Dubai is a fascinating city that never sleeps. This Middle Eastern country has many different cultures and traditions, so it’s understandable why tourists are often confused about what to wear when visiting Dubai. But there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The city has plenty of diverse neighborhoods, so what might be considered conservative in one place could be too risqué in another. Here are a few tips that you can follow when packing clothes for your trip to Dubai.
Be respectful of the culture
Dubai is a Muslim-majority country, which means modesty is key. This doesn’t mean you have to cover your head, but showing too much skin or wearing tight clothing is not appropriate. Even though the Government doesn’t dictate your wardrobe choices, it’s a good idea to be respectful of the culture. Keeping things on the conservative side will ensure you’ll be given more leeway if you’re in doubt about how modestly you should dress for Dubai.
Stay away from anything too revealing
Revealing clothes like miniskirts and cleavage-bearing tops are best left behind at home if you’re visiting Dubai. However, this also means you need to make sure everything else is covered as well. Pick up a few solid pieces that are appropriate to wear while traveling. You can also find plenty of clothing options in the markets and malls around Dubai if you look for them. As a basic rule, just try to follow how the locals dress up.
Stay modest when visiting religious sites or while traveling during Ramadan
When visiting mosques and other religious sites, it’s always good to cover your shoulders and knees. Be extra careful during Ramadan – many will be fasting from sunrise to sunset, and it’s best not to wear too revealing an outfit.
Here are a few other general rules of thumb to follow:
- Don’t wear see-through clothing
- Don’t wear tube tops
- Avoid wearing short shorts, especially in public areas
Dress up according to the weather
.The climate in Dubai varies significantly throughout the year, with summer temperatures rising as high as 45 degrees Celsius (113°F). So, make sure you dress appropriately for the weather.
Trousers and maxi skirts are a good pick for women, along with loose fitting dresses. T-shirts and tank tops that do not show too much cleavage are also acceptable. Men on the other hand can opt for shorts that are below the knee along with cotton T-shirts.
During the winters, it is best to carry one or two lightweight sweaters and comfortable pajamas to wear at night. If you are traveling for business purposes, don’t forget to pack a formal suit.
Don’t wear anything too risqué when visiting clubs and bars
In addition to dressing according to the weather, Dubai has developed an active nightlife scene with clubs and bars open well into the early hours of the morning. While this means fewer inhibitions and cooler clothing, it’s also important to dress appropriately. That means no clubbing in the lacy see through dresses you wore back home – save them for your next trip to Vegas!
Shoe options
When it comes to shoes, it’s best to wear the ones that tie together instead of slip-ons. Flip flops are generally acceptable in most places, including bars. Sandals are a good pick too.
As you can see, there are many things that you can wear in Dubai. The climate is hot so make sure that your clothes allow for maximum air circulation and keep you cool. To put it in simple words, the key is to stay low-key and modest.
