I truly feel compassion for the laborers and have no doubt that they are decent men just trying to earn a living and help out their families back in their home countries. The stares take some getting used to. I see Ronin's point, but it is still unsettling.

Still, I would tell every woman to exercise caution, especially if she is out and about on her own. I was nearly grabbed in the gold souq area this past tuesday - in broad daylight (I was wearing regular clothes, nothing revealing). The man then followed me (at a distance, since I pretty much raced to my car) and start rubbing himself. A while back, I was followed in Souq Waquif. It was this early incident that led me to buy an abaya and I now wear it when I go to the souqs - man, it really makes a difference! No one bothers me at all. Love it!!