Want to visit Dubai? In Dubai there is a dress code that you should follow. Otherwise, you may be approached by the police. This dress code is very discreet and follows Dubai's cultural norms.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Knowing the Dress Rules in Dubai
Step 1. Know when you need to adhere to this dress code
The dress code in Dubai does not apply to your private home or hotel room. In those places, you can wear whatever clothes you want. This dress code applies in public places.
- The following are examples of public places where this rule applies: cinemas, markets, malls, supermarkets, and hotel public areas.
- This rule also applies when you are in a car or driving on a public road. When you visit government buildings or courts, you may be given an abaya. Abaya is a loose garment that you wear over the clothes you are already wearing.
Step 2. Follow the general rules
You may not be used to it, but it's a kind of cultural respect and keeps you out of trouble.
- In general, you need to cover all parts of your body from your shoulders to your knees. Avoid showing cleavage and be careful with clothes that are tight or slightly transparent. Women should not wear sleeveless shirts.
- Men are not allowed to show their chests open in public. Avoid shorts, especially shorts that are really short. Also avoid bathing suits outside the pool or beach area. Don't unbutton your shirt to reveal chest hair. Men can't even show their knees.
Step 3. Choose ordinary clothes that people commonly wear
There are several types of clothing that are still within the limits of this dress code. You should prepare these types of clothes.
- You can use pashmina cloth to cover the body, including in the car. You can also wear capri pants (3/4) to keep your lower body cool but still covered. You can also use a scarf when visiting the mosque. T-shirts are okay. It's best to avoid the spaghetti strappy tank top.
- Leggings you can use under a short dress to cover the knees. You can also wear a cardigan to cover your shoulders. However, don't just wear leggings as your only subordinate.
Step 4. Avoid clothing that is not allowed
You will be in trouble if you wear certain clothes in Dubai. Better to avoid these clothes.
- You should not wear shorts, very short mini skirts, tube tops, crop tops, and mesh dresses.
- Cover your underwear and don't be seen in public. Your underwear should not be seen in public at all. Underwear, bras, and shorts that look/stain from the outside can be problematic.
- Tight clothes made of lycra can also be a problem. Also avoid clothing with transparent or cut fabric.
Part 2 of 3: Following the Rules in Different Places
Step 1. Dress appropriately to enter a mosque
If you want to enter a mosque, there are very strict rules that you must obey beforehand. Maybe you can't even enter the mosque if you're not a Muslim.
- You may be given clothes that you can wear on top of what you are already wearing, called an abaya for women and a kandourah for men. You will also be asked to take off your shoes.
- Women should cover their hair and the whole body. Men don't need to cover their hair, but neither should shorts or sleeveless shirts.
Step 2. Wear the right clothes at a restaurant or bar
Most expensive restaurants, especially those selling alcohol, require men to wear closed shoes and trousers.
- For women, should not show cleavage or thighs. However, you can wear sandals.
- This dress code is generally lighter in nightclubs or bars. In malls, signs are usually posted asking visitors to cover their shoulders and knees.
Step 3. Wear proper clothing when exercising
You may need to know what to wear to the gym or while running.
- You can wear your normal workout clothes at your hotel or your own gym. When running outside, wear longer shorts and a light top (for boys).
- Women can wear leggings to run as long as they are below the knee.
Step 4. Wear proper swimwear
You can wear bikinis and bathing suits around the pool or on the beach, but there are certain restrictions.
- Don't wear triangular swimsuit bottoms. Change clothes before leaving the pool or beach area. If your clothes get wet from a wet swimsuit underneath, you are violating this dress code.
- Sunbathing without a top is not allowed in Dubai, even illegal. It's best to choose a full bathing suit. On public beaches, it's best to wear a t-shirt and shorts.
Part 3 of 3: Dealing with Questions
Step 1. Deal with criticism well
You may find people, from security guards to your own friends, who will tell you that your clothes are not good enough. Sometimes these people just want to help you with advice.
- Better stay calm and apologize. If possible, you can say that you will return to the hotel or home to change clothes.
- If you get angry or refuse, the police may get involved. Actually you just put a pashmina cloth over your neck and the problem ends there.
Step 2. Also follow Dubai's rules regarding love in public
In addition to how to dress, there are also rules for the appearance of love in public. All of these rules are related.
- Avoid holding hands, hugging, or kissing in public.
- Be aware that a Dubai Muslim may avoid handshakes or eye contact.
- There was a couple from England who was jailed for a month for kissing in public. You may be imprisoned for violating this rule, especially if the person reporting you is a Muslim citizen of the United Arab Emirates.
Tips
- You don't need traditional clothes. People sometimes think that they should all try to mix with the locals and buy lots of traditional Arabic clothes.
- Avoid T-shirts with writing that is provocative or possibly distracting.
- Men who wear women's clothes can be jailed in Dubai.
- Understand geographic differences. Abu Dhabi, as well as elsewhere in the UAE outside of Dubai, may be more conservative when it comes to clothing.
- For non-Muslims, don't expect to be allowed into a mosque. Usually non-Muslims are not allowed.
- There is no dress code for children, just no naked in public. Teenagers must follow the existing dress code.
- If you are going on a safari, remember that the desert can be very cold at night. Bring a cardigan or scarf.
