What to Wear in Dubai? | Do's & Don'ts

Dubai, being a populous city and also a major tourist destination as well, has a great public transport facility for tourists and locals alike. From the well-established metro network to the state-operated bus service, Dubai’s public transport system is well managed and convenient.

Go For:

• Metro, buses, trams, and taxis - all are considered public places. While traveling in these, you should adhere to the general dress code rule of what to wear in Dubai.
  
• While traveling through private vehicles, you can wear whatever you want inside the vehicle but make sure to cover up well while getting out.

Avoid This:

• Don’t wear anything too short or too revealing. Tops and T-shirts shouldn’t be deep V-necks.

Luxury malls and Dubai go hand-in-hand. You can only find such larger-than-life malls in Dubai with everything imaginable. Malls in Dubai are often called shopper’s paradise for the kind of amenities and products they provide with great discounts.

Go For:

• Wearing simple and casual outfits while going to a Dubai mall is the best and safest thing to do.
  
• Most of the malls have signs and boards outside the mall instructing the tourists about the modest dress code.
  
• Men can wear T-shirts, pants, trousers whereas women can wear tops, knee-length shorts, pants, wide-legged jeans.

Avoid This:

• Avoid clothes that don't fully cover your shoulders and knees.

From gold to perfumes, there are numerous souks in Dubai for a diverse range of products. You can indulge in local shopping and lay your hands on the best quality products that bespeak authentic Arabic culture.

Go for:

• Souks are usually more conservative than other markets as they are an age-old tradition where you find the dress code norms being followed strictly.
  
• Lots of local families and children are present at local markets and bazaars. It is mostly preferred to wear clothes that wouldn’t turn their heads towards you through a stare. Dress as modest as you can.

Avoid This:

• Female tourists should avoid wearing shorts, capris, mini dresses, skirts, or anything above-knee length. Make sure to cover your shoulders properly, and wrap around a scarf if you think you might catch any glances.

There are two types of beaches in Dubai. Public beaches where the locals visit and private beaches in the hotels or pools which is mostly a tourist attraction. Private beaches are more liberal and let you wear almost anything you want. While public beaches can be a bit conservative.

Go for:

• Wearing any type of swimwear and swim bottoms is allowed on both beaches unless it’s a see-through material.
  
• Women can wear any one-piece swimsuit, burkinis, or sports suits. Men can wear almost anything they wish provided the outfit is classy. 

Avoid This:

• Wearing swimsuits are allowed only on the beaches and not outside. You have to change before leaving the beach.
  
• Wearing wet underclothing is also offensive since it makes the clothing purely tight and somewhat see-through.
  
• Any swimsuit with G-string material or mainly, thongs is a complete no-no. Go for minimalist swimwear as much as possible.
  
• Topless sunbathing on the beaches is not only offensive but also illegal in Dubai. So, avoid doing so at all costs.

Dubai is a city that never sleeps. The happening nightlife of Dubai makes it among the favorite nightlife destinations for tourists. From fun sports bars to chic restaurants, Dubai has something for everyone.

Go for:

• Most hotels and restaurants mention their dress code on their websites and social handles. Make sure to go through them once.
  
• Maintain the rule of modesty, wear anything you want. Women can go for T-shirts, tops with fitted jeans, knee-length skirts, maxi dresses, or summer dresses.

Avoid This:

• For nightclubs and pubs, the dress code is slightly more lenient. But anything that shows your cleavage or thighs, is a strict no for girls.
  
• Bikinis, swimwear, mini skirts, and mini shorts are not allowed in pubs.