What To Wear in Dubai (Clothing Advice for Tourists)
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One of the most asked questions by travelers to Dubai and the other United Arab Emirates is ‘what to wear?’. ‘Do I need to cover my hair?’. ‘Can I wear a bikini on the beach or at a waterpark in Dubai?’. ‘Can I wear a short dress at a shopping mall in Abu-Dhabi?’ ‘Can I wear shorts in Dubai?’…
Women are usually the ones who seek advice, but men should also inform about the local habits as they too might need to wear long pants, a shirt, and closed shoes on some occasions…
So what to wear in Dubai? In this post, you’ll find no-nonsense practical advice and real-life examples of what clothes to wear in Dubai as a tourist. Read on!
READ ALSO: Essential Tips for Your First Trip to Dubai
What clothing is appropriate in Muslim countries depends so much on which country you are visiting, but also on the places you go to. If in doubt, always go for the safer version (covered arms and legs) and women should also carry a thin headscarf in case they need to cover their hair.
The first time we traveled to the United Arab Emirates, I bought a maxi skirt, especially for our Dubai trip. Although it wasn’t really necessary, I wore it on a couple of occasions in Dubai and felt very much at ease anywhere we went.
I think one should always be respectful of the local habits of the country and its people. Just as people should be respectful of our way of life when they come to the West! But that’s another topic, so let’s not get into politics….
This simple guide to what to wear in Dubai should help you pack and feel more at ease when traveling to Dubai, UAE. Find out!
What to wear in Dubai: practical advice for travelers
Dubai is actually very relaxed and open-minded when it comes to clothing. As the public is very international, so is the clothing.
You will see people wearing all imaginable sorts of clothing in Dubai – from shorts and sleeveless t-shirts to burqas.
But don’t forget that it’s a Muslim country and you are a guest. So once again – if in doubt, always go for the ‘safer’ choice.
READ ALSO: Dubai Itinerary (with all the top sights & attractions)
Dress code at Dubai hotels, restaurants, and malls
Most malls, restaurants, and hotels in Dubai ask customers to ‘dress modestly’ and advise to cover your knees and shoulders. However, we saw many people who didn’t fit this description and nobody really seemed to be bothered.
As long as you stay in the very touristic places (hotels, malls…), you can pretty much wear whatever you want in Dubai. The rules might be enforced more strictly if you visit during the Ramadan, so keep this in mind.
Most upmarket restaurants require that men wear long trousers and closed shoes; women can wear sandals at any time.
Beachwear is only for the beach, so don’t go to a restaurant wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts.
TIP: If you are looking for a place to stay in Dubai, you may want to know that the city is huge, traffic is a mess, and so it’s best to stay close to where you want to be. For sightseeing and top attractions, stay close to Dubai Mall, e.g. Rove Downtown. Whereas if you are mostly interested in a beach vacation, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is the place to be, e.g. Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach. You could easily split your stay between these two areas and have a bit of both without wasting hours in traffic every day.
On our first trip, when we were looking to spend more time on the beach, we stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton at JBR. Recently, when more interested in sightseeing, we opted for Rove La Mer Beach. It’s very close to the main sights, but there is also a beach – the best of both worlds.
READ ALSO: Top Sights Not to Miss in Dubai
What to wear on the beach, swimming pools & water parks in Dubai
Any type of beachwear from bikinis to full-cover Islamic swimsuits is allowed at all beaches, pools, and waterparks. The only rule on Dubai beaches and waterparks is no nudity.
That said, I highly recommend wearing UV shirts to protect yourself against the sun!
LEARN MORE: Tips & Tricks for Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark in Dubai
What to wear in United Arab Emirates mosques, traditional markets, and rural areas
In the old part of Dubai where traditional markets like Spice Souk or Gold Souk are located, you will be surrounded by many more locals and Muslims from other countries than expats or tourists from the West.
Here, you will be much more at ease and avoid the stares if you will dress more conservatively.
That said, the main areas of the old town and the markets are so full of tourists nowadays that you really see all kinds of clothing – from abayas and burqas to shorts and western-style summer dresses.
If you are planning to go to some rural areas in the Emirates or visit a mosque, you should better leave sleeveless blouses and shorts at the hotel. Covered arms and legs for both men and women are advisable, and women have to also cover their hair inside the mosque. The mosques that allow non-muslim visits, usually provide appropriate clothing if needed.
