What's acceptable dress in Dubai? Even in Dubai, arguably the most relaxed Emirate, for both men and women, officially, it means covering the shoulders and the knees (and everything in between).
Dress code at Dubai hotels, restaurants, and malls
Most malls, restaurants, and hotels in Dubai ask customers to 'dress modestly' and advise to cover your knees and shoulders.
Dubai is the most liberal city in the United Arab Emirates. It's nothing like Saudi Arabia, so you don't have to wear clothes that are too conservative. Women are allowed to show their hair, arms, and legs. There's no objection to that at all.
(Source) It is perfectly fine for women to wear short-sleeved, sleeveless or off the shoulder tops and dresses in Dubai. However, it is ideal to wear clothes that will help blend in, so you should avoid wearing revealing clothes in specific places which might be frowned upon or considered inappropriate.
What's acceptable dress in Dubai? Even in Dubai, arguably the most relaxed Emirate, for both men and women, officially, it means covering the shoulders and the knees (and everything in between).
Nudity is strictly forbidden. Swimwear is not not allowed in public places. However, it can be worn in pools and beaches. Out of respect of Islamic tradition, female travellers will be required to wear abayas or head coverings when visiting mosques.
Showing cleavage is somewhat frowned upon, and it's also best to avoid wearing any tops that show your underwear underneath. Instead, go for t-shirts and tops that cover your upper arms – strappy tops and those that show off your midriff are considered offensive.
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.
You can use flip-flops wherever you go in Dubai. If you're staying at a luxurious hotel you should refrain from wearing them. Additionally, since they are so simple to misplace in the dunes, it is best to avoid wearing them in the desert.
Can I wear skinny jeans in Dubai? Yes, in most situations, skinny jeans, like leggings, are absolutely fine. The only place this may not be appropriate is a religious building.
Most public places in Dubai will accommodate decent ripped jeans. For example, you can wear them in the desert, old Dubai, public transport, and shopping malls. However, if they are extremely ripped, avoid wearing the jeans in such places. Wear such in hotels, party brunches, beach clubs, and bars.
Tourists in Dubai should avoid crossing their legs when sitting down as it is disrespectful. “Showing the soles of your shoes or feet implies that you think the other person is 'dirt,' so Arabs prefer to keep their feet flat on the ground,” according to Travelbag.
While there is no official dress code as such, modesty is appreciated and it is advisable to dress conservatively when in public places. The culture and customs of Dubai are based on Islamic traditions and practices.
Deserts are very hot - Yes it's hot during the day, but it can get quite cold in the evening and it is advisable to wear warm clothing in the desert at night. Wearing backless or strappy clothing is prohibited - You can wear them in restaurants, bars or clubs that don't have a strict dress code.
Any type of swimwear, including bikinis, are allowed in Dubai. While there aren't strict swimwear rules in Dubai,, it is still important that you remember that Dubai is an Islamic country. Therefore you might attract some stares if you're wearing a bikini at the public beaches in Dubai, where local Emiratis gather.
Your dress code in Dubai should be the right balance between staying comfortable in the heat as well as being modest enough to respect the Arab culture. You cannot wear crop tops, short skirts, or plunging necklines in public.
One of the most frequently asked questions and confusing areas of Islamic Law and local customs that visitors to Dubai need to be aware of is around whether it is legal to drink alcohol in Dubai. The short answer – for non-Muslims – is YES, you can drink alcohol in Dubai.
Some hand gestures are considered offensive in Dubai. Showing a thumbs-up sign is equivalent to flipping the bird and the “ok” hand sign indicates the devil's eye. Any obscene or rude hand gestures will put you in jail.
Based on market prices Thursday in the United Arab Emirates, two grams of gold would be worth about $82. The three people who lose the most weight will be entered into a drawing for a gold coin worth more than $5,400.
Liquids in hand luggage FAQs
Aerosols and roll on deodorants are classed as liquids, so any containers larger than 100 ml will need to go in your luggage in the hold. Containers smaller than 100 ml are accepted if in a clear plastic bag.
Privacy is a huge matter in the UAE, and taking pictures of people without permission is illegal. Article 378 of the UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. 3 of 1987) states that taking a person's photo without his/her consent is an invasion of privacy, and thus punishable by law.
Don't click pictures of others without seeking their consent. Article 378 of the UAE Code states that taking pictures without obtaining permission will result in the camera being confiscated, recordings destroyed and photographers being charged a fine, or in some situations, being imprisoned.
Yes, you can wear a cross necklace in Dubai. People from all walks of life go to Dubai because of its international atmosphere. Due to the many different cultures and religions represented there, it is typical to see people dressed in ways that show their ethnic or religious identity.
Can you wear shorts in Dubai? There are no fixed rules regarding wearing shorts. When it comes to wearing shorts in Dubai, even in case of tourists, remember that thigh grazing shorts, hot shorts, booty shorts and mini-skirts that barely cover may not be a good choice in Dubai, unless you are wearing them at a beach.
The dress code in Dubai does not apply to your own home or inside your hotel room. You can wear whatever you want there. However, it does apply to public places. Examples of public places where the dress code applies include theaters, markets, malls, supermarkets, and the public areas of hotels.