DinaWhen planning my trip to Dubai, one of my biggest concerns was what clothes to wear. Dubai is a city of contrasts: skyscrapers and luxury hotels like The Palm, yet it is still a Muslim country. I was honestly a bit confused about what to pack for Dubai!
I went on a business trip, and unfortunately, I saw many of my colleagues wearing inappropriate outfits (think heavy jeans and leggings), and they regretted what they packed in their suitcases. But that’s why I’m here: to help you pack the right things you need for your trip to the United Arab Emirates.
The Dress Code in Dubai
Before I describe what to wear, you need to know the following:
- Dubai is more relaxed than other areas of the UAE, but it still respects Islamic traditions.
- Different areas have different requirements (malls, beaches, mosques).
- You don’t need to cover your whole body, but modest dress is appreciated.
- The weather plays a huge role in clothing choices (40+ degrees Celsius in summer!).
- There is a big difference between what is allowed and what is considered respectful.
Malls & Public Spaces: What to Wear
For example, Dubai Mall is not just a shopping center – it’s an attraction in itself, with over 1,200 stores! The dress code here is relatively relaxed but still conservative. What do I mean?
For women:
- Covered shoulders: t-shirts, blouses, shirts, and a light cardigan.
- Covered knees: knee-length skirts, long loose pants, loose dresses.
- No tight or revealing clothes: avoid deep necklines.
I’d say think about how you would dress if you were going to a Greek church. Would you wear it without getting side glances? If you’re thinking about it, I’d say leave it, choose something else! You have a loose dress or pants in your wardrobe for sure.
For men:
- T-shirts and shirts are fine (avoid tight sleeveless shirts!).
- Shorts should be knee-length or longer.
Beaches & Pools: Yes, of course, you can wear swimwear!
At private hotels and beaches, swimwear is absolutely fine:
- Bikinis and men’s swim trunks are perfectly acceptable at hotel pools.
- When moving around the hotel, cover your swimwear. Just put on your sarong!
- Public beaches require a slightly more modest appearance.
Visiting Mosques: The Strictest Dress Code
The Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in Dubai that allows non-Muslims to enter, but it requires specific attire:
- Women must cover their hair, shoulders, arms, and legs.
- Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves.
- Shoes must be removed before entering.
Don’t worry! If you don’t have appropriate clothing, the mosque provides abayas for women.
Desert Safari: Comfort over appearance
If you’re going on a desert safari, opt for:
- Light, breathable fabrics.
- Long pants for protection from the sand.
- Closed shoes (the sand gets hot!).
- A scarf for protection from the sun and dust.
- A jacket for the evening as the temperature drops.
Weather conditions: the real challenge
The biggest dressing constraint in Dubai is the weather!
- Summer (May-September): 40+ degrees – wear cotton or linen clothes.
- Winter (October-April): 20-30 degrees, but it can get chilly at night.
- Indoor spaces: The air conditioning is freezing – keep a cardigan with you!
What to AVOID in Dubai
If you’re aiming for proper dressing in Dubai, I’d suggest avoiding and not packing:
- Very short shorts or mini skirts. It’s unlikely you’ll wear them, maybe only at night in a club.
- Deep necklines or crop tops.
- Transparent clothes.
- Clothes with offensive slogans. You know what I mean!
- Very tight clothing.
Final Thoughts: Respect is Appreciated
When dressing in Dubai, the key is to show respect for the local culture and traditions. While the city is modern and cosmopolitan, it still holds its Islamic values, and dressing modestly is a way to show appreciation for the environment you’re in. Keeping your attire respectful, especially in public places, will ensure you enjoy your visit without feeling uncomfortable. Always remember that modesty doesn’t mean sacrificing style—you can dress fashionably while staying appropriate.
Have you been to Dubai? What did you wear? Share your experience in the comments!
You might also enjoy:
- Dubai: 10 impressive things to do
- Atlantis The Palm Dubai: An Honest Review
- Sea World – Abu Dhabi: Tickets, Opening Hours, a Complete Guide (2025)
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