Deciphering the Dubai dress code and what’s appropriate to pack for your trip to Dubai
The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country but not as conservative as other parts of the Middle East and Central Asia when it comes to dress code expected of tourists.
That said, there are still minimum standards expected of tourists, and the dress code can vary depending on the situation. Public places such as shopping malls, souks, government buildings, or museums are treated quite differently from a resort or water park.
Whilst it’s essential to dress for the warm desert climate, always consider your surroundings and what is culturally respectful.
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Dubai Dress Code: Dressing for Religion and the Heat in Dubai
Although daytime temperatures throughout the year range from warm to very hot to scorching, you must remember at all times that you are in a Muslim country. It is possible to dress conservatively while still adapting to the weather, while also respecting local culture.
There are a few basic rules tourists should observe:
- Aim to cover shoulders and knees
- Avoid showing midriffs and cleavage
- Avoid anything transparent or overly clingy
- If someone does ask you to cover up, do so without protest
Yes, you will also hear conflicting advice in travel forums telling you to wear whatever you want, Dubai is so liberal, etc, etc. Please don’t be THAT tourist!
Things such as the acceptance of Western clothing have evolved significantly over the last 20 years, as the city has become increasingly open to tourism. However, Islamic cultural roots in the city remain deeply ingrained.
Just because you see someone else wearing something skimpier and more revealing than you doesn’t make it OK! Show some respect to your hosts.
Understanding Local Dress in Dubai
You will see that most local Emiratis and a large proportion of expats in Dubai, hailing from other GCC countries, dress in traditional regional outfits.
For men in Dubai, this is:
- A long white kandora or dishdasha (you can see all the regional variations explained here!)
- Ghutrah (headpiece) secured by a black igal (agal/egal as you please!)
For women in Dubai, this is:
- A long black abaya
- Black Shayla (head covering)
- Very occasionally, you will still see some women with a metal burqa, but this is uncommon. Full niqabs or burkhas are extremely uncommon
- Other colours are, of course, permitted, but local women will almost always be seen in public only in black
Dubai Dress Code For Women: What to Wear in Dubai as a Woman
Non-Muslim female visitors are by no means expected to dress in the same manner as local women, nor have their heads covered at all, with some limited exceptions:
- For women, carrying a shawl or pashmina with you is always a good idea to cover up if you feel awkward, and for a bit of sun and dust protection!
- If you are entering the Grand Mosque or any religious or government building, you will need to buy or hire a full-length abaya and cover your head.
- Linen trousers, long shorts, or cargo pants, and clothing made from natural fibers will be your best choices in the high temperatures of Dubai.
- Women can wear leggings under a dress as a great solution if their dress is a little short. However, it’s best to avoid tight, revealing bottoms that show too much cleavage.
- Cut-off shorts, midriff tops, and spaghetti straps or strappy tops should be avoided in Dubai.
- Maxi dresses or a maxi skirt are a great choice for ladies – day and night – (but we’d warn ladies to be aware of sweating and chaffing if wearing skirts/dresses! Try some anti-chaffing biker shorts underneath).
- Sleeveless tops are acceptable in most situations where only your arms are shown.
- Shorts that completely cover the bottom are acceptable now in most situations.
Dubai Dress Code for Men: What Should Men Wear When Visiting Dubai?
- For men, you will find that despite the heat, nearly all gents in Dubai wear full-length trousers.
- Bringing some light chinos is a good idea for public places. Alternatively, if wearing shorts, try to make them knee-length.
- Avoid wearing tank tops (except at the beach or water parks) and be cautious with the wording on any slogan t-shirts; wear nothing that could be perceived as offensive.
The best thing to bear in mind is, “am I dressed with modesty?” If in doubt, a helpful hotel concierge may be able to guide you.
Dubai Dress Code: What Should I Wear to the Beach in Dubai?
You will see huge variations in what is considered appropriate at the beach and resort wear. For men, longer shorts are much preferred to skimpy brief-style Speedos – though I bet you’ll see plenty of budgie smugglers these days.
For ladies, where do we start?! It can be a minefield, and these days, there are very differing views on just how liberal attitudes are in Dubai in the 2020s. How much skin is too much skin? And on what parts of the body?!
You will see many Muslim women prefer to wear a full-length burkini by the water. Whilst at the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s not unusual at all to see extremely skimpy two-piece bikinis at exclusive beach clubs. Being topless is still a strict no-no.
For modesty, we would suggest something in between that you feel comfortable in. Anything scanty, and yes, you will get stared at. However, also be respectful of your surroundings; if there are many families present, it’s not appropriate to have everything on display. Whereas in an adults-only beach bar, you may find almost anything, except being outright naked, might be acceptable.
It is very important to note that when NOT at the beach or pool areas, cover up! This includes the public areas of your hotel or resort, or if you are going into a restaurant. A full abaya is not necessary, but it’s recommended that ladies wear an overshirt or dress over it. For men, wearing any top that covers the bare chest is appropriate.
Public beaches will each have their own rules. At Jumeirah Beach, for example, they ask that women be fully covered, ie, you must have a sun top or rashguard on over your bathers. Not a bad idea in the sun anyway, but this may come as a surprise if you’re accustomed to the more liberal rules in resorts. In other places like The Beach, JBR, the rules are more relaxed.
If you are asked by security to cover up a little, do so without argument. Security officers are well within their right to call the police if you do not cooperate or become abusive – remember this is a big no-no in Dubai.
