Dress Codes for the UAE

Dress Codes for the UAE: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the perfect depiction of cultures and the modern age. The developments take steps to the future, while the cultural heritage and the values are still respected and followed. The people from all around the globe share their cultures and live in harmony in this country. However, while travelling to the UAE, the question about what to wear in the UAE  always arises in the minds of the tourists.

In this article, we will look into the Dress Codes for the UAE for Men, Women & Tourists. We will also discuss what is the correct dress code for different places in UAE.

List of Places and their Dress Codes for the UAE

This table will give you a slight overview of what is allowed, and where, in the country:

Places	Dress Code
Water parks or beaches	See-through fabric shall be avoided, swimsuits are fine.
Deserts	Comfortable clothing with shoulders covered and knee-length.
Marketplaces	Shoulders covered and at least knee-length bottoms.
Nightclubs	Dress code provided, profanity isn’t allowed.
Religious places	The dress code is strict, head and shoulders to be covered.
Corporate affairs	The workplace environment must be maintained.
Casual	Anything works unless it’s comfortable and not too-showy.

Why is there a Dress Code in Dubai?

As this is a Muslim country, a set of customs and traditions are valued and followed by the tourists as well as the citizens, more specifically, everyone residing here. There is in general no dress code as such, but it is advised and expected to show up in respectable and conservative outfits in the public. 

The traditions are based upon islamic beliefs, and the cultures are practised here. This country is home to people of different cultures, but most of them follow Islam. That is one reason why there is a slight restriction upon the dresses of the residents in the UAE.

What to Wear in the UAE?

If you’re a fellow tourist or someone just interested in travelling the world, Dubai would be in your to go-to places. Dubai is the finest place out there to experience high-class luxury and services. The dress-code is what makes the travellers get a bit confused.

Now, the answer to what to wear in the UAE  is more strict upon the citizens as compared to the tourists, just to be mentioned. The basic rule upon the tourists is to make sure they cover their shoulders, and wear dresses that cover up their knees.

The rule is comparatively lenient for men, but as long as you just follow these basic guidelines, you can wear just about anything as you like. In this article about what to wear in the UAE, you would know about that in detail and in a simple manner.

List the dress code for the seven emirates in the UAE:

Emirates	Dress Code
Abu Dhabi	Shoulders and knees covered for both men and women.
Dubai	Shoulders and knees generally recommended, but sleeveless tops and shorts below the knee are often tolerated in tourist areas.
Sharjah	Abayas preferred for women, headscarves encouraged. Men should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves.
Ajman	Similar to Abu Dhabi, shoulders and knees covered for both genders.
Umm Al Quwain	Shoulders and knees covered for both men and women.
Ras Al Kaimah	Shoulders and knees covered for both men and women.
Fujairah	Similar to Abu Dhabi, shoulders and knees covered for both genders.

What to Wear in Water Parks?

Here in Dubai, you would discover a lot of water parks to chill and to have fun in. They are sure to provide you with the most enjoyable moments you can have there. The giant slides and the pools, a lot of fun and adventure packed activities to do and a cheerful environment, the waterparks never fail to impress and make the tourists remember the experience forever.

• About what to wear in the UAE, it is compulsory to wear a bathing suit. It can be a swimwear, full-body suit, or a one-piece, they are all accepted here.
• The directions say that the swimwear should not be transparent, see-through in a simpler manner. The white colour should also not be picked because it can become see-through in the water.
• You should be careful of the material used in your swimwear. It must be assured earlier that the material is not that thin to become see-through when you’re wet.
• Swimsuits are allowed, but do not think about dresses or inner wear. Something other than a swimsuit is strictly unallowed in the parks. 

Check: UAE National Day

This is all about what to wear in the UAE when it comes to waterparks.

Which Clothes Aren’t Allowed in Dubai?

