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How should women dress in Dubai? The most common and simultaneously the most correct answer is: "Modestly!" On the other hand, this concept can be interpreted within fairly broad limits, and a lot will depend on the place that the lady intends to visit in Dubai.
What to pay attention to? Dubai is perhaps the most lenient Arab city towards foreigners, but even there blatant violations of the dress code can lead to penalties such as hefty fines or even an arrest.
The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country where Islamic religious canons are strictly observed and respect for local traditions from visitors is expected. One manifestation of this is the appropriate outward appearance.
Dubai is home to people of various nationalities, but Islamic culture determines the principles of behaviour in public places, including the manner of dressing.
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The main point in the Muslim female dress code is to maximally cover the body from prying eyes. Only hands up to the wrists and the face should remain uncovered. Tourists are not expected to follow the traditions exactly, it is enough to adhere to recommended norms so as not to stand out too much against the background of the locals.
When visitors are staying in a rented house or hotel room during their stay in the city, no restrictions apply. There is no need to observe local traditions throughout the hotel either. You will not be judged if you come to breakfast in shorts and a T-shirt. However, when leaving the hotel premises, take care of your proper appearance.
As in other Islamic countries, in the United Arab Emirates women do not wear outfits made of transparent fabrics. If your wardrobe includes a maxi dress with long sleeves that is see-through and allows the outline of the figure to be seen, it is not suitable for walking around Dubai. It is also not advisable to wear T-shirts with provocative images and inscriptions that could offend the feelings of those around you.
When packing your suitcase before travelling to Dubai, leave mini skirts, sundresses, tops, and dresses with deep décolleté at home. The basis of your holiday wardrobe should consist of loose-fitting trousers made of linen or cotton, blouses and T-shirts that cover the arms, long dresses made of natural fabrics, and light scarves. And it’s not only about observing traditions, but also about basic protection from the scorching sun.
A pashmina or scarf will allow you to shelter from the cool air currents in air-conditioned shopping mall interiors, and will also add comfort to evening walks when the temperature drops sharply compared to the daytime heat.
There is no need to go to extremes and try to dress like the local women. Traditional outfits are permitted to be worn only by Muslims; tourists simply need to look modest and conservative without showing exposed parts of the body.
Representatives of many nationalities live in Dubai, and no one feels disadvantaged. Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis, Europeans — all can dress according to the customs of their own cultures, but taking into account the generally accepted norms operating in the Muslim world. The situation for which an outfit is selected also matters.
In Dubai, there are plenty of establishments where you can enjoy exquisite dishes in luxurious surroundings. In restaurants, guests typically adhere to a classic style in their attire. Women are advised to choose an evening dress that is not overly revealing, or an elegant suit. Shoes with closed toes will nicely complete the look.
If we talk about cafés, coffee shops, and food courts, in this case, visitors are expected to dress modestly and neatly. It is sufficient if you are dressed conservatively and tidily.
Dubai is one of the universally recognised centres of world trade. The city has dozens of huge malls where you can buy anything your heart desires. Tourists often spend entire days in shopping centres, enjoying the coolness, the atmosphere of luxury, and a wide variety of goods.
For shopping, it is best to dress in comfortable everyday clothes. Keep in mind that interior spaces are well air-conditioned, so covered outfits will not only comply with ethical standards but also protect you from the chill.
For the convenience of tourists, special information stands are placed at the entrances of shopping centres, displaying examples of appropriate attire for visiting them. Entry is not allowed in short sleeveless dresses, tight jeans, and tight-fitting T-shirts.
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Eastern markets attract tourists with the opportunity to try unusual products, sweets, and dried fruits. When planning to go shopping at one of Dubai's markets, make sure to wear a modest and conservative attire. Skirts above the knee, shorts, and T-shirts should not be worn. Open necks and arms can be covered with a thin fabric scarf.
Do not attract attention with a revealing décolleté, as you may encounter disapproval from local market visitors.
On the shores of the Persian Gulf, many excellent places for relaxation have been arranged, accessible to tourists. To enjoy the bright sun and crystal-clear water, do not violate the accepted norms of behaviour. Not everything that is allowed on European beaches is acceptable in Dubai. For example, never sunbathe topless. It is better if the swimsuit is as covered as possible.
By the way, modern models of swimsuits with long sleeves made of special smart fabric provide protection from sunburn, dry quickly after getting out of the water, and make beach relaxation very comfortable. In any case, it is better to cover yourself with a thin blanket or throw on a beach dress on the shore.