What to wear on Dubai desert safari
One of the most popular tourist activities outside the city is visiting the desert. I would recommend wearing pants, shorts, or capri pants (no skirts or mini shorts) and a T-shirt or a blouse. Don’t forget sun protection!
Don’t use the picture below as an example of what to wear in Dubai desert. Your experience will definitely be a lot warmer than ours on this trip! 😉
Normally, it’s very hot in the desert, so wear light clothes that protect you from the sun. It was very cold in the desert when we visited in December, so if you encounter the same exceptionally cold weather, take a sweater or even a jacket as it can get really cold in the desert in the evening. Sandals or closed shoes – depends on your preference.
On our more recent trip to Dubai in winter, we didn’t need warm clothing in the desert at all, even late at night. So it really depends on the weather on that specific day.
Desert tours: We went on a few different desert tours in Dubai on different trips. The first time, we chose this dune-bashing tour in a jeep. On our recent trip, we did this desert tour at Al Khayma Camp, including a longer camel ride. The whole family really enjoyed both, but I think we all had a slight preference for the quieter camel ride; the rest of the experience is actually the same – a traditional dinner and shows at a desert camp.
TIP: Traveling to Dubai soon? Make sure to check our hand-picked selection of the best tours, day trips, and activities in Dubai.
Clothing advice for Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates
Abu-Dhabi is a bit more conservative than Dubai, but also there, you see a bit of everything depending on where exactly you go. In the tourist areas, things are just as relaxed as in Dubai. But if you visit religious sites, such as the famous Sheikh Zayed Mosque, there is a stricter dress code. Women have to cover up completely, including hair, and men have to wear long pants.
I haven’t been to the other Emirates, but from what I hear, things are even more traditional. Women often say that they feel stared at if they are dressed the way we do in the West. That said, also there, it really depends on where you go. The more touristy the place, the more relaxed things are.
Overall, Dubai is by far the most tolerant of the 7 of the United Arabic Emirates, so keep that in mind if traveling outside of Dubai.
Update – a comment from a reader who grew up in Abu Dhabi. This is what she said: ‘I’m an expat born and brought up in Abu Dhabi and was free to dress however I please, including shorter shorts and sleeveless…(Abu Dhabi) is just as open-minded in terms of dress (as Dubai)’.
READ ALSO: Abu Dhabi Day Trip from Dubai
What to wear for women traveling to Dubai alone
If you are traveling to Dubai alone as a woman or with a group of girlfriends, and especially at night, you are probably better off dressing modestly.
It’s your choice, of course, but I say this based on the way many men stared at two young ladies in tight mini-dresses we met at the Dubai Marina one night. I know, I wouldn’t feel comfortable being stared at that way, especially if traveling alone.
Do you need warm clothing in Dubai?
Normally, you only need summer clothing and footwear in Dubai. A thin sweater is nice to have for some cooler evenings in winter or inside the malls.
In winter, when we visited, the malls were air-conditioned but usually not so cold that you would need a sweater. I hear that it might be different in the warmer seasons and you may want to take a thin sweater with you when going shopping – just in case the AC works too hard.
We once visited Dubai for Christmas and New Year, and once in February. So the temperatures we had are pretty much as cold as it gets over there. Minimum temperatures in Dubai in winter are around 20°C (68°F) and the maximum temperatures of 28°C (82°F) during the day.
On the first trip, we had some rain one day (it hardly ever rains in Dubai) and that was also the day we visited the desert. You’ve got to be lucky, right?! The wind was very cold and we wore long pants and a sweater during the day and a thin rain jacket in the evening.
Except for this one day, we never needed jeans or jackets in Dubai and only used our sweaters once or twice at night. My closed shoes stayed in the suitcase during the entire trip.
On our recent trip to Dubai in February, we had some really strong rain one day and somewhat cooler weather for several days. Still, in most cases, shorts and T-shirts were sufficient, but we also wore long pants and sweaters on a few occasions.
What should you definitely pack for Dubai?
I’m not going to give the whole packing list because packing for Dubai is pretty much the same as packing for any other warm destination. So here are just a few tips.
First, make sure you carry a summer shawl/wrap which you can use to cover your head, shoulders, or knees if needed.
Second, wear comfortable summer sandals. You will look a bit out of the place with the hiking sandals though. Sportive sandals are ok for children and for men during the day.
What to wear in Dubai in winter?