• Very revealing clothing: This includes anything that shows a lot of skin, like crop tops, miniskirts, or see-through clothing.
• Swimwear outside of beaches or pools: While bikinis are fine on the beach, they’re not appropriate for walking around town.
• Clothing with offensive slogans or images: Avoid anything disrespectful or that could be considered rude.
• Nude or topless sunbathing: This is strictly not allowed anywhere in Dubai.
• Cross-dressing: While uncommon, wearing clothing typically associated with the opposite gender is against the law in the UAE.

Check: Women Empowerment in the UAE: Progress and Initiatives

What to Wear while Travelling?

Dubai is a city full of people, and also experiences a huge amount of tourists. It is always full of people. As it is a major destination in the lists of tourists, there is a great facility of public transports across the place. Whether it be the well-maintained metro network, or the bus service in the city. The transport system does its best to provide convenience in a professional manner.

• Whether you are travelling in Metro, a public bus, taxi or any other public transport, it comes under the category “U” of public places.
• While travelling, you must follow the general dress code rule of what to wear in the UAE.
• Inside the vehicle, you can always wear whatever you want to. However, make sure to cover up your shoulders and knees when you get out in public. 
• You should avoid anything too short or revealing. Deep V-necks must always be avoided.

What to Wear in Business and Formal Events? 

The UAE is renowned for its stunning growth as compared to the other countries. The business environment and formality is needed to be maintained in order to make sure the business goes well and the economy works well. 

• If you have a formal party to attend, or just some business place to explore and you’re confused about what to wear in the UAE, just follow these basic pieces of advice. The business environment is almost the same around the world.
• You should just avoid revealing clothes, and dress formally. A plain shirt paired with trousers, or a professional suit would be perfect to show up. For women, a knee length skirt should not offend anyone. 

These are the basic expectations; you should always check the official websites if some company demands a specific dress code.

What to Wear in Clubs and Restaurants?

Dubai is always shining with lights, even the whole night. It never sleeps. This lifestyle of Dubai makes it make its place among the favourite night destination for the tourists. Whether it be the sports bars full of fun to the delightful restaurants, Dubai has a place for everyone willing to have fun. 

• Now about what to wear in the UAE, the dress code is already mentioned in the official sites of the hotels and restaurants. You should make sure to go through the information before deciding upon your dresses.
• You should go for your own taste, while maintaining modesty. Women can go for T-shirts or tops, fitted jeans, skirts that are knee-length, or basically summer dresses.
• The dress code is comparatively more lenient for nightclubs and restaurants. However, dresses that reveal cleavage or thighs are completely prohibited. 
• Bikinis, swimwear, mini skirts or shorts are simply not allowed in clubs.  

What to Wear in Marketplaces?

Dubai offers a wide variety of products, whether it be gold or perfumes. You can experience the local shopping, and grab some unique products that are full of the Arabic spirit. 

• The traditional markets of the UAE are called Souks. They are comparatively more conservative than other markets, which is because of the history associated with their existence. Therefore, you would get to know that the dress code here is strictly followed by everyone. 
• There are families and children present at the souks or bazaars. Now, what to wear in the UAE, It is advised to wear clothes that would not make them stare at you and make you look like an alien among the people. 
• Women must avoid wearing anything not covering their knees. Shorts, capris, mini skirts, or anything above-knee length is not allowed. Ensure that your shoulders are covered properly, you can just put on a scarf also.

What to Wear at Religious Places? 

UAE follows Islamic cultures. Therefore, the religious places in the country are also inspired by and following the same religion. The religious places in UAE are very conservative, as they actually are wherever you go in the world. They have their own set of rules to abide by, and you must follow them accordingly. 

• If you’re confused about what to wear in the UAE, you must look up the dress code these places demand.
• You shall always avoid showing your body at such places.
• It is advisable to cover your shoulders, wear full length clothes and cover your head before entering religious places. This way you would not anyone’s religious sentiments.

What to Wear in Shopping Malls? 