At the hotel pool area, you may wear a bikini. There, the rules are not as strict as on public beaches.
Dubai has several places for active recreation with water attractions, such as slides, serpentines, artificial surf, children's and adult pools. Water parks enjoy unwavering popularity among tourists and are considered part of a mandatory entertainment programme.
The answer to the question of how tourists — women and girls — should dress in Dubai when visiting a water park is obvious. It should be a modest swimsuit, either one-piece or two-piece. It is preferable to choose models without ruffles and long ties that can get caught on the surfaces of attractions. The fabric of the swimsuit should be sufficiently dense and non-transparent.
Going out to sea during the day implies a corresponding choice of attire. This could be a trouser suit or a dress made of natural breathable fabrics, or shorts combined with a light shirt.
Clothing should protect from the sun and allow good air circulation. It is better to wear soft sandals or mesh sneakers on your feet. Sunglasses and a hat, panama hat, or baseball cap will complement the look for a sea trip.
For an evening event on a yacht, cocktail or evening dresses and elegant trouser suits made of flowing fabrics are suitable. It is better to choose pumps with a small platform instead of footwear on high heels.
Modern yachts are stable and comfortable, but moving around the deck in stilettos is unsafe. A fine gauze shawl will stylishly complement the evening outfit and protect against the cool night air.
Many hotels organise trips to the desert, where tourists are offered rides over dunes in jeeps, sand surfing, quad biking, and camel riding. For this type of active recreation, cotton or linen trousers, T-shirts, and blouses with long sleeves are more suitable. You can tie a kerchief around your head or wear a snug-fitting panama hat.
In the desert, the air cools down quickly after the sunset, so a light windbreaker jacket will come in handy in the evening. Footwear should securely fasten to the foot: trainers, sneakers, or closed sandals will do. Flip-flops and crocs are better avoided, as there is a risk of losing them during the ride.
Many people travel to the United Arab Emirates for business purposes, to sign contracts and establish business relationships. To make a good impression on potential partners, it is necessary to carefully plan your wardrobe for official events.
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If you do not know how women can dress in Dubai for business meetings, remember how businesswomen dress in Europe. Strictness and elegance, quality fabrics, absence of flashy decorations — all these characteristics are suitable for a businesswoman's image in any city in the world, including being welcomed in the United Arab Emirates.
Familiarisation with religious buildings is one of the mandatory points of the tourist programme. Inside the mosque, you will be able to get closer to the religious and spiritual traditions of the Islamic world, feel its greatness and power.
Before visiting a mosque, make sure that your appearance corresponds to the local dress code. Hands and legs must be covered, so it is better to wear a floor-length dress with long sleeves. The head should be covered with a scarf so that only the face remains uncovered.
Some mosques provide tourists with missing clothing items, for example, offering a scarf or a special cover. This helps tourists acquire an appropriate appearance and visit the mosque without causing negative reactions from believers.
It is better not to go outside the hotel in such attire. This contradicts the Muslim tradition, according to which a woman should be fully clothed in public. Tourists are not required to fully follow these canons, but shorts and skirts should cover the knees.
Official fines and other penalties for inappropriate attire are not stipulated by the legislation of the United Arab Emirates. Nevertheless, be prepared for the fact that you will not be allowed into a shop in a swimsuit, even if it is located near the beach.
Women in mini skirts or tight shorts may provoke disapproving glances from local residents. Out of respect for the traditions of the country, it is better to adhere to unwritten rules and dress appropriately.
Even when inside a vehicle, you are still a participant in public traffic. Therefore, your appearance should comply with the dress code.
There are no strict clothing requirements for tourists on the hotel premises. There you can allow yourself a sundress, shorts, T-shirts. However, excessively revealing outfits that shock the public should still be avoided.
Clothing should be appropriate: a swimsuit near the pool, a dress on straps in the restaurant. When leaving the hotel, take care not to stand out too much against the background of local residents and other tourists.
In the United Arab Emirates, recommendations on how tourists should dress in Dubai have been developed and posted in public places. In 2025, women are advised to wear long dresses covering the shoulders and arms, and when visiting religious sites, a headscarf is mandatory.
Violation of the dress code will not result in imprisonment or even a fine, but inappropriate attire may cause disapproval from local residents. Show respect for the traditions of the country you have come to, especially since clothing made of natural fabrics that completely covers the body will protect you from the scorching sun and prevent heatstroke.
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