If you are visiting Dubai in the winter months such as December and January, you should pack some warmer clothes as well. It’s usually very warm during the day when a T-shirt will suffice but can get quite cold in the evening and at night.
When traveling to Dubai in winter, make sure to pack a pair of long pants/long skirt and a sweater. A light jacket is good to have as well, especially if you are planning any evening trips on the water or in the desert.
READ ALSO: What It’s Like to Visit Dubai in February
FAQ
In addition to the above, here are some frequently asked questions we get about what to wear in Dubai:
When visiting Dubai as a tourist, you will be glad to know that the dress code in tourist places and hotels isn’t very strict. Men can wear shorts, pants, shirts, or T-shirts. Women can wear dresses, skirts, shorts, and T-shirts, blouses, tops… The dress code is somewhat stricter at shopping malls, local areas, and mosques, and also during Ramadan. When in doubt, cover your knees and shoulders.
Yes, you can wear leggings in Dubai, but ideally not as your only pants. Leggings can be used to cover your legs, especially under short dresses or shorts. If you only wear leggings, it’s probably best to wear a very long blouse on top.
The dress code in Dubai is quite liberal. Usually, you can wear pretty much what you like, certainly in tourist places and hotels and their adjacent beaches. There are guidelines of what is acceptable and some places have stricter rules than others, but – in general – if you cover up your shoulders and knees, you should be fine even in the more traditional areas.
Depending on what places your tour visits, there might be a dress code. But in general, you can wear any casual clothes that you feel comfortable in.
Yes, women can wear pants in Dubai. You may want to avoid leggings or very tight pants, also because it’s usually very warm. Looser clothes will be more comfortable.
No, women are not required to cover their hair in Dubai. This might be required at certain religious places, but places that have this requirement usually also offer to borrow appropriate clothing to cover up.
More information and inspiration for your trip to Dubai:
- Best Things to Do in Dubai
- Dubai Stopover – What to do in Dubai in 1 or 2 days
- Dubai Itinerary for up to 7 Days
- Dubai Facts: from Must Know to Trivia
- Best Free Things to Do in Dubai
- Dubai Public Transport
- Things to Do in Dubai with Kids
READ ALSO: How Expensive is Dubai
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thinking here back and forth about traveling one tiny case – i am going to dubai in feb 2025 – from tallinn – and now i am wondering how to dress up so – that i am not freezing in estonian side and not having too much luggage – temperature difference can be easily 50 degrees…
feels like i need to have lots of layers what i need to peel off/add on in plane – actually i have zero experience about any traveling:
About overall clothing – sounds like until my knees and shoulders are covered and clothes are rather loose – i am fine – temperature there sounds like estonian summer and as only risk is- that seems i need hat – sunny days in estonia also ends up for me that i need to cover my hair or i collapse (i have black hair) – summer hat or scarf is often in use…. Is scarf to reddicolous for me to use in dubai
Hi, on our recent trip to Dubai in February, we only took hand luggage, and it worked very well. It was quite cold at home when we left, but once you get to the airport, it’s already warm enough, so don’t wear wintery clothes or shoes.
What we did was wear long pants, a t-shirt, a sweater, a thin summer scarf, and a very light rain jacket on the plane, and pack a few summer outfits in our hand luggage. We went in sneakers and took flip-flops for the pool/beach. You really don’t need a lot, just make sure that everything can easily be combined and that you have some layers for your trip.
As for clothes in Dubai, you can wear pretty much anything you like and you will see people in very conservative clothing but also in very revealing summer outfits.
It’s always a good idea to have a sun hat if you plan on spending lots of time outdoors.
I wouldn’t pack a winter scarf, but I always bring a thin summer scarf (something like this) to wear on the plane. I also used it to cover up if the air conditioning was too cold. But sure, you can also use a light scarf to cover your shoulders or your hair if needed.
Hope this helps. Don’t overpack, and enjoy your trip!
A superb webpage, thank you!
Thanks for your kind feedback, Terry. Have a great time in Dubai!
Going to Dubai for the first time in February 15,2024. Don’t know what to take.
Hi Gale, just take whatever you would normally pack for a warm-weather destination and read the tips in our article for Dubai-specific info.
Have a great trip!
