Dubai Airport Dress Code: Tips For Travelers

If you're travelling to Dubai, you might be wondering what to wear. The good news is that Dubai is one of the more lenient cities in the UAE when it comes to dress codes. In general, you are free to wear what you want as long as it is not bordering on indecent exposure. However, if you plan on visiting a mosque, you will need to dress more modestly, covering your shoulders to your knees. Men should wear full-length trousers, while women should wear maxi dresses or skirts.

Dress modestly when visiting a mosque

Although Dubai is one of the more lenient cities in the UAE, it's important to dress modestly when visiting a mosque. In accordance with Islamic custom, women are requested to wear abayas and cover their heads before entering a mosque. Don't worry if you don't have an abaya, as mosques often have them available for female tourists. Men are also expected to dress modestly when visiting a mosque.

A general rule of thumb to follow is to cover from your shoulders to your knees. As a male tourist, this means making sure your clothes cover your chest and that your shorts or trousers reach to at least your knees. You will find that despite the heat, nearly all gents in Dubai wear full-length trousers. Bringing some light chinos is a good idea for public places, or if wearing shorts, try and make them knee-length.

For women, maxi dresses or maxi skirts are a great choice for day and night. Sleeveless tops are acceptable in most situations where only your arms are shown. Shorts that completely cover the bottom are acceptable now in most situations. If you plan on travelling elsewhere in the country, or popping out for a day trip to more rural locations, then you’ll want to dress more conservatively than you would in Dubai. This means longer sleeves and below-the-knee dresses and skirts for women, and not just at religious sites.

Making a little more effort to fit in with the local culture will take you a long way. You can wear any kind of swimwear on Dubai’s beaches, especially public ones, including bikinis, burkinis, and one-piece swimsuits. However, you should avoid wearing see-through shirts and thong bottoms and never sunbathe topless or naked, as it is not allowed in Dubai.

Wear light chinos in public places

Although Dubai is one of the more lenient cities in the UAE, it's still important to dress modestly when visiting. As a general rule of thumb, you should cover from your shoulders to your knees.

For men, this means wearing full-length trousers or knee-length shorts in public places. Light chinos are a good option for trousers, as they're comfortable in the heat and smart enough for most situations. If you're wearing shorts, try to make them knee-length, and avoid tank tops outside of the beach or water parks. It's also important to be careful with the wording on any slogan t-shirts, as anything offensive could get you into trouble.

If you're visiting a mosque, the dress code is more strict. Men are expected to dress modestly, and women are requested to wear abayas and cover their heads. Don't worry if you don't have your own abaya, as mosques often provide them for female tourists.

Avoid tank tops outside of the beach and water parks

In Dubai, you are generally free to wear what you want as long as it is not bordering on indecent exposure. However, if you want to visit a mosque, the dress code is more strict. Women are requested to dress modestly by wearing abayas and covering their heads before entering. Men are also expected to dress appropriately when visiting a mosque.

Outside of the beach and water parks, it is recommended that you avoid wearing tank tops. Men should also avoid wearing shorts, and instead opt for full-length trousers or light chinos. If you do wear shorts, make sure they are knee-length.

Women should wear longer sleeves and below-the-knee dresses or skirts. Sleeveless tops are acceptable in most situations, as long as only your arms are shown.

If you plan on travelling outside of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you should be aware that local attitudes to dress are stricter, and you will be expected to cover up more.

Avoid see-through shirts and thong bottoms

While you are generally free to wear what you want in Dubai, there are some guidelines to follow. As a rule of thumb, cover from your shoulders to your knees. Avoid see-through shirts and thong bottoms, and never sunbathe topless or naked. This is not allowed in Dubai.

For men, despite the heat, it is recommended to wear full-length trousers. Light chinos are a good idea for public places, or if you want to wear shorts, make sure they are knee-length. Avoid tank tops, except at the beach or water parks.

For women, maxi dresses or maxi skirts are a good choice. Sleeveless tops are acceptable in most situations, as are shorts that completely cover the bottom. If you plan on visiting a mosque, you will need to dress modestly. Women should wear abayas and cover their heads, and men should also dress appropriately.

Dress more conservatively when travelling outside of Dubai

Although Dubai is one of the more lenient cities in the UAE when it comes to dress codes, if you plan on travelling outside of the city, you'll need to dress more conservatively. Local attitudes to dress are stricter, and you'll be expected to cover up a lot more. This means no shorts for men, and longer sleeves and below-the-knee dresses and skirts for women, even outside of religious sites.

If you're a male tourist, make sure your clothes cover your chest and that your shorts or trousers reach to at least your knees. You'll find that despite the heat, nearly all men in Dubai wear full-length trousers. Bringing some light chinos is a good idea for public places, or if you wear shorts, try and make them knee-length. Avoid tank tops (other than at the beach or water parks) and be careful with the wording on any slogan t-shirts; wear nothing that could be construed as offensive.

For women, maxi dresses or maxi skirts are a great choice for day and night. Sleeveless tops are acceptable in most situations where only your arms are shown. Shorts that completely cover the bottom are acceptable now in most situations.

If you want to visit one of Dubai's stunning mosques, like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the dress code is more strict. In accordance with Islamic custom, women are requested to dress modestly by wearing abayas and covering their heads before entering a mosque. Don't worry if you don't have your own abaya, as mosques often have them available for female tourists. Men are also expected to dress appropriately when visiting a mosque.

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