The complete guide to what to wear in Dubai — for tourists, Muslim visitors, and residents. Dress codes for malls, beaches, mosques, restaurants, and during Ramadan, plus practical packing tips for every season.
Dubai Isn't as Strict as You Think — But There Are Rules
Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world, welcoming over 16 million tourists a year. It's a fascinating blend of ultra-modern luxury and deeply rooted Islamic culture. And one of the most common questions visitors ask is: "What am I allowed to wear?"
The short answer: Dubai is more relaxed than most people expect, but it's not a free-for-all. There are clear expectations depending on where you are — and understanding them will help you enjoy the city without awkward stares or, worse, a warning from security.
Here's the honest, practical guide.
The General Rule
Dubai follows a "respect the culture" approach to dress codes rather than strict enforcement. The official guidance from the Dubai government is:
Clothing should be modest and appropriate in public places. Beachwear is acceptable at beaches and pools but not in malls, restaurants, or public spaces.
In practice, this means:
- Shoulders and knees covered in most indoor public spaces (malls, restaurants, government buildings)
- Swimwear only at the beach or pool — not walking down the street
- No sheer, overly revealing, or underwear-as-outerwear clothing in public
- Respectful coverage at religious and cultural sites
Dubai is NOT Saudi Arabia. You will see people in shorts, tank tops, and summer dresses. But there's a difference between tolerated and appropriate, and understanding that line will serve you well.
What to Wear: Women
Day-to-Day (Malls, Restaurants, Sightseeing)
- Tops: T-shirts, blouses, and casual tops that cover the shoulders. Sleeveless is generally fine in modern malls and restaurants, but having a light cardigan or scarf for more traditional areas is smart.
- Bottoms: Knee-length skirts or shorts, jeans, trousers, palazzo pants, maxi skirts. Anything that covers the knee is universally safe.
- Dresses: Midi and maxi dresses are perfect. Mini dresses are fine in hotels and upscale restaurants but will attract attention in more traditional areas.
- Fabric: Lightweight, breathable fabrics are essential — linen, cotton, viscose. Dubai is HOT (40°C+ in summer).
At the Beach/Pool
- Bikinis and swimsuits are perfectly fine at public and private beaches
- Cover up when leaving the beach — throw on a kaftan, sarong, or sundress before walking to a restaurant or through a hotel lobby
- Some beaches (like La Mer, JBR, and Kite Beach) are very tourist-friendly
At Mosques
If you visit the stunning Jumeirah Mosque or the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi (a must-visit day trip):
- Full coverage required: Long sleeves, ankle-length skirt or trousers, headscarf
- No tight or sheer clothing
- Most mosques provide abayas and scarves for visitors who aren't dressed appropriately — but bringing your own is more comfortable
Ramadan-Specific Dress Code
During Ramadan, Dubai becomes more conservative:
- Cover shoulders and knees at all times in public — this is more strictly observed during Ramadan
- Avoid very tight or revealing clothing even in malls
- The atmosphere shifts — the city is more subdued during the day, vibrant after iftar
What to Wear: Men
Men have it relatively easy in Dubai, but there are still expectations:
Day-to-Day
- Shorts are fine — knee-length or above-the-knee is acceptable everywhere except mosques
- T-shirts and polo shirts — standard casual wear works perfectly
- Jeans, chinos, or linen trousers for evenings out
- Flip-flops are fine at the beach but swap for proper shoes for malls and restaurants
At Fine Dining and Clubs
- Smart casual minimum — collared shirt, chinos or trousers, closed-toe shoes
- Some venues require long trousers and closed shoes — check dress codes before going
- A thobe (dishdasha) is perfectly appropriate if you want to wear traditional Gulf clothing
At Mosques
- Long trousers (no shorts)
- Covered shoulders — a t-shirt is fine, a vest/tank top is not
- Remove shoes before entering
What to Wear as a Muslim Visiting Dubai
If you're a practising Muslim visiting Dubai, you'll feel very much at home:
For Muslimah (Women)
- Your regular modest wear is perfect — hijab, abaya, modest dresses, long skirts all fit right in
- Dubai is a modest fashion capital — you'll find incredible hijab boutiques and abaya designers
- Shopping tip: Visit Dubai Mall's modest fashion section, the Gold Souk area, or Deira for affordable finds
- Abayas designed in Dubai range from classic black to bold colours and elaborate embroidery — many women buy their Eid or Ramadan wardrobe here
For Muslim Men
- A thobe/dishdasha is standard local wear — you won't stand out at all
- Kufi/taqiyah is common
- Modest casual wear (long shorts, t-shirts) works for tourism
For Ramadan
- If visiting during Ramadan, most restaurants and food courts are closed during the day or have screened-off areas for non-fasting people
- Iftars at Dubai hotels are legendary — extravagant buffets that you absolutely should experience at least once
- Taraweeh prayers at Dubai's mosques are beautiful
Location-Specific Dress Codes
Dubai Mall / Mall of the Emirates
Signs at entrances say "respectful clothing" but enforcement is relaxed. Shoulders and knees covered is the safe standard. You'll see everything from full abayas to tourists in shorts.
