Dubai blends modern luxury with deep traditions, and figuring out what to pack can feel confusing. The dress code is not as strict as you might fear, but it does require some thought.
By balancing modesty with comfort, you can ensure your outfits are appropriate for every setting. Check out the clothing items to skip and the fabric and fit guidelines to stay cool while respecting local customs. Once you know what to avoid, browse our 15 chic Dubai outfit ideas for inspiration.
Clothing to Avoid
These items might be fine at home, but they can cause issues in Dubai public spaces.
01 Ultra-Sheer or See-Through Fabrics
Transparent tops and dresses might look fashionable, but they generally violate modesty guidelines in public spaces like malls and souks. You should always wear a solid camisole or slip underneath these items. Keeping your undergarments hidden is essential to respecting local customs while walking around the city.
02 Micro-Mini Skirts and Daisy Dukes
While the desert heat is intense, extremely short bottoms often draw unwanted stares and can get you barred from entering cultural sites. Aim for shorts or skirts that finish near the knee. This length keeps you cool without causing offense in family-friendly areas or traditional markets.
03 Plunging Necklines and Excessive Cleavage
Tops that reveal a significant amount of chest area are considered inappropriate for general daytime wear. You can still dress stylishly, but try to choose higher necklines for visiting public attractions. Save your more revealing cuts for specific nightlife venues where the dress code is more relaxed.
04 Graphic Tees With Profanity
Dubai enforces strict laws regarding offensive language and gestures. Wearing clothing that displays rude words, controversial political statements, or crude imagery can actually lead to legal trouble. Check your printed t-shirts before packing to ensure every graphic is respectful, neutral, and free of bad language.
05 Swimwear Beyond the Beach
Bikinis and swimsuits must stay strictly within the pool area or on the sand. Walking through a hotel lobby or grabbing a coffee on the boardwalk in just your swimwear is not acceptable. Always carry a kaftan or opaque cover-up to wear the moment you leave the water.
06 Crop Tops and Bare Midriffs
You should keep your midsection covered in public spaces like malls or traditional souks. While high-waisted pants help, showing skin around the belly often attracts unwanted stares. Save these pieces for the nightclub or beach club and opt for full-length shirts during the day.
07 Visible Lingerie and Bralettes
The underwear-as-outerwear trend does not translate well to local customs here. Wearing a bralette under an open shirt or a corset top as a main garment is considered inappropriate in family zones. Ensure your undergarments stay hidden under modest layers while walking around the city. Need modest styling inspo? Our hijab-friendly jacket looks offer great coverage ideas.
Fabric & Fit Guidelines
Beyond specific items, these fabric and fit considerations help you stay comfortable and appropriate.
08 Backless Dresses and Halter Tops
Business in the front and party in the back works for evening galas, but avoid exposing your entire back during daytime sightseeing. If you want to wear a backless sundress to the mall, simply throw a lightweight pashmina or denim or leather jacket over your shoulders to cover up.
09 Tight Cyclist Shorts or Activewear
Athleisure is popular globally, yet walking around Old Dubai in skin-tight cyclist shorts leaves little to the imagination. Leggings are generally fine if you pair them with a long tunic that covers your hips. Keep the form-fitting spandex strictly for your hotel gym sessions.
10 Heavy Synthetic Fabrics
Avoid packing unbreathable materials like heavy polyester or thick nylon. The desert heat is intense, and these fabrics trap sweat against your skin immediately. Stick to lightweight cotton or linen blends that allow air to circulate and keep you cool during outdoor activities.
11 High-Slit Maxi Dresses
While you might think a long dress automatically passes the modesty test, thigh-high slits say otherwise. These cuts expose too much leg when you walk or sit. Opt for skirts with modest slits or use a safety pin to keep your outfit appropriate for public spaces.
12 Heavily Distressed Denim
Jeans are generally acceptable, but pairs with gaping holes high on the thighs cross the line. You should stick to denim with minor distressing or rips below the knee. Large tears that reveal significant amounts of skin are considered disrespectful in this conservative environment.
13 Off-the-Shoulder Bardot Tops
Shoulders should often remain covered in Dubai, especially in traditional souks or family areas. Tops that pull down to expose your entire clavicle and shoulder line can draw unwanted stares. Keep a lightweight scarf in your bag to drape over yourself if you choose to wear this style.
"Respecting local customs does not mean sacrificing your personal style. With the right pieces, you can look chic while honoring the culture around you."
— Saraya Editorial
Packing Tips for Dubai
A few essentials to help you dress smart and stay comfortable in the UAE.
Keep Shoulders and Knees Covered
This is the golden rule for public spaces in Dubai. If you follow this guideline in malls, souks, and tourist attractions, you will fit right in. Beach clubs and hotel pools have more relaxed rules.
Pack Lightweight Cover-Ups
A linen pashmina or lightweight cardigan takes up almost no space in your bag and can instantly make any outfit appropriate. Use it to cover shoulders entering mosques or traditional areas.
Choose Breathable Natural Fabrics
Cotton and linen are your best friends in the desert heat. These fabrics allow air circulation and wick moisture away from your skin. Avoid heavy synthetics that trap heat. Check out the hottest fabric trends for 2026 for more options.
Dress Code Varies by Location
Beach clubs, hotel pools, and nightclubs have more relaxed dress codes. Traditional souks and religious sites require more coverage. Research specific venues before you visit.
Build Your Dubai Travel Wardrobe
Browse our curated selection of modest-friendly travel pieces perfect for exploring the UAE in style.
Shop Now The Bottom Line
Packing for your trip does not need to be stressful. If you follow the general rule of keeping your shoulders and knees covered in public areas, you will fit right in.
Dress modestly to show respect for the local culture, and you will have a wonderful time visiting this incredible city. The key is balancing comfort with cultural awareness. Planning more travel? See our Mexican fashion inspiration for your next adventure.
Remember that Dubai is a cosmopolitan city with many international visitors. The dress code is not as strict as some Middle Eastern destinations, but thoughtful choices make for a smoother trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a bikini in Dubai?
Yes, you can wear bikinis at private hotel beaches and swimming pools. However, you must put on a cover-up or dress immediately when leaving the sand or water. Walking through hotel lobbies or public streets in swimwear is strictly prohibited.
Do I need to wear a headscarf?
You do not need to cover your hair in public places like malls, restaurants, or tourist attractions. The only time a headscarf is mandatory is when you are visiting a mosque. It is always a good idea to keep a pashmina in your bag just in case.
Are shorts allowed for female tourists?
You can wear shorts, but keep the length in mind. Knee-length shorts are acceptable in malls and public spaces. Very short hot pants are appropriate for beach clubs but may attract negative attention or security checks in family-oriented areas like shopping centers.
Can I wear ripped jeans?
Ripped jeans are generally fine as long as the rips do not expose too much skin high up on the thigh or in the pelvic area. If you are visiting a government building or a more traditional neighborhood, it is safer to stick to solid fabrics.