Dubai is modern, stylish, and welcoming — but being part of an Islamic country, it follows certain cultural guidelines, especially in public places like malls, mosques, government areas, and traditional markets. The good news? You don’t need to dress extremely conservatively, but you should follow modest and respectful clothing – especially when visiting cultural sites or joining tours.
This guide explains what to wear in Dubai for every occasion — malls, mosques, beaches, city tours, desert safaris, yacht cruises, and even during different seasons.
🧕 1. Understanding Dubai’s Dress Code — Where Modesty Applies
| Location | Clothing Expectations |
|---|---|
| Shopping Malls, Souks | Shoulders & knees covered |
| Mosques | Full body coverage + headscarf (women) |
| Beaches, Resorts, Pools | Swimsuits allowed |
| Desert Safari | Comfortable sportswear or light clothing |
| Hotels, Restaurants | Smart casual or semi-formal |
| Government areas | Modest, covered clothing |
💡 Dubai is flexible, but the rule is simple: Avoid very revealing clothing in public areas like malls, metro, museums, and supermarkets.
🌡 2. What to Wear by Season — Dubai Weather Clothing Guide
| Season | Temperature | Recommended Clothing |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | 18–28°C | Light jacket, long sleeves, jeans, scarf |
| Spring/Autumn (Mar–May & Sep–Oct) | 24–35°C | Breathable tops, linen shirts, trousers |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 32–44°C | Cotton, linen, flowy dresses, sunscreen |
💡 Sun protection is essential – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, breathable fabrics.
🏜️ 3. What to Wear for Desert Safari in Dubai
For tours like
Evening Desert Safari Dubai
comfort and practicality are key.
| Clothing Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Tops | Breathable cotton or sports t-shirts |
| Bottoms | Loose trousers or leggings |
| Footwear | Sneakers (avoid sandals for dune bashing) |
| Extras | Sunglasses, hat, scarf, light jacket (winter nights) |
🎯 Avoid black and tight clothes — the desert gets hot in day and chilly in evening.
🚐 4. What to Wear on Dubai City Tour
Most guided sightseeing tours like
Dubai City Tour
include visits to mosques, souks, beaches, attractions, and photo stops.
Recommended outfit:
- For women: Maxi dresses, loose trousers, light scarf, modest tops
- For men: Polo shirts, chinos, jeans, linen shirts
- Carry a light shawl (for mosque entry and sun protection)
🛳️ 5. What to Wear on Yacht or Dinner Cruise
Elegant, comfortable, and photo-friendly:
- Light summer dresses, linen shirts, wide-leg pants
- Sunglasses, hat, smart sandals
- For dinner cruises — smart casual (no beach shorts or flip-flops)
🏖️ 6. What to Wear at Beaches, Resorts & Water Parks
Swimwear is allowed in hotels, resorts, beaches, and waterparks like Atlantis, Wild Wadi, and La Mer.
Allowed:
✔ Swimsuits
✔ Bikinis (appropriate, not extreme)
✔ Burkini
✔ Beach shorts
Not allowed:
✘ Transparent fabric
✘ Thongs or overly revealing styles
🕌 7. What to Wear When Visiting Mosques
For official mosque visits, like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you must wear:
| Men | Women |
|---|---|
| Long trousers | Full-length abaya-style dress |
| Long sleeves | Headscarf (compulsory) |
| No shorts | No transparent fabric |
👗 Many mosques provide free abayas and kanduras at the entrance.
🙅♀️ 8. What NOT to Wear in Dubai
- Very short mini skirts or transparent dresses in public places
- Backless, strapless outfits in malls and government areas
- Slogan shirts with offensive or political messages
- Gym clothing outside beaches or sports zones
- No public nudity — strictly prohibited
🙋♀️ 9. FAQs — People Also Ask
Q1: Can tourists wear shorts in Dubai?
Yes, but they should be knee-length in public places like malls and metro.
Q2: Can women wear sleeveless tops in Dubai?
Yes, in hotels, beaches, restaurants — but avoid in mosques, souks, and government areas.
Q3: Do I need to cover my hair in Dubai?
Only when visiting mosques or religious sites.
Q4: Can tourists wear jeans in Dubai?
Yes, jeans are widely acceptable everywhere.
Q5: Do Desert Safaris include pickup?
Yes, most experiences like Evening Desert Safari Dubai include hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.
🧳 10. Final Clothing & Travel Tips
✔ Choose breathable fabrics — cotton, linen, bamboo
✔ Carry a scarf — works for mosque entry, sun protection, and style
✔ Pack layers — desert nights are cooler
✔ Respect local customs when outside tourist zones
For airport arrival, smooth transfers, and luggage support, choose
Dubai Airport Transfer Services
with professional and comfortable travel options.
