The Pearl Oasis will blow your mind away. The city is luxuriously shiny, ultramodern, full of rooftop lounges, proper beach life, and the most trendy crowd you may come across.
Yet, beneath all that, it is still an Islamic society. Thus, this is the most influential part for you as a tourist, how you need to dress when you are in public places.
However, respecting modesty can save you from multiple penalties. Instead, it feels like being a respectful guest of a country that warmly welcomes tourists.
Cover Shoulders and Knees in Public
Every public point in Dubai is ruled by this golden rule, no matter where you go, shopping malls, tourist spots, restaurants, or even the streets. All you have to take care of is “cover your shoulders and knees”.
This doesn’t imply that you need to cover head to toe in something. If you are wearing a simple T-shirt along with knee-length or even longer pants or some sort of fancy trousers, you are qualified for the basic requirements.
When it comes to women, you can be wearing a mid-length dress, wide-leg jeans, a linen shirt, none of these compromise on your looks but only require you to be a little careful about your surroundings.
Choose Loose, Breathable Clothing
The summer temperatures in Dubai exceed 40°C on an ongoing basis. Being in a tight synthetic outfit in such weather is not only culturally embarrassing but also uncomfortable.
The materials that actually feel good in the hot climate are those like cotton, linen, and other lighter options that naturally correspond to more modest styles of clothing typical of Dubai.
Loose fitting outfits fulfill two functions simultaneously. First of all, they keep you cool in hot weather, and secondly, they do not compromise your comfort or fashion sense by making you look like you are wrapped up in a tent. It’s a combination of flowy shirt made of linen, loose pants, and sleeveless dress that feels right in Dubai.
Carry a Scarf or Shawl
This is the only piece of advice that would be of most practical use to any tourist visiting Dubai. The light scarf does not occupy any room in your luggage but solves four issues simultaneously.
It provides coverage to your shoulders when you wear an outfit without sleeves and have to go someplace which requires a covering of your shoulders. It also becomes necessary to cover your head while visiting mosques.
It can be used as an additional covering when the air conditioning in malls becomes excessively cold as it surely does. It doubles up as a beach wrap too.
Swimwear Is Only for Beaches & Pools
All bikinis, swim shorts, and one pieces can all be worn without a problem when going to the beach or even the hotel swimming pool.
Once you step away from such an environment, however, you are required to dress appropriately. This is not just a recommendation but rather the law in Dubai.
Going from the beach straight into a nearby cafe dressed in only a bikini top, walking around a beach-related mall in swimwear, or sitting in a restaurant in your wet swimming attire will result in you being requested to cover yourself or to leave.
Such establishments provide changing rooms for that exact reason. Make use of them!
Dress Modestly in Mosques
There are specific rules regarding the dress code while visiting Mosques which are not the same as Dubai’s dress codes for general public.
Both males and females must keep their arms and legs fully covered. Females should wear the head covering that is the scarf. Wearing loose and non-body fitting clothes is preferred.
As most of the tourist oriented Mosques, including Jumeirah Mosque offer scarfs or abayas to visitors at the entry point, one may not take this facility for granted. One should come in proper dress as it shows your reverence and also makes things easy for yourself and others.
Avoid Very Revealing or Transparent Clothes
Deep-neck clothing, transparent materials, crop tops, body-hugging dresses are not appropriate for Dubai’s streets.
Although the clothing piece may be covering the required body parts, if it is sheer or tight, it would appear immodest within this social setting.
Before stepping out, ensure to check your clothing under daylight conditions because some clothes become sheer under sunlight but not in artificial light conditions.
In case you have a sheer piece of clothing, you can layer it effectively. In case of a deep neckline, a small accessory like a scarf or necklace can help conceal it.
Dress Up Slightly for Restaurants & Hotels
The type of food establishments to be found in Dubai goes all the way from informal beach joints up to some of the most luxurious restaurants around the globe, and the type of dress code changes according to each venue.
In any fine dining establishment or even in hotels, the minimum dress code expected is "smart casual".
For ladies, it means an elegant dress or nice trousers and blouse for every occasion while for men, all you need is a collared shirt and nice pants.
You just need to know where you're heading in terms of venue for the day's meal before deciding on how you should wear that day.
Respect Local Culture in Older Areas
Locations such as the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and the traditional marketplaces in Deira represent more conservative settings compared to the newer malls. These are the places where the locals live and shop they are not tourist playgrounds.
In these locations, dress more conservatively than you normally would. Wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is essential, and dressing just a little bit more conservatively will be well received.
Wearing loose-fitting pants over shorts, as well as a shirt with sleeves over a sleeveless shirt are examples of minor changes you can make based on your surroundings.
Gym & Activewear Etiquette
Dubai activewear is meant to be worn only in the gym. Sports pants, gym t-shirts, and activewear in general are meant to be worn only at the gym and in other sports-related venues and should not be seen when going about your business in public or eating out.
Tourists usually don't know this since it's common in most major cities to use activewear as casualwear.
When visiting some place immediately after hitting the gym, make sure to get changed. Most fitness centers have designated changing areas.
Conclusion
Being modestly dressed in Dubai all boils down to one simple principle - awareness. Dubai is a very hospitable, diverse place, and definitely not as uptight as many think, but the reason why this happens is because the visitors respect the local culture by half.
Keep yourself covered in public, have a headscarf at hand, wear appropriate clothing while dining out, and put on a swimsuit only at the beach. In everything else, go ahead and make the best out of Dubai – it's big enough to accommodate everyone.
Also Read: What Should Female Tourists Pack for Dubai?
