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Dubai is considered one of the cleanest and safest places, making it a great place for tourists and business enthusiasts alike. Boasting numerous world records from the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, the world's largest frame, Dubai frame, the world's largest flower arrangement, Miracle Garden and many more. While offering you a plethora of stunning places to look at, it comes with a never-ending list of must-to-do activities in Dubai such as, desert safari, parasailing, paragliding, jet skiing, diving, snorkelling, ice-skiing and much more. Like locals, you need not wear traditional Dubai clothing but following some general guidelines is a must
What to wear in Dubai?
While hosting some of the world's most luxurious places, Dubai has a conservative approach when it comes to dressing. Dubai is a predominantly Muslim country which values modest attire the most. It's good to be respectful of local cultural norms as you visit here.
- Wear a comfortable outfit depending on when you are visiting here. No matter whether you are a man or woman, make sure that your clothing is covering your knees and shoulders.
- Fitted clothes are not considered a great option to wear in Dubai for men and women alike, so just avoid any tight-fitted outfits. Apart from being respectful of local culture, loose-fitting clothes are best to combat scorching Dubai's summer.
- Swimwear is fine but at beaches and waterparks only. These are strictly prohibited in public areas.
- Do not wear anything with offensive slogans related to any community, country or religion.
What to pack for a holiday trip to Dubai?
Here is a quick guide to cross-check your accessories for a trip to Dubai:
- Light clothing (especially if you visiting during summer)
- Swimsuit (for beaches and waterparks)
- Flip-flops (these are more comfortable for a desert safari as compared to heels and sandals)
- High SPF sunscreen (a must to protect your skin from Dubai's relentless sun)
- Hat (to shield you from the sun)
- Sunglasses (to protect your eyes from intense Sun)
- Strappy sandals and/or sneakers (for strolling in the main city)
- Clothing that covers the shoulders and midriff (for public areas)
- Light jacket, sweater or shawl (for winter evenings and indoor air-conditioned spaces)
- Thicker jacket and warmer clothing (for evening trips to the desert)
- Stylish clothing and footwear (for chic party spots)
- Modest clothing including trousers, skirts or shorts past the knee (for heritage areas)
- Loose-fitting, conservative clothing that covers the ankles (for mosques, women should carry a scarf also)
What to wear as a man or woman in Dubai?
Being a multicultural country, there is no hard and fast rule about what clothes to wear in Dubai and you’ll be able to look at a variety of attires over here. So, whether you are looking for what to wear as a woman in Dubai or what to wear in Dubai for males, it all boils down to where you're headed.
Whenever you pick clothing, what really matters is, do you feel comfortable wearing that or not? If yes, go for it definitely but if not leave that immediately. As your dress plays a crucial role in making you look more confident. What's necessary is to keep in mind and be respectful of local culture. Make sure you don't wear anything which is too revealing or too fitted, this not only applies to women but also to men.
Keep a paging down to know in detail about what to wear in Dubai at specific spots like Dubai desert or beaches or traditional Souks and shopping malls.
What to wear in Dubai desert safari?
Dubai Desert Safari comes among the must-to-do things in Dubai, whether you are an adventurous soul or looking to soak in the tranquillity of sand dunes. You haven't really been to Dubai if you have not done a desert safari! No matter if you're into the thrill of dune bashing or a serene camel ride, the lightweight comfortable clothing works best over here.
Don't know what to wear in Dubai Desert Safari? For women, knee-length shorts and dresses are great if you are visiting here in the summer. But if you have come during the winter months, consider having a shawl or light cardigan with you as it gets a bit chilly in the evenings. For men, t-shirts, and knee-length shorts are good for summer and trousers and full-sleeve shirts or t-shirts work well for winter evenings.
What to wear in Dubai if you are visiting heritage sites or traditional souks?
If you are planning to visit heritage sites in Dubai, the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood, Dubai Museum, Hatta village, Jumeirah Mosque and traditional Arabian Souks are the most recommended options, giving you a glimpse of Dubai's past with historical buildings, traditional houses, cafes and much more. Paying a visit to at least one of these is a must for anyone looking to soak up Dubai's rich culture.
Talking about dressing, here you need to be dressed more modestly in comparison to Dubai's main city. Prefer wearing past knee length skirts or shorts, trousers, avoid wearing sleeveless tops. As you visit the Jumeirah Mosque, it's really important to have some loose-fitting clothes covering your arms and ankles. Women should have a scarf to cover their heads, while many mosques rent abayas too.
What to wear at the beach in Dubai?
Soak up the sun and surf the waves on Dubai's beautiful beaches. Relaxing at beaches is something which can’t be removed from the Dubai itinerary. The city offers you many public and private beaches, the key difference is that the latter ones are made specifically for tourism purposes giving you a much liberal approach towards clothing, generally, here you are free to wear anything you wish for. But, you are required to follow some guidelines for what to wear in Dubai at public beaches. So that your clothing doesn't offend the local people.
- Wearing swimwear or swim bottoms is allowed at beaches and waterparks. Must avoid G - string materials and thongs and go for minimalist swimwear as much as possible.
- Make sure that your swimwear is not made with see-through material.
- Keep in mind that topless sunbathing is not only considered offensive but also illegal.