Dubai Dress Code: What Do I Wear in the Desert in Dubai?
A desert safari is one of the most popular excursions to undertake in Dubai. It does, however, raise questions about how to dress appropriately. You have not only heat and sand to contend with but desert activities which may involve bouncing about, riding camels, or taking on the dunes.
We would suggest wearing breathable natural materials to cope with the heat and sweat, but long shorts or long trousers are more appropriate for ladies than a long flowing dress, as pretty as it may look in photos.
Dubai Dress Code: What are children expected to wear in Dubai?
Prepubescent children should feel free to dress as they please, but teenagers have the same dress requirements as adults outlined above; this should be judged on their maturity rather than age alone.
You will notice that local children are dressed from head to toe, regardless of the weather. The traditional local dress is usually reserved for religious occasions and special events for kids. However, even in the summer, Emirati children tend to wear long clothing, even playing outside.
Visiting children are not obliged to do so and should dress accordingly for the weather. Dresses, shorts, or skirts on girls are absolutely fine (though if they are engaging in adventurous activities, it’s a good idea to wear leggings or tights underneath a dress or skirt in any situation).
Dubai Packing List
To help you prepare for your Dubai trip, you can download a complete packing list for Dubai, including clothing advice and all the extra documents, electronics, and toiletry items you might want to pack.
We comprehensively explain why you might want to pack these items over here.
Some more frequently asked clothing questions for Dubai
Non-Muslim women are not expected to have their hair covered. You will only want a head covering if going into a religious building or some Government buildings.
Yes, it is acceptable in a beach or resort setting to wear a bikini. See our advice above, though, about appropriate settings for wearing a bikini in Dubai.
Yes, there’s a time and a place for your short shorts (within a resort/beach club or private setting), and times when you should wear full trousers or a long skirt/leg covering. On most occasions, you should dress for the heat, and shorts are acceptable. Try to keep them at least mid-thigh length or longer out of respect in public places.
Yes, in most situations, it is OK to wear figure-hugging leggings in Dubai. We would suggest it’s appropriate to wear a long top to cover your bottom in some public settings, though not essential.
Many ladies wearing shorter dresses or skirts like to wear leggings underneath. Leggings may also be appropriate winter wear if you are heading out to the mountains or desert and taking on strenuous outdoor activities.
Yes, in most situations, skinny jeans, like leggings, are absolutely fine. The only place this may not be appropriate is a religious building. We would suggest ladies place an abaya on top of their outfits. These are inexpensive to pick up at one of the souks and will make a great souvenir from your Middle East vacation.
For the most part, yes. However, the jury is still out on when and where this is appropriate.
For men, the rules are quite strict; you should pretty much only wear sleeveless tops at the beach. It’s not appropriate for men to wear tank tops in malls, souks, museums, or religious buildings. Likewise, it will be against most restaurants and bars’ dress policies for men not to have shirt sleeves.
For women, there’s a little more leniency in sleeveless tops. You will see it’s against the rules published on most shopping mall doors, but it’s rarely enforced. The same applies to going out to a restaurant; only if a strict dress code is published or in religious buildings would you be strictly prohibited from entry if your clothing is seen as too skimpy on your shoulders.
As a precautionary measure, it’s always a good idea to bring a cardigan, a pashmina, or a wrap with you, especially if you feel uncomfortable or are asked to cover up.
In the right place, yes. We’d keep anything that reveals your midriff only for the beach. In shopping malls, such as Dubai Mall, and many other public buildings, this is against the published rules and may draw unwanted attention. It would be a strict no in museums and religious buildings. On a desert safari, you’re pushing your luck too!
We’d urge you to think about the situation before wearing a very short dress in Dubai. At a nightclub, a fancy weekend brunch, or a night out with the ladies, a short dress would be perfectly acceptable.
A very short dress is not appropriate in a shopping mall (though you’ll see them!), mosque, or souk. Your underwear should not be visible if you bend in any way. And even in appropriate settings, consider how you’ll get to and from the venue when making your wardrobe choices.
Of course! Open footwear is the norm and generally accepted everywhere. You may want something a little more dressy for dining out; all but the finest of establishments will let you in with flip-flops of any quality and variety!
If you’re visiting during the coldest months, December to February, you’ll likely want some warmer clothing for the early mornings and evenings. However, if you’re visiting from a cooler climate country, you may not think the winters are too cold. Overnight in the desert or mountains, though, you will definitely notice it.
If you’re heading to Abu Dhabi on your trip to the UAE, a very similar dress code applies to Dubai. As your trip is likely to involve stops at places such as the Grand Mosque, the Louvre, and Qasr al Watan, the presidential palace, a more conservative dress standard will be expected.
There are very specific dress code standards for the Grand Mosque that should be followed. While other buildings may require a respectful standard, this means that knees and shoulders should be covered as a rule of thumb.
Alternatively, if you’re visiting the Yas Island theme parks, bathers are appropriate for Yas Waterworld, but you’ll want to be covered up in your swimwear for your journey. At Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld, you’ll need to be out of your swimwear and wearing something suitable for high-speed rides.
We thoroughly explain the Abu Dhabi dress code over here.
Dubai Mall, and any mall in Dubai, is considered a public place, so a respectful level of dress is required – we explain this in a lot more detail for Dubai Mall over here.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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