What to wear in Dubai: your holiday packing list

What can I wear in Dubai?

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that is a melting pot of diverse cultures and religious faiths. With more than 200 nationalities living in the city, all attires are generally acceptable. There are a few general guidelines to follow:

• Swimwear is fine while at the beach and pool, but not appropriate in areas such as business districts and shopping malls.
• When you’re out and about, especially in summer, make sure you are protected from the sun.
• It is advisable to dress conservatively when visiting historical areas and cultural sites.

What to pack for Dubai

Here's a basic checklist of clothing essentials for your Dubai holiday, for both men and women:

• Light clothing
• Swimsuit
• Flip-flops
• High SPF sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Strappy sandals and/or sneakers
• Clothing that covers the shoulders and midriff (for public areas)
• Light jacket, sweater or shawl (for winter evenings and indoor air-conditioned spaces)
• Thicker jacket and warmer clothing (for evening trips to the desert)
• Stylish clothing and footwear (for chic party spots)
• Modest clothing including trousers, or skirts or shorts past the knee (for heritage areas)
• Loose-fitting, conservative clothing that covers the ankles (for mosques)

What to wear as a woman or man in Dubai

Dubai is a multicultural city with residents and visitors from all over the world, so you will see a variety of attire, cultural clothing and styles for both men and women. Whatever your style, you should feel comfortable wearing it when you visit Dubai – but what you pack depends on what you are planning to do during your trip. 

For example, if you go on a desert safari, you will need practical, light-weight clothing, but if you are planning a night out at a trendy restaurant, you can wear the latest fashions and blend right in.

Whatever's on your itinerary, bringing some modest options is always a good idea for both men and women, particularly if you plan to visit religious or heritage sights such as Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historicial Neighbourhood. 

While there are no specific restrictions on what you can wear in Dubai anytime of the year, visitors are advised to be mindful of the local culture and religion and to ensure they are dressed appropriately for the occasion. If you are visiting a cultural or heritage area, try and cover your shoulders and knees, or wear loose fitting garments. For a visit to a mosque, men and women should dress modestly, with arms and legs covered, and women may need to wear a headscarf, so it's best to carry one with you. Swimwear is acceptable while visiting hotel pools and beaches. 

If you're visiting Dubai for business purposes (or high-end socialising) then you should plan to dress to impress. Dubai's professional circles and social elites are generally very stylish. Dubai is one of the world's best shopping destinations, so you can pick up whatever you need here – from casual outfits to pre-loved designer goodies and everything in between.

 

What to pack for a summer holiday in Dubai

Warmer weather means lighter, breathable fabrics are your friend. For women, dresses, shorts and jumpsuits are versatile, and can be played up or down. For men, loose-fitting trousers and knee-length shorts will serve you well during the day.

You can pack your favourite swimsuits and bikinis if you're planning a day at the beach. With temperatures peaking above 40°C, remember to pack high SPF sunscreen to protect you from the sun. Reapply it regularly throughout the day – not just when relaxing on the beach but also when strolling through open-air historic districts or venturing into the desert. Hats are a great accessory for fashion and utility too, as are sunglasses.

Keep in mind that indoor spaces are always air-conditioned. If you're shopping at malls, checking out indoor attractions or watching a movie at the cinema, it helps to have a light shawl or jacket to cover up with if you're sensitive to the chill.

How to pack for winter in Dubai

From November until April, you'll find quintessential beach weather in Dubai. It's the perfect time to be out and about, enjoying the city for its natural escapes such as Hatta or the Al Marmoom desert. Beaches fill with families and friends soaking in the sunny winters, while outdoor lifestyle destinations like City Walk and Al Seef come alive with renewed energy.

The temperature averages highs of 25°C but evenings can get chillier with lows of 14°C, so bring a light, versatile jacket to protect yourself from the cool breeze. If you're out in the desert enjoying a safari, be sure to bring something a little thicker – away from the urban buzz and excitement, the vast desert environment is known to get quite cold. Just like the summer, pack a bathing suit and cover-up to make the most of Dubai's world-class waterparks and beach clubs that host exciting day parties and weekend brunches.

Dubai dress codes for nights on the town

If one of Dubai's many nightlife venues is on your to-do list, carry outfits that fit the bill. However, it all depends on where you're going. Party spots such as WHITE Dubai and rooftop lounges like Treehouse Dubai are known for their stylish dress code, so come prepared with an ensemble that shows off your fashion know-how. At more laidback destinations like Barasti or Zero Gravity, cool and casual wins the race.

The same goes for restaurants – you can find a menu and ambience that fits your style all through Dubai. Trendy neighbourhoods like Dubai International Financial Centre are known for more high-end spots, while eateries along The Beach and The Walk at JBR are flip-flop friendly.

What to wear on a Dubai desert safari

Comfort is key when it comes to desert adventures. Whether trekking through the desert on a camel, climbing up sandy peaks on a dune driving safari or enjoying a morning hot air balloon ride, be sure to wear an outfit you don't mind getting sand on. In terms of footwear, strappy sandals or sneakers help, as slippers can easily get caught in softer surfaces.

If you don't know what to wear – knee-length skirts and dresses work during the warmer weather, but if you plan on riding a camel or a dune buggy, shorts or trousers are better suited. And winters in the desert are chilly especially in the evening, so dress accordingly.

How to dress for heritage tours in Dubai

Juxtaposing Dubai's newer neighbourhoods are districts steeped in local heritage. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood boasts architecture dating back to the 17th century and a labyrinth of alleys housing cafes, art galleries, museums and more.

Nearby, around the creek, you'll find traditional Arabian souks selling everything from exotic spices and gold to aromatic perfumes. Tourists are invited to explore the nation's rich legacy, but it is recommended to dress more modestly in these precincts – sleeved tops and trousers, or skirts and shorts past your knees.

The city's mosques are a breathtaking display of local religion and architecture, and landmarks like Jumeirah Mosque and the Blue Mosque are open to non-Muslims. If you plan on visiting either, remember to wear loose-fitting and conservative clothing, so avoid shorts and keep ankles covered.

Women should also cover their head and arms before entering. You can bring a shawl of your own, but some mosques also let visitors borrow abayas.

Are there any clothing restrictions in Dubai?

Dubai is a very cosmopolitan city, and you'll see people wearing all sorts of clothing – but there are a few things you should be mindful of.

Avoid wearing clothing with offensive slogans or images, or anything which could be insulting to any religion, faith or culture. Also, avoid very revealing clothing such as swimwear when you're in places that aren't the pool or the beach.

Remember to dress appropriately for the time and the place you're visiting, particularly in heritage areas and religious sites such as mosques. Keep in mind the occasion and setting, for example, what you might wear for a day of outdoor exploring or shopping might differ from what you wear to a fine-dining establishment in a trendy neighbourhood.   

Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape or a thrilling adventure, you'll have a holiday to remember in Dubai.