The REAL Dubai dress code for females
Planning a trip to Dubai? I’m so excited for you! But, what do you wear in this city of extravagance without offending Islamic culture? Fear not, I’ve got you covered with what to wear and what happens if you don’t follow the rules.
Plus the one golden rule of Dubai that no one else will tell you!
You’ll know exactly what to wear and how to fit in with the locals, from someone who’s gone everywhere in Dubai and worn all kinds of outfits. I’ve seen it change dramatically over the last 12 years, including the dress code!
This 100% real life lived information and not the standard “dress modestly” speech. I’ve focused on the female dress code in Dubai but I’ve included some information & tips for men too. So your other half or husband won’t get caught out either!
Dubai Dress Code Summary
Dubai doesn’t have an official dress code, however, most venues have individual dress codes, such as smart casual or smart elegant. Dubai is a very liberal Muslim country and a global luxury tourist destination. In nearly all situations, you would wear the same clothes as you would in any other warm tourist destination, except for religious sites and government buildings where modest dress is enforced.
That’s bikinis or shorts on the beach, cute summer dresses when you go out and t-shirts with short sleeves for wandering around the city. You’ll see plenty of women wearing these exact clothes.
Is there a dress code in Dubai?
Officially the UAE has no legal dress code, however there are rules in relation to public decency, which covers how people dress. This applies to the whole of the UAE, not just Dubai.
Most venues set their own individual dress code such as modest dress, no local dress, smart casual, smart elegant or casual. This will be displayed either by a sign at the entrance or on their website.
Those with a modest dress code mean shoulders covered and skirts or shorts to below the knee. Some places like Dubai’s malls and parks still have modest dress code signs, yet these days the rules are rarely enforced. There has however in recent times been talk of reinforcing these again for malls.
Many articles say it’s best to dress modestly to respect the local culture but when you visit Dubai, you really won’t see many women dressing modestly except those who are practising Muslims.
If you plan to visit religious sites or venture to other Emirates, it’s definitely best to pack a mix of outfits for Dubai including some modest options.
Locations where you must where modest dress:
- Mosques & religious buildings
- Government buildings and offices
- Police stations
How the UAE penal code affects the dress code
Article 358 of the Penal Code states:
“Whoever openly commits an indecent and disgraceful act shall be punished by detention for a period of at least six months.” This was changed in 2020 to a punishment of a fine for a first-time offender rather than jail time.
Indecent can have a wide range of meanings and is anything that “damages the dignity or honour of another person.”
While it would be extremely rare for someone to complain to the police, someone can make a complaint if a person wore or did something classed as indecent. This also includes t-shirt slogans that are offensive for example.
Being indecent in terms of clothing refers to nudity or near nudity and is strictly forbidden anywhere in the UAE. Avoid clothing that is almost see-through or becomes see-through when wet.
More common cases where people get into trouble are swearing, insulting another person or flicking someone off when driving. All of these are classed as indecent acts.
Think about where you are going and if your outfit is appropriate for the location. Some you’d wear at the beach is different to going to the mall, which is why the indecency rules adapt.
The golden rule for dressing in Dubai
No this is not dress modestly, like many others tell you!
The number one rule for visiting Dubai is to dress up! Pack your best clothes, your blingiest outfits and if you have any designer items, pack them! Dubai is a city where more is more.
Even when in the mall, you will see women with full makeup as if they are going for a night out and smart casual outfits. The malls in Dubai are treated as a place to go rather than just picking up a few items.
Dubai is very fashionable and it seems like almost every woman has a designer handbag matched with designer heels.
So what should I wear in Dubai?
The answer is really simple, just wear what you’re comfortable in and is suitable for the activity you plan to do.
Dubai’s climate means it’s mostly sunny warm weather all year round so it’s best to pack loose-fitting and light clothes that allow your body to breathe.
Nearly everywhere has air-conditioned spaces, some restaurants or if you’re sitting outside at night in winter might feel a bit cold so it’s best to take a light jacket or shawl just in case they don’t have blankets.
Some activities do require different suitable clothing, these are covered in another article. What to wear in Dubai for every activity!
Dubai dress code meanings
Nearly every place you go has a dress code in Dubai, this is individual to each venue. Security or hostesses at the front will deny entry if you don’t meet their dress code.
Nightlife and restaurants in particular, especially the high end fancy ones are known for being strict on their dress code!
- Swimwear allowed: Allows swimwear in the designated areas, usually the beach or pool. However, be aware that further away from the pool area or beach, you’ll usually need to cover up.
- Casual: Vest tops, t-shirts and flip-flops are allowed, excluding swimwear. However, check the details as some may exclude items like flip flops.