Dubai is full of luxury, therefore the Luxurious malls are sure to be found here. You can find these luxurious shopping places only in Dubai. These malls offer almost everything you plan to get, everything you can think about. There is a reason why shopping malls in Dubai are called shopper’s paradise,they provide the best they can. 

• About what to wear in the UAE, you can always go with something simple and casual. It is the best choice, and would keep things simple. 
• For the dress-code, they are already mentioned upon the boards outside the shopping areas. However, the basic necessity is to just ensure you are covering up your shoulders, and your bottoms are covering your knees.
• Men can wear T-shirts, trousers whereas women can go with tops, pants, and if they decide upon shorts, it must be knee-length.

What to Wear on the Beaches? 

Talking about the beaches in UAE, there are two types of beaches. Private beaches that are owned by individuals such as hotels, are lenient while being a tourist destination. The rules apply to the public beaches, where the locals travel. Private beaches can be lenient, but the public beaches are somewhat conservative.

• About what to wear in UAE, You can wear any swimwear on both of these beaches, but it must not be see-through.
• Women can wear any swimsuit of their choice. Men can wear almost anything too. 
• However, being dressed in swimsuits is allowed only on the beaches. This means, you have to change before leaving, and entering the beach. 
• You shall also avoid wet inner wear, or fabric that makes the clothing tight and see-through.
• You should go with minimalist swimwear, and avoid the flashy ones as much as you can.

Important: These were some of the basic guidelines you must keep in mind whenever you are confused about what to wear in the UAE. 

What if My Dress Offends in Dubai?

Now, even after knowing what to wear in the UAE, if you choose to wear something else, you shall get ready to be not allowed in the public building, or a shopping mall. You shall always abide by the rules provided, and try not to hurt the sentiments of the people residing there.

Conclusion – Dress Codes for the UAE

UAE is a mix of the different cultures around the globe. It is continuously developing as well as upholding its roots. Now, for the question about what to wear in the UAE, The dress code here simply tells you to keep your shoulders and knees covered. As long as you fulfil this, you are just free to wear anything you like or you wish to. However, if you fail to do so, you may be stopped by the security, and would be reminded to cover yourself. Unlike other Arabian countries, you do not have to wear loose clothing everytime. However, skin-tight clothing is enough to raise some eyebrows. You must look upto your comfort, and avoid going with something too flashy or revealing.

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Dress Codes for the UAE – FAQs

What is the dress code rules in UAE?

Dubai’s chill with clothes, but respect their culture. Cover shoulders and knees in public, ditch the super short stuff.

What is not allowed in Emirates?

• Drugs: Big no-no, harsh punishments.
• Weapons: Permits needed, strict rules.
• Pork: Banned due to religion.

How do people dress in UAE?

Locals often wear traditional dress: men in white kandura & gutrah, women in black abaya & shayla. Burkas are less common these days.

Can I wear low cut top in Dubai?

Dubai’s cool with Western clothes, but keep it decent. Cover knees and shoulders, skip skimpy stuff. Bikinis are beach-only.

What do female tourists wear in Dubai?

To blend in with the crowd in the UAE, you must go with a loose fitting outfit, and some conservative clothes. Clothes that are  too revealing might be considered inappropriate.

Is there a dress code for visiting at Burj Khalifa?

There is no such specific dress code for tourists visiting Burj Khalifa. However, you shall make sure to dress with the basic shoulders and knees covering outfit.

What are the dress code rules in UAE?

You are expected to dress in such a manner that anyone around you does not feel offended or awkward. You must dress conservatively. As such, there is not a specific dress code.

How do you greet someone in Dubai?

The most common way to greet someone in UAE is none other than As-salaam ‘alykum, it simply means may peace be upon you.

Are clothes expensive in Dubai?

Yes, the clothes and luxurious items in Dubai may be expensive. This is because of the import taxes and branding expenses.