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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from more north
Wednesday 20th of November 2024
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
Jurga
Thursday 21st of November 2024
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!
Terry
Sunday 29th of September 2024
A superb webpage, thank you!
Jurga
Tuesday 1st of October 2024
Thanks for your kind feedback, Terry. Have a great time in Dubai!
Gale
Saturday 11th of November 2023
Going to Dubai for the first time in February 15,2024. Don't know what to take.
Jurga
Monday 13th of November 2023
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!
Stephanie mwikali
Friday 10th of November 2023
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
Stephanie mwikali
Friday 10th of November 2023
@Jurga thank you,
Jurga
Friday 10th of November 2023
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.
Brian
Wednesday 25th of October 2023
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!
Jurga
Thursday 26th of October 2023
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!