How to Dress in Dubai: No More Mistakes
Understanding the Dos and Don’ts of a city can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Culture, weather, location and planned activities can all impact what should go in your suitcase (if you’re travelling) or in your wardrobe (if you live there).
This article will give you some friendly advice so that you can avoid making some of the common wardrobe mishaps we see in and around Dubai.
Etiquette
Welcome to the desert, where summer temperatures soar to nearly 50°C and winter seldom sees it dip below 20°C. This is not something that’s easy to get used to; it doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time experiencing the summer sunshine or the 100th time. It can be a real struggle.
The temptation is to strip off and bare all is real. But before you do that, stop and remember: you’re in a Muslim country, where traditional values are held dear and exposing too much skin is frowned upon.
Luckily, Dubai has found a happy medium that suits most people just fine. Public places such as malls and of course work environments encourage a modest dress code. As a rule of thumb, men and women alike should try to cover up to the knees and at least have some sort of sleeves on the blouse or t-shirt.
Excessively tight or especially low cut tops can also be considered inappropriate attire. Formal guidelines are published on the Government website.
Of course, as with everything, there are people who will dress as they please with little or no regard for the perception of others. That’s fine. Just bear in mind that if you choose not to follow the dress code guidelines, you may be approached and asked to cover up or leave.
It’s also likely that your chosen attire will attract some uncomfortable stares, but if those aspects don’t bother you, then by all means, wear what you want.
The Beach
The exception to the rule is at the beach. Bikinis and swimming briefs are everywhere, and that’s fine because of course, Dubai is the perfect place to be working on your tan.
If you do happen to be at a beach with a shopping area or restaurants nearby, such as at JBR & The Beach, then the previous guidelines about dress code in public places apply. You’ll be expected to wear appropriate clothing and footwear before you step off the sand.
Happily, flip-flops are considered appropriate footwear almost everywhere!
The Nightlife
The vibrant and varied nightlife in Dubai is a scene where it seems like almost anything goes. Short skirts and skyscraper heels strut around without a care in the world, and it’s so easy to forget that you’re in Dubai. When the lights go out and Dubai’s young and beautiful hit the town, it seems that the dress code rules don’t apply. Everyone is there to enjoy clubbing and all that comes with it.
In fact, going out in Dubai is very much a fashion affair. If you’re not dressed up to the nines, it’s quite possible that many of the high-end clubs will refuse you entry.
Men in particular could have a hard time getting into clubs. Increase your odds by looking sharp; wear a shirt, trousers and proper shoes.
For information of some of the hottest clubs, as well as for photo galleries to show you some of the Fashion Do’s, visit Dubai Night.
That said, just a reminder that getting to and from your chosen venue still involves you passing through public places. Be as discreet as possible, girls in their mini-dresses and high heels should try to avoid walking along roads or other busy areas. Make no mistake; Dubai at 3am is very much a busy place.
The Desert
Dressing for the desert is a bit of a learned skill. The weather can be quite different amongst the dunes than it is in the city. When it’s hot, it’s really hot. When it’s cold, it’s really cold. Winter temperatures out in the vastness can easily be close to freezing.
If you’re planning a desert dinner or an overnight camp under the stars, then be prepared. You’ll need proper warm clothing and an adequate sleeping bag or blankets to protect you from the chill in the air.
Depending on what you’re planning to do, proper footwear might also be necessary if you want to scamper around in the wadi (riverbed) or the mountains.
Winter
With year-round sunshine, looking out of your window can be deceiving when you’re trying to judge the weather. Blue skies and bright sunshine in winter can still mean temperatures of between 10°C and 15°C outside.
It seems crazy to think that it could be necessary to wear a jacket and a scarf in the desert. For some people it is; they come here for a winter beach break. You’ll see plenty of people soaking up the sunshine at the beach or at the pool. So what to wear in winter? Well, it really depends on how much you feel the cold.
Temperatures do vary; sometimes winter temperatures can get into the mid-20s. It’s best to be prepared with a little bit of everything in your suitcase or wardrobe. Jeans and t-shirts with a light cardigan or a thin jumper will probably be just fine during the daytime. Evenings for some people will be perfect with a long sleeved shirt.
You’ll see others out and about wearing boots, jackets and scarves. Personally, I think it’s more about dressing for winter fashion than a real necessity, but each to their own.
Ramadan
Just a final note about the holy month of Ramadan. If you are going to be in Dubai during this time, make special consideration for how you dress and behave in public.
It’s preferable for ladies to have a scarf draped around their shoulders and arms if you do happen to have short sleeves or a low cut top on. Clubs are closed during this time and food and drinks are not allowed in public, so even beaches tend to be quiet.
“The way you wear clothes is what makes you stylish. It’s not about the clothes themselves”
— Jessica Hart