Dubai Dress Code Guide – What to Wear in Dubai 2025

Planning a trip to Dubai and wondering what to put on? The city mixes ultra‑modern style with traditional modesty, so knowing the dress rules can save you a lot of hassle. Below you’ll find straight‑forward advice for every setting – from shopping malls to mosques – so you can look good and stay out of trouble.

Public Spaces and Everyday Outings

In most public areas, like malls, cafes and streets, you’re free to wear Western fashion as long as it’s not too revealing. For men, short‑sleeve shirts and shorts that reach the knee are fine. Women should aim for tops that cover the shoulders and tops that are not see‑through; skirts and dresses should be at least knee‑length. A light scarf can be handy for sudden visits to more conservative spots.

Religious Sites and Formal Venues

When you step inside a mosque or a holy site, the dress code tightens up. Both men and women need to cover their arms and legs fully – think long trousers or ankle‑length skirts and long‑sleeve shirts. Women must also cover their hair with a scarf; a plain scarf you can pull on when needed works perfectly. At high‑end hotels and fine‑dining restaurants, smart‑casual is the norm: men in collared shirts and trousers, women in dresses or skirts that are modest but stylish.

Beaches and pools are the one place where the rules relax. Swimwear is allowed on the sand, but it’s considered rude to walk around the boardwalk in a bikini or trunks. Carry a cover‑up or a towel when you move away from the water.

Nightclubs and bars let you be a bit flashier, but you’ll still see a “no‑excessive‑cleavage” sign at many venues. A dress or shirt that’s trendy yet not too revealing will get you past the door without a second glance.

For men, avoid sleeveless shirts and extremely tight jeans in formal settings; a casual button‑down or polo works everywhere. Women should steer clear of see‑through fabrics and overly tight clothing in government offices or banks – business attire is usually a modest blouse with a skirt or trousers.Quick tip: keep a small scarf or shawl in your bag. It’s the cheapest way to adapt your outfit on the fly, especially if you decide to visit a mosque after a day of shopping.

Dubai’s climate is hot, so breathable fabrics like cotton, linen and light blends are your friends. Choose light colors to stay cool, but remember that dark clothing can be more modest in crowded public transport.

Overall, the rule of thumb is: dress stylishly, keep shoulders and knees covered in conservative areas, and bring a cover‑up for places where you need extra modesty. Follow these basics and you’ll blend right in while still looking great.