Hello I will be travelling to dubai on December 29th 2023 . I am having a hard time on deciding what clothes to carry with me because , i don’t know if its going to be a hot season or cold season
Hi Stephanie, winter is the ‘cold’ season in Dubai, however, it’s never really cold. Well, not unless you are coming from a very warm climate – I assume it depends on what you are used to :). Most of the time, daytime temperatures in Dubai in December are around 20-27°C and you can walk around in short sleeves. For us, that’s like summer weather in Belgium 🙂 But it can get a bit colder at night so you need to take somewhat warmer clothes with you as well. I would pack summer clothes, a sweater or two, and a pair of long pants/skirt. If you are planning on spending time in the desert at night, then you may want to pack a light jacket too.
Hope this helps.
@Jurga thank you,
Leaving next week. Can a 65 yo male where shorts, and do they need to cover the knee. We will be in Dubai, and Al Maha. Thank you!
Hi Brian, you will see people wearing shorts in Dubai and it’s really not a big deal that they are just above the knee (I would avoid the ones that hardly cover anything, but I’m sure that’s not what you mean :)). It will be ok for most places. You may want to pack a pair of long pants in case you want to visit a mosque or some more rural area, and just in general – always good to have them, even if just to wear on the plane or for dinner. But in Dubai most places are quite used to tourists and more relaxed clothing by now.
Have a great trip!
Thank you for the information I’ve been going back and forth with my clothes selection in my closet.
Ha ha, I know the feeling, Brigette. But don’t overpack – you usually need a lot less than you think.
Have a great time in Dubai!
We are going on a tour of Dubai, from a cruise ship, in early December. It includes tea at Burj Al Arab Hotel, which has a smart-casual dress code, no sandals or athletic shoes. Would white pants with a pretty blouse be out of place in Dubai in December?
Hi Fay, white pants and a pretty blouse sounds good to me. Enjoy Dubai!
We are coming in January 2024 for our anniversary. Places to go for dinner?
Hi Peggy, I’m sure you will find plenty of amazing restaurants all over Dubai! Maybe even restaurants that aren’t even in business yet ;).
We usually check Google Mape for restaurants in the area where we are staying/visiting, read reviews, and decide based on that. You can also ask your hotel for recommendations in the area where you will stay.
I read all your information on Dubai how to dress and it was very helpful so now i have to go home and repack my bags. Thank you very much I am go to Dubai 11/21-27/22
Enjoy your trip!
Great practical advice!! Thank you so much!! We’ll be there for Christmas and New Years 2022!!!
Glad to help, Rochelle. Have a great time in Dubai!
Such a great advice about what to wear in a dubai city, thanks for sharing
Glad to help. Have a great trip!
Hi..thamks for all the info..going to Dubai end of Feb..and my wife was getting worried about getting jailed for wearing the wrong clothes..so her emergency jail products can stay in the cupboard..lol..
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:))) I think many people really underestimate how multicultural Dubai really is. Have a great trip!
@Allan O Hare, we will be there the end of the month, hope to see you there
I’ve also read some horror stories about how unsafe women are in Dubai, did you experience this or observe this ?
No, Ruby, I never felt unsafe in Dubai. But then again, bad things can happen anywhere and you have to be cautious, especially if you are traveling on your own and visiting some less-touristy areas.
Have a nice trip!
Hi there,
I have a couple of questions
1. How strict is the public affection, in your hotels is it less strict?, in malls and restaurants are you able to hold hands or have a quick kiss on cheek or mouth?
2. Do a lot of locals or customer/ tourist places speck English?
Hi Ruby, Dubai has just eased its laws in regards to this. For example, in the past, unmarried couples were in principle, not allowed to share a hotel room, let alone show affection to each other in public. But this has changed now. Still, I’d be somewhat considerate of how you behave depending on where you are.
As for the language, Dubai is so multicultural that English is spoken everywhere. We never experienced any problems with that.
Are normal jean shorts allowed? My friends keep telling me that you can’t show knees or shoulders or you’ll be kidnapped or something so I’m just a little worried
Hi Thea, yes, of course, you can wear jeans in Dubai. Just note that it can be much too warm in jeans, depending on when you visit. Please also read the article for more info on how to dress.
And tell your friends that the world is really not that scary once you get to know it better ;).
Have a great time in Dubai!
I feel kinda bad for Jurga!! Lol keeps having to answer the same question… over & over!! Lol thanks for the blog, was very informative! Especially when you read it!! 😎
Haha, Abby, yes, it seems that often it’s easier to just ask a question than read the answers. 🙂 Have a great time in Dubai!
