If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, one of the world’s most modern yet culturally rooted cities, you might be wondering: What should I wear? This question isn’t just about staying cool in the desert heat—it’s also about respecting local customs, adhering to modesty guidelines, and being comfortable for a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
Having traveled to Dubai twice in the past 18 months—once in winter (January) and once in summer (July)—I’ve experienced firsthand how dressing right in Dubai can elevate your experience, help you blend in, and avoid unnecessary attention or discomfort.
Let’s dive into what you need to know.
🕌 Why Clothing Matters in Dubai
Dubai is a cosmopolitan hub that attracts over 17 million tourists a year (Dubai Tourism, 2024). It’s also part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country rooted in Islamic culture. While Dubai is more liberal than other emirates like Sharjah, modest dress codes still apply in many public spaces.
Whether you’re visiting a mall, mosque, beach, or restaurant, dressing appropriately reflects respect for local values—and that goes a long way in ensuring a smooth, respectful visit.
📅 Climate Considerations: Dressing by Season
| Season | Months | Weather | Clothing Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec – Feb | Mild (18–28°C) | Light layers, long pants, light jacket at night |
| Spring/Fall | Mar – May, Oct – Nov | Warm (25–35°C) | Breathable cotton/linen, modest dresses |
| Summer | Jun – Sep | Very hot (38–48°C) | Loose, light-colored clothes, sun hat, SPF clothing |
💡 Humidity is high from June to September, so synthetic fabrics can feel suffocating. Stick to breathable natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, or linen.
🧕 Modesty Standards: What’s Considered Appropriate?
Dubai does not require women or men to wear traditional Islamic dress, but modesty is expected, especially in government buildings, malls, and religious sites.
Women:
- Avoid sheer, tight, or revealing clothing in public areas
- Shoulders and knees should ideally be covered in malls or public transport
- Swimwear is fine at private pools, hotel beaches, or waterparks—but not in public areas outside those venues
Men:
- T-shirts and shorts are fine, but avoid tank tops in malls or mosques
- Swim trunks are acceptable at pools and private beaches
- Avoid walking shirtless in public—even on the beach promenade
👚 What to Pack for Dubai (Women & Men)
👩 For Women:
- Maxi dresses (flowy, lightweight)
- Linen pants or culottes
- Tops with sleeves (short or long)
- Light shawl or scarf (for covering head/shoulders if entering mosques)
- Modest swimwear or burkini for hotel pools
- Comfortable sandals or sneakers
👨 For Men:
- Cotton shirts or polos
- Linen or chino shorts (knee-length)
- Long trousers for evening outings or fine dining
- Swim shorts for pool/beach
- Light hoodie or jacket for indoor air-conditioning
🧳 Packing Tip: Indoor spaces like malls, metros, and cinemas can be chilly due to strong A/C—carry a lightweight wrap or cardigan.
🕌 What to Wear When Visiting Mosques (e.g., Jumeirah Mosque, Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque)
Mosques have strict dress codes:
| Gender | Required Attire |
|---|---|
| Women | Long-sleeved top, full-length pants or skirt, headscarf |
| Men | Long pants, no sleeveless shirts |
At some major mosques, abayas and scarves are provided for female tourists free of charge. I visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in nearby Abu Dhabi, and they offered beautifully embroidered abayas for all visitors without charge.
🏖️ What to Wear at Beaches and Pools
- Swimwear is allowed at hotel pools, private beaches, and resorts.
- Bikinis are fine, but thongs or topless sunbathing is not.
- You must cover up when leaving the beach/pool area—bring a kaftan, robe, or T-shirt dress.
- Avoid walking around Dubai Marina or public transport in swimwear.
🏝️ First-hand tip: I once walked from a beach club to the nearby café without throwing on my cover-up. While no one stopped me, I definitely received judgmental looks from locals and staff—it’s best to be prepared.
🛍️ What to Wear in Dubai Malls & Restaurants
Dubai’s malls are family-friendly public spaces, and modesty rules are enforced via signs like “Please dress respectfully”.
Do:
- Wear tops with sleeves
- Choose skirts or pants that cover knees
- Bring a shawl for layering
Don’t:
- Wear backless tops, plunging necklines, or crop tops
- Walk barefoot or in swimwear
Fine dining restaurants may enforce a smart casual or formal dress code:
- Men: Button-down shirt or polo, closed shoes
- Women: Elegant dresses, heels or sandals
🧕 Dressing for Cultural Events (e.g., Desert Safari, Old Dubai)
For traditional activities like desert safaris, spice souk visits, or dhow cruises:
- Opt for lightweight, loose clothes that offer sun protection
- Avoid very short shorts or crop tops
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and a scarf for sand/dust
🧑⚖️ What Do UAE Laws Say?
According to the UAE Federal Penal Code, public nudity and indecent exposure are illegal. Dubai Police have a zero-tolerance policy on lewd behavior, and dressing inappropriately in public spaces can lead to warnings or fines (source: UAE Government Portal, u.ae).
📌 Important: This applies more strictly in Ramadan or when visiting more conservative areas like Deira or traditional souks.
❓ FAQs About Dressing in Dubai
Q: Can I wear jeans in Dubai?
A: Absolutely. Just avoid ripped or overly tight jeans in religious or traditional areas.
Q: Are sleeveless tops allowed?
A: Yes, but preferably only in tourist-heavy areas or beach clubs. In malls, it’s better to cover shoulders.
Q: Can I wear shorts?
A: Yes, if they are knee-length or longer. Both men and women should avoid super short shorts in public.
Q: Do I need to wear a hijab?
A: No. Only when entering a mosque is a headscarf required for women.
✅ Quick Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do:
- Pack breathable fabrics
- Dress conservatively in public spaces
- Use a shawl or cardigan as a cover-up
- Check restaurant dress codes in advance
❌ Don’t:
- Wear beachwear outside resort areas
- Go braless or shirtless in public
- Wear offensive graphic prints (especially religious symbols)
- Assume Western norms always apply
🧳 Final Thoughts
Dubai welcomes tourists from all over the world, but respecting local customs around clothing not only shows cultural awareness but also enhances your experience. Whether you’re marveling at the Burj Khalifa or riding camels in the desert, dressing appropriately helps you stay comfortable, stylish, and respectful.
My personal recommendation? Pack light, breathable layers and err on the side of modesty—you’ll feel more at ease and even enjoy a warmer welcome from locals and staff.
💬 Have Questions?
Planning your wardrobe for Dubai? Drop your questions in the comments, and I’d be happy to share more personal insights or update this guide based on your destination (e.g., Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai vs. Sharjah).
My name is Tuhin, the founder of Royal Dubai Travel, a premier travel agency in Dubai dedicated to crafting unforgettable travel experiences. With a deep passion for tourism and years of expertise in the industry, Tuhin specializes in curating personalized tours, luxury experiences, and hassle-free travel solutions for visitors to Dubai. Whether you’re looking for desert adventures, city explorations, or VIP travel services, Royal Dubai Travel ensures a seamless and memorable journey.
For travel inquiries and expert recommendations, connect with Tuhin and explore the best of Dubai with confidence!
