Umm Al Duwais · The Woman Dressed in Gold

The best-known female spirit along the Gulf coast is Umm Al Duwais: her hair hangs loose, she is covered in gold jewellery and heavy with perfume. She appears at night in the desert or in narrow lanes, and she looks for men walking alone.

She asks whether you will come with her. Those who follow are found the next day lying in the sand, with scratches on their bodies that should not be there.

Local practice is to carry iron and a long rope when going out at night, and to change route at the smell of perfume. Others say she only approaches those who speak first.

Folklore / Dubai · United Arab Emirates / Time immemorial