What to Wear in Dubai: A Guide to Dress Code and Etiquette

Tourists in Dubai are not expected to wear an abaya or headscarf; however, in public places such as shopping centres, souks and historic neighbourhoods, choosing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees is both respectful and practical. Swimsuits and bikinis are normal on the beach and at the hotel pool, but in town you put something on over them. The rules are stricter for mosque visits: women need a headscarf and long, loose clothing, and men need long trousers.

Dubai is an international city and you will see many different styles of dress on the street. Even so, it is part of a country rooted in Islamic traditions, and visitors who behave modestly are made more welcome everywhere. Below we have put together a short guide by situation.

Clothing by place

In town, the souks and shopping centres

• A T-shirt or shirt that covers the shoulders, and a skirt, dress or trousers below the knee.
• It is best to avoid very short shorts, very low necklines and see-through clothing.
• Shopping centres and museums are heavily air-conditioned; take a light cardigan even if it is hot outside.

The beach and hotel pool

Swimsuits, bikinis and shorts are normal on beaches and at hotel pools. When you leave the beach for a café, restaurant or the street, you are expected to put on a tunic, shirt or dress. Topless sunbathing is not appropriate.

Visiting a mosque

At mosques open to visitors, such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the dress rules are clear:

• Women: A headscarf covering the hair, and loose, non-transparent clothing that covers the wrists and ankles.
• Men: Long trousers and a top that covers the shoulders.

For details, see our Abu Dhabi day trip guide.

Desert safari

Wear comfortable, light clothes that won't mind the sand. Comfortable closed shoes or sandals, sunglasses and a hat will do the job. In winter, don't forget a sweatshirt or shawl for the cool evening; a scarf also helps against wind-blown sand.

Dinners and smart venues

Some restaurants and bars may have their own dress codes. If you are planning a smart dinner, packing one smart outfit and closed shoes is enough.

A short packing list

• Breathable, light-coloured cotton clothes
• One pair of long trousers, and one long skirt or dress
• A light cardigan or shawl (for air conditioning and cool evenings)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A hat, sunglasses and sun cream
• For women, a headscarf suitable for mosque visits

Etiquette

Behaviour in public

• Avoid overly close contact, hugging and kissing in the street and in crowded places.
• Loud arguments and swearing are frowned upon.
• Alcohol is consumed only in licensed venues (mostly hotels and licensed restaurants); drinking in the street or on the beach, or appearing drunk, can lead to serious problems.

Photography

You can freely photograph the skyscrapers, the views and tourist sights. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and children. Government buildings, military areas and security points are not suitable for photography. If you are thinking of flying a drone, the rules are strict; you need to research them in advance from official sources.

Greetings

When men and women greet each other, it is polite to wait for the other person to offer their hand first. Using the right hand is an established habit, especially when giving and receiving something and when eating.

During Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, be more careful about eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day. Although practice has relaxed over the years, showing respect to those who are fasting is the basic rule. For details on the seasons and Ramadan, see our article When to visit Dubai.

A note for groups

For school and corporate groups, adding clothing to the pre-trip briefing avoids lost time at mosque entrances or in the souks. As TatiliYakala's Dubai and Abu Dhabi tour programme includes both Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and a desert safari (optional), we recommend packing for both. We finalise a briefing tailored to your group together at the quote stage.

For visa and entry requirements, check the current situation with the official sources of the United Arab Emirates and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling.

Courtesy when shopping and bargaining

Bargaining is common in the gold and spice souks, but attitude matters. Ask the price with a smile, make your counter-offer calmly and don't get into long haggling over something you don't intend to buy. If a shop offers you tea or coffee, you can politely accept or decline with thanks. In shopping centres, prices are marked and bargaining is not expected. This small distinction avoids unnecessary tension on your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear shorts in Dubai?

Shorts are fine on the beach, at the hotel and in seaside areas. In the souks, historic neighbourhoods and shopping centres, knee-length shorts or trousers are more appropriate.

Do women need to cover their heads in Dubai?

Not in town. A headscarf is expected only when visiting mosques.

Can couples hold hands in Dubai?

Walking hand in hand is generally fine. However, you should avoid closer behaviour such as kissing and hugging in public.

Can you photograph people in Dubai?

Don't photograph anyone without permission; be especially careful with women and children. Views, buildings and tourist sights can be photographed freely.