Wondering what to wear on your trip to Dubai in 2025? It's understandable why many visitors expect a conservative approach to dress in Dubai due to its Muslim population, but the truth is that visitors can wear whatever they want in most areas of the city. Before you pack your suitcase, read our guide on what to wear in Dubai.
Myths about how to dress in Dubai
- Myth: Head covering is mandatory. Truth: Covering your head with a scarf is typically unnecessary unless visiting a religious institution. In such instances, women must also cover their shoulders and wear long loose clothing that doesn't expose too much skin.
- Myth: Deserts are always hot. Truth: Yes, deserts can be hot during the day, but they can also get quite cold in the evening and it is advisable to take something warm to put on when you're visiting the the desert at night.
- Myth: Wearing backless or strappy clothing is prohibited. Truth: You can wear revealing clothing in restaurants, bars and clubs that don't have a strict dress code. However, take something like a shawl to cover up when you leave in case you're in a more conservative area of the city.
Basics of how to dress in Dubai
Dubai welcomes travelers from all over the world, but there are often different dress codes depending on where you're going. For instance, swimsuits are acceptable at the beach or pool, but a mosque will often require full body coverage, especially for women. Check up on the dresscode beforehand whenever you plan to visit a new place in Dubai.
When dressing for Dubai's climate, consider wearing natural fibres like linen or cotton. These offer breathability, unlike synthetics which often trap heat, moisture and odours. Even though it may be hot, consider loose, lightweight long-sleeved shirts, skirts and trousers - these will protect you from the sun, ensure you're not exposing too much skin in more conservative areas of the city, and keep you warm when you're confronted with vigorous air conditioning. And don't forget about layers - a light cardigan or jacket will come in useful if you get cold.
Dress codes based on gender in Dubai
It's true that you can wear whatever you want in Dubai. But, like anywhere in the world, appropriate clothing always comes down to situational context. Where you plan to go will have an impact on what you should wear. As Dubai is a Muslim country, this means that expectations are different for women than for men. But worry not, we're here to guide you through dressing appropriately.
Dress code for Women in Dubai
On the whole, you'll find that Dubai is a very progressive emirate. At beaches, pools, malls and tourist destinations like the Burj Khalifa you can wear what you want, within the realm of normal public decency. In slightly more conservative public places like Deira, souqs, the Global Village and Old Town it’s more appropriate to cover up, especially for women. This means no short trousers or skirts, no exposed décolleté, sleeves over the elbow and having a shawl on hand to cover the head if you wish to. Wearing a traditional abaya robe or Jilbab isn't required by any means, but it might make the experience feel more authentic! While holidaying in Dubai during the summer it is important to choose your outfits carefully, ensuring you keep cool and respect the culture. To combat the effects of the heat you should wear loose, lightweight, comfortable clothing in light colours made from natural fibres like linen and cotton. To tie together the requirements to respect the culture and stay cool in the heat (and stay warm in the air conditioning!) we recommend garments like maxi-skirts, long dresses, loose trousers, t-shirts, button down shirts, and comfortable sandals or sneakers. At the beach and pool, feel free to dress as you normally would, but note that extremely skimpy swimsuits are not commonly worn.
Dress code for Men in Dubai
Rules and expectations for dress are much more liberal for men in Dubai. A laid-back casual shirt and shorts are common while out on the town. However, it's useful to pack one or two smart outfits for special occasions or fancy restaurants - again, situational context is everything. You can wear shorts at the mall or at the beach, but not a mosque - here it is important to respecting locals customs and wear long trousers. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers in loose-fitting, lightweight natural fabrics like linen and cotton are perect for most activities - you'll be protected from the sun, protected from intense air-conditioning, and dressed respectfully. You'll notice many local men choose to go with the classic look of a kandura shirt - this is an ankle-length garment made from lightweight cotton or other breathable fabrics. It is typically white or off-white in color, which helps to reflect the intense heat of the sun and keep the wearer cool in the hot desert climate. While it's most commonly worn by Muslim men, it is practical and well-suited to life in Dubai.
What to wear on a Desert Safari
Long-sleeved shirts, trousers and skirts in loose-fitting, lightweight natural fabrics like linen and cotton are perect for most activities, including our Desert Safaris. You'll be protected from the sun, sand, vehicle air-conditioning, and dressed respectfully. These sorts of clothes are also ideal for any desert activities like dune bashing, sand-boarding, camel and horse riding. A hat is essential, and a lightweight scarf or shawl is useful to cover your head and face in case the wind picks up a lot of sand. Sand can get everywhere, so clothing that's easy to shake out will make you feel more comfortable. Covered footwear with traction is best to protect your feet from hot shifting sand.
What to pack for your trip to Dubai
Look no further than this suggested packing list of essentials for Dubai. With these outfits, you'll be prepared for any occasion, from city exploring to sand-dune surfing!
- Swimwear
- Plain cotton T-shirts
- Loose lightweight shorts
- Loose lightweight trousers
- Lightweight linen or cotton button-down long-sleeved shirts
- Lightweight floaty scarf or shawl (to protect you from the sun and sand, and to cover up in more conservative areas)
- Light jacket
- Light sweater or cardigan (merino wool is excellent for temperature regulation and it also self-deodorises)
- Sandals
- Sneakers
- Smart shoes for an evening out
- Reusable insulated water bottle
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal fan (there are some great USB-rechargeable fans available that can be easily stowed in handbags or pockets, and even models that can be worn around the neck for hands-free cooling)
- For women: maxi dresses, maxi skirts, evening dress or suit
- For men: light blazer , dress shirt, suit trousers
Conclusion
Dubai is known for its hospitality and modernity. Don't worry too much about what to wear when you visit, because you'll be warmly welcomed regardless of wardrobe. However, situational context is everything, and it's always useful to keep in mind your planned activities and destinations when packing a wardrobe for your trip.