What to Wear in Dubai: Tips and Handy Guide

If you’re like me, my first question on my first trip to Dubai was, what is the Dubai dress code?

What to wear in Dubai is one of the first questions that women ask after deciding that the United Arab Emirates is a place of curiosity and adventure. Because we have this fantastic group traveling to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I want to keep the excitement but relieve the anxious feeling about the dress code.

Dubai Culture and Traditions

One of the first things to consider when traveling to other countries is the culture and customs.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is primarily a Muslim country. We don’t want the label of “ugly American,” so it is essential to respect religious and local customs.

As you would expect from a city situated along trade routes spanning three continents, cosmopolitan Dubai has been influenced by many diverse cultures since it was first established. It is generally considered to be one of the more liberal members of the UAE.

Its population consists mainly of expatriates from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Eastern Europe who can be found living alongside large numbers of Arabs from surrounding countries such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Despite its reputation for being relatively liberal, however, Dubai still retains strong elements of Islamic tradition in of its legal system and social customs.

Some of the most notable examples of this are its formal restrictions on behavior, dress and public displays of affection between unmarried couples.

It is wise not to assume that just because something is tolerated in one part of the world that it will be allowed to pass without comment in another. It is also worth noting that Dubai has stricter rules and regulations than other parts of the UAE.

General Dress Code

What to Wear in Hotels, Pool, and the Beach

Getting to the hotel will be your first stop so let’s talk about dress guidelines at most hotels in Dubai. There are lots of tourists at the hotels, and not everyone follows the rules. Wearing knee-length shorts is acceptable for men and women.

It is customary to wear a cover-up/ caftan style when passing through the lobby to go to the pool. By the way, a towel is not considered appropriate as a cover-up for men or women. It is OK to wear a bikini at the pool; however, you might see other visitors dressed more conservatively based on their religious customs.

Dubai has public and private beaches. Public beaches will have more locals with their families so you will want to be sensitive to the modesty guidelines. Private beaches are connected to hotels and visitors can wear their choice of swimwear.

Even though it is less restrictive, you will still be expected to cover up when going through the lobby or public places.

What to Wear in Mosques and Religious Venues

In Mosques and places like Abu Dhabi, women must cover their head, hair, shoulders, and legs.

You do not have to cover your face, even though some Gulf Arab women cover their faces for religious reasons.

When I went to the mosque in Abu Dhabi, there were abayas (cover) for rent to protect your body and head if your clothing was inappropriate.

What to Wear at Dubai Malls and Souks

Dubai has some of the largest malls in the world. They also have some of the best Souks. These are large traditional markets that sell spices, perfumes, dried fruits, and so much more.

Visiting the malls is where you will see folks dressed in full-face make-up and their finest clothes, often underneath their traditional dress called an abaya. You will see women wearing beautiful handbags and shoes. Feel free to bring your designer items; you will fit right in.  

Posted in the malls are dress codes, but you won’t know that until you get there. Again, be modest in your dress and respectful of the culture.

Midi skirts instead of mini-skirts, shorts just above the knee, and chest cover are preferred. Bring along a lightweight shawl to cover your shoulders and provide comfort in the air-conditioned mall.

If you are approached in the mall and asked to cover up, please comply without protest. It means that your dress is disrespectful to the locals and their culture. You could receive a fine for violations.

What to Wear in Restaurants | Nightlife

You will see dress codes posted in restaurants for men and women.

The terms “smart casual”  and “modest”  are used in this country to describe acceptable dress for restaurants. That means no flip flops for men, shorts or t-shirts but closed-toe shoes and long pants. 

Women can wear dresses and sandals and always have a shawl to cover their shoulders and chest. If you are going to go from the beach to a nice restaurant, you should take along a change of clothes.

Beachwear and workout clothes are not considered appropriate in a restaurant.

What to Wear in Desert Safari

The Desert Safari is one of the favorite activities for visitors. You can wear shorts and tank tops, but you might want to wear long pants or a caftan (for ladies) to protect your legs from the sand.

When the sun goes down, it can get chilly in the desert so pack a light jacket if you are out when the sun goes down. A caftan can also provide a great photo in the desert.

Dubai Packing List

Let me get more specific with the guidelines for the Dubai dress code so you can pack based on our Smart Packing article.

You can generally wear the same western attire in Dubai that you wear at home, except mini-skirts, booty shorts, and low-cut blouses.

You will hear the word “modest” to describe acceptable dress for women. That generally means shoulders covered, no revealing tops or cleavage. 

You can also save your workout pants for the gym, not the mall or public areas.

In Abu Dhabi, there is a more conservative dress, and more religious customs followed, particularly in religious venues.

Final Thoughts

Traveling abroad is an excellent opportunity to learn about other cultures and customs. Ultimately it is your choice what you wear, but if you are going to travel to other countries with a conservative culture, you should respect it.

Hopefully, this guide will make your trip and your packing enjoyable. Find my Complete Travel Packing Checklist to help you get organized.

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