Hi, thank you for this post! I was just wondering if ripped jeans were okay to wear? It’s not super distressed, rips are mainly on the knees..I read that we weren’t allowed, and somewhere else that we were, so now I’m confused.
Hi Pari, I guess it all depends on where you wear them. It should be fine in the hotels or on the super touristy desert tours (if it’s not too hot for the jeans to start with), but it’s probably not the best idea at the more local places. While you can wear pretty much anything you like in Dubai, in my opinion, it’s always better to be respectful of the local customs. When in doubt, just wear something a bit more modest.
Have a great time in Dubai!
Thank you. The information was beneficial.
Glad to hear that, Beverly. Have a great time in Dubai!
I will be visiting Dubai in march 2022 and just wondering being at the resort we can pretty much wear anything and going outside bring cover up just incase its required it probably going to be about 20 of us and would like to inform everyone
Hi Angie, yes, that’s about right – in the hotel and at the beach, you’ll be fine in any clothing. Also in the city, you’ll be ok wearing pretty much anything you like, but it’s just more respectful to cover up just a little bit when visiting certain places. It’s more about being respectful than an obligation in most cases, with just a few places that require a certain dress code.
Have a great trip!
Thanks for for dress code info, We are taking a family trip in a week. This article makes it easy. Be respectful. Cover up in public knees & shoulders. Resorts are more casual. Got it,,,, I’m ready to pack & travel for Dubai.
Have a great time in Dubai! Prepare for it to be HOT at this time of the year (so also pack a light sweater/shawl for indoors :)).
@Jurga, Will do! Thanks a bunch!
@Jeanine, how was your trip
This was so helpful!
Glad to hear that, Christy. Have a great time in Dubai!
Hi Jurga, really happy to find your article so close to our trip to Dubai – great to have some real clarity on clothing advice for us both! One question I haven’t seen asked so far, is it ok/appropriate to wear good quality sports footwear and leisure wear at times? I ask as we have just had Christmas and considering it will be cool in the evenings. (Staying in a resort near Jebel Ali in case that makes any difference).
Thanks so much, Andrea.
Hi Andrea, I think that it’s generally ok to wear sneakers in Dubai. That being said, we also visited in winter (end of December – beginning of January) and I didn’t even unpack my closed shoes. It was warm enough for sandals, also at night. But you’ll probably want to wear closed shoes for the trip and at the airport at home, so definitely take a pair.
As for leisurewear, as long as it’s not too tight or too revealing, I think you’ll be fine. In general, at the hotels or on the beach, you can wear pretty much anything you like. For excursions, try to dress a bit more ‘respectful’ if that’s the right word. But you’ll really see all types of clothing in Dubai. It’s extremely multicultural, like no other place I’ve ever been to.
Thanks for sharing this info. It saved me money and time because I had no idea what to wear on vacation in a place like Dubai. I was very confused about it and this post and the other people’s discussion helped me a lot. Thanks again.
Glad to hear that, Jade. Enjoy your trip!
Thank you for sharing this information. I’m sure it really helps a lot to all tourists who come to visit our country.
Hi Berna, I sure hope it does!
Hi Jurga, very good and useful infor. Questions; is it safe to go out late at night in Dubai? any areas that a tourist should avoid?
thanks
Cathy
Hi Cathy, we never felt unsafe in Dubai, but then again, we only stayed in the most popular tourist areas (Dubai Mall & Dubai Marina) in the evenings. I can’t tell you how the situation is there today, but in general, it felt to us like a very safe city.
If you are not sure, you can always ask at your hotel before you set off to explore.
Enjoy your trip!
Can you wear leggings in Dubai
Hi Cathy, as mentioned in the article, you can wear pretty much anything in Dubai. It’s your own choice. I think that you’ll be fine in leggings, in general, but maybe wear a bit longer t-shirt over them if that makes you feel somewhat more comfortable.
Hi Jurga,
Im going to Dubai the first week of January/2020
I have read so many comments on what to wear that I have no idea what to.pack. can you pleae let mw know how is the weatherndurong these days and what ro wear.
Im travelling from.Colombia
thanks!
Hi Juliana, just pack regular summer clothing as you would do for any other warm destination. If you are planning to do some sightseeing, you may want to make sure that your shoulders and knees are covered, especially if you are planning to visit any religious areas.
In December/ January, make sure to also pack a sweater or even a light rain jacket – it gets quite cold at night.
