opportunities to learn about different cultures, traditions and ways of life. Whether travelling within the UAE or abroad, she said every destination has something unique to teach visitors.
For Alshamsi, travelling is not simply about taking photographs or visiting popular attractions. Instead, she views it as a chance to create meaningful memories and develop a deeper appreciation for the world around her. She explained that some of her most memorable experiences have come from unexpected moments and spontaneous discoveries made during her journeys. She added that travel has helped her become more adaptable and confident, particularly when navigating unfamiliar places and situations. These experiences, she said, have contributed to both her personal growth and her passion for continuing to explore new destinations.
Alshamsi hopes her content will inspire more people to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new experiences and appreciate the beauty that can be found in destinations both near and far.
Beyond inspiring travel, Alshamsi hopes to challenge common misconceptions surrounding solo exploration. Many people, she stated, assume travelling alone is either lonely or unsafe. “Solo travel isn’t about being alone,” she explained. “It’s about enjoying your own company and having the freedom to explore at your own pace.”
Before travelling, she researches destinations, plans routes and gathers information from fellow travellers to help ensure a smooth experience.
For younger generations interested in exploring the world, Alshamsi emphasised the importance of travelling in a way that feels authentic rather than simply following social media trends. “Travel in a way that feels true to you,” she said. “Don’t visit places just because they’re trending online. Explore destinations and experiences that genuinely excite you.”
Alshamsi said her goal is to provide followers with an honest and realistic view of the places she visits while encouraging them to travel with curiosity and confidence. “What motivates me to keep sharing my travel experiences is my passion for showing places as they truly are,” she said. “If my content inspires someone to explore a new destination or feel more confident about travelling, then I feel I’ve achieved something meaningful.” Looking ahead, Alshamsi hopes to continue expanding her travels both within the UAE and internationally. Destinations currently on her travel bucket list include Socotra Island, the Philippines, and several countries across South America.
For Alshamsi, travel is about more than just reaching a destination. It is an opportunity to embrace new experiences, create lasting memories, and gain new perspectives. As interest in independent travel continues to grow, her message remains clear: new perspectives and meaningful experiences are often found by those who are willing to explore beyond their comfort zones.