How To Dress In Dubai To Go On Vacation [2025 Updated]

Dubai is a major city in the Middle East that attracts a lot of visitors every year. Since the temperatures there are high all year round, one may wonder how to dress in Dubai to go on vacation. 

Fortunately, thanks to the appropriate clothing and protection from the sun, it is possible to spend beautiful days on the beach or in the busy streets of the city.

Clothing that respects Arab culture

Woman Dressed In Black And White On Dubai Street

The culture of the Arab world is rich and diverse, with many unique traditions and customs. In Dubai, you can see aspects of this culture reflected in the city’s dress codes.

In general, women in Dubai tend to dress conservatively, wearing clothes that cover a lot of their body. This includes long skirts or pants, long-sleeved shirts or blouses, and loose-fitting dresses. In more formal settings, such as at work or in a restaurant, women may wear a hijab or another type of headscarf to cover their hair as well.

Men should also dress modestly when out in public. They most often wear slacks or jeans, as well as collared shirts or polo shirts. For more formal occasions, men should wear a suit or at least a jacket and tie.

While it’s important to adhere to these cultural norms when visiting Dubai, you’ll also find that many locals are happy to see tourists who have made the effort to dress appropriately for their visit. So if you are confused about what to wear while in Dubai, remember that you can never go wrong with modest and conservative clothes!

Clothing that adapts to the weather in Dubai:

Blonde woman on the desert holding man's hand

In the Gulf country, the climatic conditions are very varied. In winter, the temperature can drop to 10°C and often rise to over 40°C in summer. Enough to make the adaptability of clothing!

Indeed, each season marks a real break in local clothing: women take out their summery and colorful outfits in spring (soon), while men put on more layers in winter.

Local products, such as perfumes and, to a lesser extent, lingerie, are also adapted to changing weather conditions thanks to their strong or sweet scents, depending on the consumer’s desire and the season.

For all these reasons, we can say that the weather in Dubai is a real challenge for textiles! However, thanks to the ingenuity of its inhabitants, it is possible to dress chic and comfortably in any season.

How to dress as a woman in Dubai?

People eating at Dubai's restaurant

There are a few rules to follow when dressing as a woman in Dubai. First of all, it is important to cover yourself properly. Shoulders and legs should be covered, and it is best to wear loose clothing that is not too tight. Also, it is important not to show too much skin. Deep necklines and short shorts are to be avoided.

Also, it is important to choose clothes that are not vulgar. See-through clothes, provocative outfits, and body displays have no place in this part of the world. Finally, it is also important to wear shoes adapted to the situation. It is better to opt for flat shoes or ballet flats for women.

It is therefore necessary to adopt a correct and well-dressed attitude as a woman in Dubai. With a little common sense, everything should go smoothly!

How to dress as a man in Dubai?

How To Dress In Dubai

Dubai is a world-renowned tourist destination, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe, and for good reason. From its breathtaking modern architecture to its pristine white sand beaches, Dubai is a city that deserves a spot on everyone’s travel list. But how should a man dress and behave in this dynamic city? By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and respectful experience.

First and foremost, dressing appropriately is key. While Dubai embraces a modern and cosmopolitan lifestyle, certain dress codes apply. Short shorts, tank tops, and t-shirts with offensive or vulgar messages are best avoided. However, discreet logo t-shirts are generally acceptable. Many visitors opt for the traditional kandura (or kamis), a comfortable yet elegant local attire, which pairs well with a t-shirt. For those who prefer a Western look, classic jeans with a shirt or polo work just fine. Bermuda shorts are tolerated, but it’s best to keep them at knee-length and in neutral colors like beige or white for a polished appearance.

When it comes to footwear, flip-flops and sandals are not recommended for city outings, as they may be perceived as too casual. Instead, opt for sneakers or loafers, which strike the perfect balance between comfort and style.

If you’re heading to Dubai’s beaches, know that swimsuits are allowed, but wearing them outside designated beach areas is strictly prohibited. Fortunately, places like Jumeirah Beach Park and JBR Beach have dedicated spaces where you can walk around in swimwear without issue.

By respecting these guidelines, you’ll not only blend in effortlessly but also enjoy everything Dubai has to offer without any cultural missteps.

How to dress on the street in Dubai?

Woman dressed in white shirt and sunglasses walking on Dubai street

Dressing appropriately is always important in any culture, and this is especially true in the United Arab Emirates. Emiratis are very traditional and conservative, and they expect visitors to dress modestly in public.

For women, this means covering their shoulders and knees and wearing clothes that aren’t too tight or revealing. In general, it’s best to dress more conservatively than usual.

For men, clothes should also be modest and loose. Shorts are generally not accepted in public, except at the beach. Again, prevention is better than cure when it comes to dressing in Dubai.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. You will see some people, whether local or foreign, who are not dressed modestly. However, it is always best to respect cultural norms and dress appropriately. After all, you don’t want to stand out as a tourist and draw unwanted attention to yourself!

Overall, the best way to dress in Dubai is simply to respect the local culture. By doing so, you will experience a more authentic and enjoyable journey.

Here are some tips on how to dress in Dubai:

How To Dress In Dubai
  • Loose and light clothes are best to enjoy the hot climate of Dubai. Natural fabrics like cotton or silk are the most comfortable.
  • Avoid clothing that is too tight or clings to the skin, as this will only aggravate the feeling of heat.
  • Light colors reflect sunlight better and will therefore help keep you a little cooler. Opt instead for blue, white, or beige clothes.
  • If you want to stay by the beach all day, feel free to wear a hat or scarf to protect your face and neck from the sun
  • Wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for Dubai, such as leather sandals, which will go very well with light holiday outfits.