What Should You Wear in Dubai?

No matter which country you’re traveling to, it’s important to know if there are any specific dress code rules. Dubai is a modern, cosmopolitan city, but its customs and traditions are very different from those of the Western world.

How should you dress in Dubai? Do you have to wear a headscarf? Should you cover your shoulders? What are the traditional outfits? We answer all your questions about the dress code in Dubai in this article.

What are the traditional outfits in Dubai?

Traditional clothing for men

Men in Dubai are known for their distinctive style of dress, which consists of a long garment called dishdasha made of white cotton, which protects them from the scorching sun. They complete their outfit with a turban or a keffiyeh held in place by a black cord.

Traditional Clothing for Women

Women often wear an abaya, a loose-fitting dress that reaches down to the ankles and is usually closed. Traditionally, abayas are black, but some women like to wear colored abayas or ones adorned with sequins or rhinestones for special occasions.

Some women also wear the shayla, a veil that covers their hair but leaves their entire face uncovered. It can be made of silk, cotton, or even satin. This veil is very popular in the United Arab Emirates. Other women wear the burqa or niqab. These cover their entire face.

Traditional women’s clothing in Dubai is very elegant. You’ll most certainly want to buy yourself an abaya while strolling through the souks 😉

What should you wear in Dubai?

The big question tourists ask themselves is whether or not they should follow these traditions and wear clothing typical of Arab culture. The answer is NO!

There are more foreigners than Dubai residents living in Dubai, so obviously you’re under no obligation to wear these tunics. 

The same rule applies to women wearing the hijab: nothing is mandatory! 

Although you’re not required to wear a dishdasha or abaya, it’s still strongly recommended that you dress appropriately and respect local customs. In other words, you should avoid low-cut tops and shorts that are too short as much as possible. Instead, opt for pants or dresses that cover your knees. 

Keep in mind that in all public places—including shopping malls and various attractions—it’s important to respect the local culture to avoid receiving disapproving looks from locals.

Of course, you can wear whatever you want in your hotel room 😉

Note that there is no specific dress code for children.

Personally, on our last trip, I wore shorts for one day—they weren’t short, but mid-thigh length—and a tank top with fairly wide straps. An outfit perfectly suited for a vacation in the West. However, I received many unfriendly stares from the Dubai men I encountered on the street. It really isn’t pleasant… So if you can, stick to pants and T-shirts!

On the other hand, you’ll also come across women with plump lips and high cheekbones wearing outfits that are sometimes very revealing 😀

What to Wear in Dubai: Recommendations

In Places of Worship

There are certain places of worship that you can visit even if you are not Muslim. However, the dress code is a bit stricter in these places. 

For women, it is mandatory to cover your arms and legs and to dress appropriately. Ideally, you should wear an abaya. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to wear pants and a cardigan. You’ll also need to wear a headscarf to cover your hair during the visit. For men, it’s necessary to cover your shoulders and knees.

At the Beach or Pool

Dubai is a city where it’s always hot, so there’s a good chance that at some point, you’ll go swimming at the beach or at one of Dubai’s water parks. The rules are a little different there, and of course, you’re allowed to wear a swimsuit.

One-piece swimsuits or bikinis are allowed but going topless is strictly prohibited. You’ll see some women wearing burkinis, which cover most of their bodies, but you’re free to choose your own swimsuit.

For men, you can wear swim trunks or swim briefs.

What we recommend you pack in your suitcase

No matter what time of year you visit Dubai, temperatures will always be quite high. Even in winter, they rarely drop below 20°C.
To cope with the heat while still dressing appropriately, here are a few tips and items to pack:

• Wear cotton clothing. It’s a breathable fabric that will keep you from getting too hot. 
• Avoid dark-colored clothing. Wear mostly light colors to avoid absorbing too much heat.
• Be sure to bring a light cardigan or sweater. Whether it’s in the evening during winter or in air-conditioned indoor spaces, it might come in handy. 
• Remember to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself properly from the sun’s rays.
• Wear comfortable shoes. To explore the narrow streets of Old Dubai and walk through the desert sand, nothing beats a pair of sneakers. For the beach, bring flip-flops or sandals.