What to Wear in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
What to wear in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: dress codes for malls, beaches, mosques and restaurants, packing for heat and air-conditioning, and Ramadan etiquette.
Key takeaways
- In public, cover shoulders and knees; swimwear is fine at beaches and pools.
- Mosques require loose clothing covering arms and legs, and headscarves for women.
- Pack light, breathable fabrics plus a layer for chilly air-conditioning.
On this page
The UAE is welcoming and cosmopolitan, and you’ll see all kinds of styles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Still, a few guidelines help you dress comfortably and respectfully.
The general rule
In public places such as malls, souks, government buildings and heritage areas, it’s respectful to cover shoulders and knees and avoid very tight, sheer or revealing clothing. You won’t be expected to dress conservatively everywhere, but it’s appreciated.
By place
| Place | What works |
|---|---|
| Malls and souks | Shirts or tops with sleeves, trousers, skirts or shorts to the knee |
| Beaches and pools | Swimwear is fine; cover up when leaving the beach area |
| Mosques | Loose clothing covering arms and legs; headscarf for women; shoes removed |
| Restaurants and bars | Smart casual; some venues enforce dress codes |
| Desert trips | Light, loose layers, closed shoes or sandals, a jacket in winter evenings |
| Heritage areas | Modest, breathable clothing |
Visiting a mosque
At the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and other mosques open to visitors:
- Wear loose clothing covering arms to the wrists and legs to the ankles.
- Women should cover their hair.
- Avoid transparent fabrics.
- Some mosques provide abayas for visitors.
Packing for the climate
- Breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen for the heat
- A light layer for air-conditioned malls, taxis and restaurants, which can be very cold
- Sun protection: sunglasses, a hat and high-factor sunscreen year-round
- Comfortable walking shoes, plus sandals
- A warm jacket for desert evenings between December and February
See our best time to visit guide for temperatures by month.
During Ramadan
Dress a little more conservatively in public during Ramadan, especially in the daytime. Read our Ramadan travel guide for more etiquette.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear shorts in Dubai?
Yes, in most places. Knee-length shorts are best for malls and public areas; avoid very short shorts away from beaches.
Can women wear sleeveless tops in Dubai?
In hotels, beaches and many restaurants, yes. In malls, souks and heritage areas, covering shoulders is more respectful.
Is there a dress code on the Dubai Metro?
There’s no strict dress code, but modest clothing is expected, as in other public places.
Sources
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