Hope this helps.
In January it gets kinda cold (especially at night) I suggest packing long pants and ling sleave shirts and bringing a jacket
(Tempretures can go as low as 50⁰f/10⁰c in January)
hey im going in a cruise in december to dubai what cain of c do i need to bring
Hi Luis, I assume that your cruise will involve more destinations than just Dubai, so bring clothes that are appropriate for each place/climate. For Dubai, summer clothes are all you need. Maybe a sweater and long pants for the evening if you are even staying that long. Most cruises just dock in the city in the morning and leave at 5-6 pm.
Hope this helps.
Hi, well I’ll be traveling to Abu Dhabi in less than a week and I’m worried that people are going to judge me since I colored my hair bright pink.
I still have time to change the color of my hair I just need to know if I don’t will I be able to come to Abu Dhabi. (My mom told me that maybe they won’t let me enter the country because of pink hair… but personally I think it would be a stupid reason).
Also about the clothes if I’m wearing a skirt just a little above the knee will they ask me to change?
Hi Taya, I really don’t think your hair or your skirt will be a problem. People are more open-minded there than you might think. If people would be staring at your hair and that makes you feel uncomfortable, you can always cover it with a sun hat or a shawl, I suppose.
That being said, I have no idea how it works if your passport picture has a different color of hair, but I never heard of anyone having problems because of that…
Enjoy your trip!
I am planing to visit Dubai this October. Could you please tell me what would be the weather during this month. Will I need to pack a jacket and a sweater to protect myself from cold during evening and night? I am a female aged 45 and love wearing western dresses.
Hi Neha, if you google ‘Dubai weather October’ it shows that in general, it’s between 24°C and 35°C (75-95F). So you probably won’t need a jacket. 🙂 I’d take a sweater and a light shawl anyway because some air-conditioned places can get quite chilly. But in general, it’s a perfect weather for summer dresses. Enjoy your trip!
We are coming to Dubai the end of March how will the weather be?
It’s always warm in Dubai 🙂 According to Google, March should be not too bad (up to 30°C – 86F).
I’m traveling to Dubai next mid September , what should I wear .?
I am female , 65 years old
Thx
The same clothes you’d wear in any other warm place, just maybe not too revealing when you visit places outside of the hotel and beaches…
Hi I’m going to Dubai tomorrow with my family. Very excited about it. But I just learned that they will be celebrating Eid al- Fitr. What should I expect?
Hi Jeannette, to tell you the truth, I have no idea. But if you just google Eid al- Fitr, you’ll find quite some information about it.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi please can you inform me as I have shalwar kameez s in my wardrobe from visiting other countries and as a westerner would I be ok to wear these on visiting tourist places or would this seem to be wrong.
No idea, Kay. You will certainly see people wearing clothing like that, but most of them are locals. I don’t think Westerners walk around like that, but if you feel good in those clothes, it’s your choice. I don’t see why anyone would care.
Hi I will be visiting Dubai from 9-18 March. What is the weather like and which affordable restaurants can one go dine at not far away from the Mercure gold hotel Dubai?
Hi Christine, March has warm summer weather in Dubai. Not too hot, perfect for the beach and sightseeing. As for the restaurants, why don’t you just check Google Maps for the area where you are staying. We stayed in a completely different part of town and I’m not familiar with that area. We never had issues to find good and affordable food in Dubai – plenty of choice, so I’m sure you’ll be fine.
Hi am chika,am going this February,please what weather will I see over there and my clothing that follows
Hi Chika, you can find the weather forecast for Dubai here. It looks like most days you can expect temperatures of over 20°C (70F), usually more, so it’s basically t-shirt weather.
For what to wear – please read the article. Enjoy your trip.
Hi, I’m going to Dubai on the 11th of feb which is next tomorrow, pls what dresses should I pack? Because I already packed shorts and short skirts too.
Hi Karen, you’ll be fine with shorts and short dresses at the hotels or on the beach. For the city and sightseeing, you probably better wear something that covers your knees and shoulders.
My husband an I are traveling to Dubai on May 5th. Will this be during the holy month of Ramadan? How will this change the dress code? Will tourist excursions be open for business?
Hi Tanya, this article from BBC is very thorough explaining what to expect when visiting Dubai at Ramadan. It’s not very recent, but I think not too much would have changed.
We haven’t been there at Ramadan, so I don’t have personal experience to share with you.