- Smart Causal: Flip-flops aren’t allowed. For men, vests and shorts are not allowed. T-shirts should cover the shoulders. For women, it’s more liberal but the outfit should be more dressy than casual. Typical smart casual would be jeans or a skirt and a nice top. Smart sneakers (trainers) are allowed but sports shoes or running shoes are usually not.
- Smart Elegant: This means you should be wearing a dinner jacket if you’re a man and a party-style dress as a woman with high heels and smart shoes. Restaurants will accept smart flat shoes for women, while nightclubs or other nightlife will usually require women to wear heels.
- Formal: You would rarely see this except for an event but means black tie, cocktail or long formal dresses for women. High heels for women and smart shoes for men.
- No local dress: Emirati clothes, this is a khandora for men or a black abaya for women, are not allowed. Bars or party-style venues typically say no local dress.
What happens if you dress inappropriately in Dubai?
If someone approaches you about your outfit in Dubai, typically the security of a building, they will inform you what needs correcting about your outfit. This may result in either you being denied entry or asked to leave.
There can be fines and penalties for breaking the law if deemed indecent but it is extremely rare for someone to face legal consequences for their outfit.
The best thing to do is apologise and go somewhere to change your outfit before returning.
My personal experience
I once had to change my outfit at a Dubai visa office. My office skirt was to the knee but not below it. The security guard denied me entry and pointed at my legs.
Thankfully, there was a cheap clothes shop nearby, where I bought a pair of leggings and returned 15 minutes later and was allowed entry.
What to wear in Dubai in Winter
The typical climate in Dubai during winter is between 16°C and 26°C. The coldest month is January where it typically ranges between 14°C to 24°C degrees Celsius and February is similar to January. Making Dubai a nice warm destination for winter.
So based on these temperatures! What exactly should you wear in December in Dubai?
It’s best to pack a mixture of summer clothes with a few light jackets for the evening time. The temperature doesn’t drop suddenly at night, like you may have experienced in other countries. I also recommend packing swimwear, sun hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and some dressy outfits for the evening.
The light jackets also come in handy for malls where there is air conditioning. If you plan to go to the cinema, for example, it can sometimes be a little bit chilly!
What to wear in Dubai in Summer
Similar to winter you’ll need to pack similar clothes, light breathable clothes, comfortable shoes, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses and a few dressy outfits for the evening time.
You will spend most of your time in air-conditioned spaces during the summer. So you can wear whatever outfit you like.
It is best to carry a few wet wipes, a little bit of make-up, a hairbrush and perfume to freshen up. Even getting out of the car for a few short minutes to your location can cause a hot sweaty mess! Thanks humidity.
Years ago the malls used to be almost freezing cold thanks to the air con but these days they’re less aggressive with the air con. It’s best to take a light jacket or shawl just in case you enter somewhere that is a little cooler or if by the sea with a colder breeze.
Maybe I’m just oversensitive these days thanks to my many years of living in the warmth.
Final Thoughts on the Dubai Dress Code
So I hope that cleared up the Dubai dress code for you and what to wear or not wear as a woman or man when visiting Dubai!
Many tourists visit Dubai every year and Dubai is such a safe city for women so don’t let it being a Muslim country or worrying about dressing modestly put you off.
Despite what you read online, the modest dress code is rarely enforced in public places in Dubai and you’ll see many tourists not dressing modestly at all! Enjoy the beach and the sunny all-year-round weather in the clothes you usually wear.
Here are some more helpful articles about Dubai before you go:
- What is Dubai like for women? Everything to know whether you’re visiting or planning to live in Dubai
- What is the climate of Dubai? Average temperatures, weather and more
- What’s the weather like in Dubai for December? What should I wear?
- How to save money when flying with Emirates Airlines for your holiday to Dubai
- What are the best malls in Dubai to visit? The best options for a shopping spree
What country in Dubai in? Plus other facts about Dubai you need to know before you go!
What is the climate of Dubai? Average temperatures, weather and more
What are the traditional clothes of the UAE? What do Emiratis wear?
The best restaurants with a view in Dubai you won’t want to miss!
Looking to save money while visiting or living in Dubai? Join our FREE facebook group where we help you save money on hotels, activities, dining out, nights out and more!
Read more Plan your visit to Dubai Guides
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Thank you for sharing the tips! I visited Dubai early this year and I was trying to find this type of information beforehand. It is always useful to know how not to attract unnecessary attention.
Lovely article with very honest and great information for first time travelers to the Emirates!
Fantastic article, even as someone who wears a hijab I often worry if I’m covered enough when visiting certain places in UAE, this breaks it down perfectly!