How to Dress in Dubai

Are you planning a visit to Dubai? There are specific dress codes that you should follow while you're there. If you don't, you might even find yourself questioned by the police. These guidelines emphasize modesty in clothing, in line with Dubai's cultural standards.

Recognize when the dress code applies. These rules do not apply at home or in your hotel room, where you can wear whatever you like. However, you must adhere to the dress code in public spaces.

• Public places where the dress code is enforced include theaters, markets, shopping malls, supermarkets, and common areas in hotels.
• The dress code also applies when driving on public roads. You may be given an aba (traditional robe) to wear when visiting courts or formal government buildings. This attire covers your entire outfit.

Follow their important rules. These may seem unfamiliar to you, but following these rules shows respect for the culture and helps you avoid trouble.

• The general rule here is that you should cover everything from your shoulders to your knees. Avoid revealing cleavage and be cautious with tight or see-through clothing. Women should not wear sleeveless tops.
• For men, this means you should not go shirtless in public. Avoid wearing shorts, especially briefs, and do not wear swimwear outside of pools or beaches. Do not unbutton your shirt to flaunt chest hair. Men should also avoid exposing their knees.

Choose a few casual outfits. Some specific clothing items comply with the dress code. It's a good idea to pack plenty of these in your luggage.

• A Pashmina shawl can be used for covering up, even in the car. Capri pants are great for covering your legs while still looking stylish. A scarf is a good option when visiting a mosque. Short-sleeve t-shirts are completely fine, but sleeveless tops are not.
• Leggings can be worn with short skirts to avoid exposing your legs. A cardigan is a good option for covering your shoulders. However, don't wear just leggings alone.

Avoid prohibited clothing items. Certain clothing choices can cause trouble while in Dubai. It's best to avoid wearing these items altogether.

• Short shorts that expose your buttocks, very short skirts, strapless tops, and mesh clothing could violate the dress code.
• Keep your underwear covered at all times, ensuring it's not visible. Under no circumstances should your underwear be seen in public. Exposing thong underwear, bras, or panties through outer clothing is a dress code violation.
• Skin-tight dresses and very short clothes could also get you into trouble. See-through clothing or cut-out outfits should be avoided.

Dress appropriately when entering a mosque. If you plan to enter a mosque, you must adhere to strict rules. You may not even be allowed to enter if you're not a Muslim.

• You may be given a garment, called an aba for women and a kandourah for men, to cover your clothes. You'll be asked to remove your shoes.
• Women must cover their hair and the entire body. Men do not need to cover their hair but should avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops.

Dress appropriately when visiting restaurants or bars. Many high-end restaurants, especially those serving alcoholic beverages, require men to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.

• For women, avoid exposing cleavage or thighs, but sandals are perfectly fine.
• In general, dress codes are more relaxed in nightclubs and bars. Shopping malls often have signs asking customers to cover their shoulders and knees.

Wear the right attire when exercising. It's important to know what to wear when heading to the gym or going for a run.

• You can wear regular workout gear at your hotel or in private gyms. If running outdoors, men should wear longer shorts and a light shirt.
• Women can wear leggings for running as long as they are knee-length or longer.

Wear swimwear according to regulations. Bikinis and one-piece swimsuits are allowed around pools or on the beach, but there are some restrictions.

• Do not wear thong-style swimsuits. Change out of your swimwear before leaving the pool or beach area and entering a store. If your wet swimwear is visible through outer clothing, it’s a dress code violation.
• In Dubai, sunbathing topless is not allowed — it is actually illegal. A one-piece swimsuit might be a better choice. Better yet, wear a t-shirt and shorts at public beaches.

Respond properly to criticism. Many people, from security staff to coworkers, may assume that your outfit is provocative. Sometimes, they're offering advice to help you out.

• The best approach is to stay calm and apologize. If possible, you can explain that you'll head back to your hotel or home to change.
• Reacting angrily or refusing to change your attire could lead to dealing with the police, something you’d definitely want to avoid. You can simply drape a Pashmina shawl over your shoulders and avoid further discomfort.

You must also adhere to the rules regarding public displays of affection. Aside from your attire, reserve your expressions of affection for private moments. The emphasis on modesty in Dubai’s culture requires this.

• Do not hold hands, hug, or kiss in public.
• Be aware that Muslim women in Dubai may not be comfortable with handshakes or direct eye contact.
• A British couple spent a month in jail for kissing in public. You could be arrested for offending public morals, especially if the complaint comes from a Muslim citizen of the UAE. This could lead to deportation or even a month in prison.