I love to wear my Jean’s pants, are women allowed to wear pants in Dubai. I am going in May to June. My son say I can be arrested if not dressed properly. Can I wear dresses that hugs the body?
Hi Karlene, I think you won’t want to wear jeans in Dubai in May or June – it’s just too HOT! For the rest, yes, I’m sure you could easily wear jeans, but once again, don’t 🙂 You can expect temperatures of +-38°C (100°F).
As for tight dresses, you should be ok in the hotel, at the beach or in the city, but if you are doing any sightseeing or even visiting some shopping malls, you probably better wear something a bit less revealing. You don’t have to cover up completely, just a regular dress that covers your shoulders and knees and is not too tight will be fine. It’s a matter of showing respect to the local culture.
Enjoy your trip!
I would like to ask if Atlantis Dubai provides swimming costumes ?
Hi Jaggu, as far as I remember they don’t provide any swimsuits, but you can buy swimwear in one of the shops at the hotel. It’s been a while since we visited, so I don’t know if anything has changed in the meantime.
Interesting blog. Thanks for sharing all these practical tips for Dubai, Jurga
Hello I will be traveling to Dubai in 2 weeks (Nov18) with my daughter. We will be taking the Desert Safari excursion. What would you recommend be the best attire?
Thank you
Hi Erleen, normally it should be warm enough to just wear summer clothing, maybe take a sweater for in the evening as it gets cold when the sun goes down. Of course, check the weather forecast. We even needed rain jackets, but that was on a really exceptionally cold December day. I’d say wear long summer pants or 3/4 pants or so and a t-shirt that covers your shoulders and isn’t too revealing. A skirt is probably not the best option, especially if you are planning to ride a camel or go gliding down the dunes. Really short shorts aren’t very appropriate I think.
Hope this helps.
I would love to visit Dubai and hope I will go there next year. Thanks for this great article, now I know what to expect.
Hi… I m going Dubai on 8 nov.. pls tell me the clothing for my 2 year old baby… and for mine can I wear short dresses up to knees and boots …
Your baby can wear anything. It’s probably going to be very warm, so just summer clothes will do. Don’t forget a sunhat and maybe a UV t-shirt for on the beach.
You may want to take a sweater for in case it gets colder at night.
For yourself, I’d leave the boots at home (much too warm). We were there in December and I wore my sandals the whole time. Dresses will be ok, even short ones, but maybe keep those for in the hotel or at the beach. I’d try to cover your knees and shoulders when visiting other places. You’ll see people wearing pretty much all kinds of clothing in Dubai, but it’s just about being respective to the local culture, I find.
Hello ,
So glad to have a people like you for sharing such useful information .
We are going to DUBAI on 11 till 15 july , Can you please suggest choice of clothes for my wife
Thanks
Hi Rounak, I think your question should have been answered in this post already… I would suggest light summer clothing that covers knees and shoulders.
Have a nice trip!
Can a girl wear cold sleeves top in Dubai?
Hi Ankita, you can wear pretty much anything in Dubai tourist areas. But to be respectful to their customs I’d still advise to cover your shoulders when leaving beach/hotel.
Exactly all the information I was looking for. Thank you!
Good to hear that, Komal. Enjoy your trip to Dubai!
Hi Jurga I will be visiting Dubai in December I love to wear caps and Fedora hats, is that permitted for a woman to wear.
Hi Marcia, I don’t see why not. Just one thing – it might be a bit too warm and you may want to wear a sun hat instead. 🙂
Enjoy your trip!
This is really an informative blog, The summers are too much warm, the winters are pleasant and the Pashmina shawls are widely popular widely. Dubai is indeed a lovely place.
Glad you found this info useful. Happy travels!
hi ! are muslims tourist allowed to wear shalwar kameez in dubai for men and women both ?
It’s a muslim country after all, so yes, Tahreem, I think muslims can wear pretty much anything they are used to. Dubai is really a multicultural mix and you see people wearing all kinds of clothing.
Hi, I’m travelling to Dubai in July with my boyfriend. We’re only there to sit by the pool and visit Burj Khalifa, malls and parks etc. How strict are they with clothing? Of course I will carry a shawl with me, but if I were to wear a top and shorts or a skirt, would that be considered inappropriate since it’s very hot in July?