Old Dubai (Deira, Bur Dubai, Gold Souk)
More traditional areas — dress more conservatively. Cover shoulders and knees. These areas are where you'll feel the cultural difference from the tourist strips.
JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) / Marina
Very tourist-heavy, very relaxed. Shorts, summer dresses, and casual wear are standard. Beachwear stays at the beach though.
Downtown / DIFC
Business and upscale dining area. Smart casual to business attire. Think chinos and a nice shirt rather than board shorts.
Desert Safaris
- Lightweight, loose clothing — sand gets everywhere
- Cover your shoulders to avoid sunburn
- Comfortable shoes you don't mind getting sandy
- A scarf or shawl is useful for wind and sand
Brunches
Dubai is famous for its Friday brunches (lavish all-you-can-eat-and-drink affairs at hotels). Dress code varies:
- Smart casual minimum — most require it
- Some are very dressy — check the venue beforehand
- Pool brunches are more casual
What NOT to Wear in Dubai
- Transparent or extremely revealing clothing in public spaces — this can actually lead to warnings or fines
- Underwear as outerwear — what might fly in Ibiza won't work here
- Offensive slogans or graphics on clothing — anything rude, politically charged, or religiously insensitive
- Military-style camouflage — technically restricted in the UAE and can cause issues
Practical Packing Tips
Summer (May-September)
- Temperatures hit 40-50°C — pack the lightest fabrics you own
- Linen, cotton, and moisture-wicking materials are your friends
- Light colours reflect heat better than dark
- Every indoor space is heavily air-conditioned — carry a light layer for malls and restaurants (it can be freezing inside)
Winter (November-March)
- 20-25°C — gorgeous weather
- Light layers — a light jacket for evenings
- This is the best time to visit and when Ramadan falls in 2026
Year-Round Essentials
- Sunglasses and sunscreen — the sun is intense
- Comfortable walking shoes — Dubai involves a lot of walking (malls are enormous)
- A scarf or pashmina — multi-purpose: mosque covering, cold AC shield, desert wind protection
- At least one smart outfit — for fine dining, brunches, or events
Pack These for Your Dubai Trip
Heading to Dubai? These modest essentials will keep you covered and comfortable:
- Modal Jersey Hijab — Breathable and lightweight for Dubai's heat. Easy to style. $16.90
- Easy-Wear Hijab — Quick coverage for mosque visits and sightseeing. $14.90
- Inner Hijab Cap — Keeps everything in place while exploring. $14.90
- Classic White Thobe — Blend right in with the locals. Perfect for Friday prayers at Jumeirah Mosque. $38.90
- Embroidered Kufi — A classic that suits Dubai perfectly. $14.90
Shop Dubai Travel Essentials →
The Bottom Line
Dubai is welcoming, cosmopolitan, and far less restrictive than many people assume. The key principle is respect: respect the local culture, dress appropriately for each setting, and you'll have an incredible time.
For Muslim visitors, Dubai feels like home — modest fashion is celebrated, mosques are everywhere, halal food is the default, and the call to prayer punctuates your day just as it should.
For non-Muslim visitors, think of the dress code like visiting a church in Italy — you don't need to change who you are, but showing respect for the culture enriches your experience.
