What Should I Wear?
General rule: Cover shoulders + knees
In malls, souks, and public areas. T-shirts and knee-length shorts are fine.
Beaches & hotel pools: Swimwear is fine
Bikinis, one-pieces, swim trunks all normal. Cover up when leaving hotel property.
Mosques: Full coverage required
Long sleeves, long pants/skirt, headscarf for women. Most provide coverings.
Reality check: Dubai & Abu Dhabi are cosmopolitan. Dress code is rarely enforced but modest dress shows respect and creates better interactions.
Malls & Shopping Areas
- Acceptable: T-shirts, jeans, casual dresses, knee-length shorts
- Not okay: Beachwear, see-through clothing, very short shorts, bare shoulders
- Many malls post dress code signs — follow them
Restaurants & Cafes
- Casual: Smart casual, covered shoulders and knees
- Fine dining: Smart casual to formal, some require closed-toe shoes
- Beach restaurants: Cover-ups over swimwear required
Nightclubs & Bars
- Men: Long pants, closed shoes, collared shirt often required
- Women: Club wear similar to Western standards, dresses and heels fine
- No flip-flops, shorts, or overly casual attire
Souks & Traditional Markets
- More conservative — cover shoulders, knees, avoid tight clothing
- Modest dress may get you better service and prices
Desert Safaris
- Lightweight long pants, covered shoulders (sun protection)
- Closed shoes or sandals — sand gets very hot
Everyday Outfit Ideas
- Maxi dress or midi dress with sandals
- T-shirt/blouse with knee-length shorts or cropped pants
- Lightweight long pants with tank top + cardigan
- Jumpsuit or romper with covered shoulders
What Works Well
- Maxi dresses: Perfect — modest, cool, stylish
- Wide-leg pants: Comfortable in heat, appropriate everywhere
- Light cardigans: Throw over tank tops for instant modesty
- Linen clothing: Breathable and naturally modest
What to Avoid
- Very short shorts/skirts (above mid-thigh)
- Crop tops showing midriff
- Low-cut tops with excessive cleavage
- See-through fabrics
- Leggings as pants — wear tunic/long shirt over them
Pro Tip: Carry a light scarf or cardigan in your bag. Useful for air-conditioned spaces AND covering up when needed.
Everyday Outfit Ideas
- T-shirt with knee-length shorts or chino shorts
- Polo shirt with casual pants or jeans
- Button-down shirt with shorts/pants
What Works Well
- Knee-length shorts: Perfectly acceptable for tourists
- Casual button-downs: Light, breathable, appropriate everywhere
- Chinos/khakis: Smart casual, works for all occasions
- Polo shirts: Classic choice, respectful and comfortable
What to Avoid
- Sleeveless shirts/tank tops in malls or restaurants
- Very short shorts (above knee)
- Flip-flops everywhere — not for fine dining or clubs
- Heavily ripped jeans — may be refused at clubs
- Speedos at pools — board shorts more appropriate
Nightlife Tip: Pack one smart casual outfit (nice pants, button-down, closed shoes) for nicer evenings out. Many venues enforce dress codes.
Summer (May-September)
- Lightest fabrics: cotton, linen, moisture-wicking synthetics
- Loose-fitting clothes allow air circulation
- Light colors reflect heat better
- Light long sleeves actually cooler than exposed skin in sun
- Wide-brim hats essential for sun protection
Winter (November-March)
- Still warm days (24-28°C) — summer clothes work
- Cool evenings (14-18°C) — light jacket or sweater needed
- Layer system works best
Year-Round: Indoor AC
- Malls, restaurants, offices are heavily air-conditioned
- Can feel freezing inside — always carry a layer
- Temperature shock going in/out is real
Fabric Tip: Moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics outperform cotton in UAE heat. Cotton gets heavy when sweaty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Knee-length shorts are acceptable in tourist areas, malls, and casual settings for both men and women. Very short shorts (above mid-thigh) may attract stares and could be refused entry at malls. When in doubt, go longer.
No. Headscarves are not required for non-Muslim women in public. The only exception is when entering mosques — most provide scarves if you don't have one. In general public areas, malls, and restaurants, you never need to cover your head.
Yes, absolutely. Hotel pools and beaches are private spaces where Western swimwear is completely normal. Bikinis, one-pieces, swim trunks — all perfectly acceptable. Just cover up with clothes or a cover-up when leaving hotel property to walk on public streets.