Hi Catharina, you will see people wear pretty much anything in Dubai. So it’s really up to you. In the hotel and on the beach you will be fine. However, for malls and Burj Khalifa I would still say try to cover you shoulders and knees, there are plenty of light clothes that can do that, and you will feel better. And also many places have airco so you really won’t be that hot inside a mall for example. And they do have stricter rules during Ramadan, so maybe check if it’s not Ramadan when you are traveling this year.
thanks such a useful information. I’m going to Dubai soon.
Glad to hear you found it useful, Shweta. Enjoy your trip.
Hi
We are traveling to Dubai on 4th may
What dress and footwear should we carry as temperature is high
Hi Munira, for hotel and the beach pack just any regular summer clothes as you would do anywhere else. For sightseeing just make sure that you can cover your knees and shoulders if necessary, so maybe carry a light shawl with you and try not to wear too revealing clothes if you plan to go to the old town, visit mosques, or similar. Women can easily wear sandals in Dubai, I think it’s not really a big deal for men either if it’s really hot. My husband preferred to wear light shoes, but it wasn’t that hot when we visited.
You can always opt for linen clothes if it fits your style (dresses, skirts, blouses, trousers…) – they are perfect in hot weather.
This was great info thank you
Love the blog Jurga and really helpful. It gives a good idea to those who have never visited the Emirate.
One small point, I think you should refrain putting out information about places you are not sure of, example Abu Dhabi and the rest of the Emirates. I understand that you have mentioned that you haven’t been there but you are planting a seed of doubt when you do not know the standard yourself.
Honestly, I’m an expat born and brought up in Abu Dhabi and was free to dress however I please, including shorter shorts and sleeveless. While it’s true that Abu Dhabi is not as lively and touristy as Dubai, it’s just as open-minded in terms of dress.
Thank you for sharing this, JoAnn. It will be very useful to our readers to know that Abu Dhabi dress code is not much different from that in Dubai. I’ll see if I can update the post and include insights of a local ;).
And isn’t Abu Dhabi becoming more and more popular among the foreign visitors in the recent years too? Hope to go back to the region and explore a bit more.
kindly suggest me which type of cloths carry in January,2018 like sweater, shawls or winter cloths .
Hi Ravinder, January in Dubai is better weather-wise than summer here in Belgium :). You will be ok with summer clothes, just maybe take one light sweater for in the evening or to wear inside the shopping malls (air conditioning). A light shawl is always good to have, especially for women – to cover your head and/or shoulders when visiting certain places, or to wrap up when the air conditioning is a bit too cold. You definitely don’t need any winter clothes or warm shawls, etc.
Thank You for the helpful info Jurga. Your Iceland pics look very enticing although i haven’t got time to read the article. I will when I plan for Iceland trip 🙂
Best Regards
Tara
Wow, you are going from very hot places to the very cold ones, Tara. I did the same – was in Iceland in November and then in Dubai for the New Year. Completely different worlds.
Thanks for your feedback and for taking the time to leave a comment.
This is best and helpful information
thanks for sharing
Glad to hear that, Nisha! Thank you for taking the time to leave this feedback.
It does, thank you!
Jurga, I just discovered your blog and its useful info. Our family is traveling to Jerusalem in September. While researching clothing recommendations, I see lots of info for men and women, but nothing for kids. I have three (boy 12, boy 9, girl 7). Do you think I need to follow adult recommendations (covered legs and arms) in the Middle East for our kids as well? Or can they get away with regular shorts and tank tops (it will one in the high 80s in Israel when we go). Thank for any info you can provide!
Hi Amy, I don’t think you need to worry about the kids. Our boys just wore t-shirts and shorts in Dubai and from what I saw all the local kids (boys and girls) were dressed the same as they would be in Western World. You may need to cover the hair of your daughter in some religious buildings (just guessing this, don’t know for sure), so it might be useful to pack a light summer shawl or so (also for yourself). Hope this helps.
Useful info, Jurga. I’d like to point out, for those unfamiliar with Dubai, that it’s an extremely safe place for women travelling alone. You mention young women in tight mini dresses being stared at but I’m inclined to believe that happens everywhere! The difference in Dubai would be that they would be very unlikely to receive any harassment.
You’re definitely correct that the malls can be chilly and a wrap or cardigan is handy!
You’re absolutely right, Candice! Short skirts attract a lot of attention everywhere. I never felt unsafe anywhere in Dubai, but then I bought one of those maxi skirts just to be at ease 🙂