What to Wear in Dubai in 2025: A Full Guide for Dubai Tourists

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai in 2025, you’re probably wondering: what to wear in Dubai? If you’re wondering where to shop, discover the desert, or visit cultural sites, it’s worth understanding Dubai dress codes. The city may be multicultural and cosmopolitan, but it’s Islamic at heart—so here are some things you should know before you travel.

What tourist can wear in Dubai?

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that is itself a melting pot of varied cultures and religious beliefs. With over 200 nationalities residing in the city, all attire is typically acceptable. There are a few general guidelines to follow:

• Swimwear is fine while at the beach and pool, but not fine in places such as business districts and shopping malls.

• When you’re out especially in summer, make sure to protected from the sun.

• Dressing conservatively when you are in historic sites and cultural sites is recommended.

Packing for Dubai

Here is a general list of clothing items to take on your Dubai vacation, for men and women:

• Light clothing
• Swimwear
• Flip-flops
• High SPF sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Strappy sandals/sneakers
• Shoulder and midriff-covering clothing (for public areas)
• Light jacket, sweater or shawl (for winter nights and air-conditioned indoor environments)
• Thicker jacket and warmer wear (for night visits to the desert)
• Fashionable wear and shoes (for fashionable party venues)
• Conservative wear with trousers, or skirts or shorts below the knee (for heritage sites)
• Casual, conservative clothing that covers the ankles (for mosques)

Restrictions About the Dubai Dress Code 

Let’s get this straight: Dubai is actually a very casual city in the Middle East when it comes to dressing. People dress in everything from business attire to athleisure. Yet, Dubai’s regulations for tourists still promote modesty in public areas—particularly in malls, religious areas, government offices, and local communities.

Visitors are not required to wear traditional Emirati clothing, but dressing modestly shows respect for the culture and keeps you out of trouble.

What to wear in Dubai for women? (Guide)

Modest dress is the norm for Dubai women. While expats and visitors do dress in Western-style, covering shoulders, cleavage, and knees in public is a good idea. Here’s what works:

Do Wear:

• Maxi dresses and skirts
• Loose, wide-leg trousers or culottes
• T-shirts and blouses with sleeves
• Lightweight apparel like cotton and linen
• A scarf or shawl for mosques or conservative locations

Don’t:

• Low-cut blouses, crop tops, or transparent apparel in public
• Short shorts and mini skirts
• Wearing bikinis outside of the beach or pool area

Tip: Restaurants and nightlife allow a more trendy style, but always bring a layer like a cardigan or shawl—you will need it in air-conditioned areas anyway!

How to Dress in Dubai: Men’s Guide ????

For men, dressing up in Dubai is easy. Most dress casually but cleanly.

Do Wear:

• Shorts or pants that are just below the knees

• T-shirts, polo shirts, or button-downs

• Light, loose-fitting fabrics

Don’t wear:

• Sleeveless shirts in malls and restaurants
• Wandering around topless outdoors (alright at pools and beaches only)
• What to Wear in Dubai: Beach & Resort Areas?
• At hotel pools and private beaches, you can:
• Bikinis and swim trunks
• Kaftans or cover-ups when strolling around
• Flip-flops or sandals

After you leave the pool or beach, always cover up prior to going into a public place or hotel lobby. That is one of the top Dubai tourist rules that also seems to get forgotten.

What to Dress Like at Religious Places & Mosques ??

When you travel sightseeing to sites like the Jumeirah Mosque, modesty is required from both women and men. You’ll most likely be asked to:

• Remove shoes

• Wear long pants or skirts

• Cover arms and shoulders

• Women should cover hair (pack a scarf)

Dubai Dress Code in Different Locations

According to the Location Dress Code Recommendation

• Malls (Modest): covered arms and knees
• Mosques (Conservative): covered arms, legs, and hair
• Beaches & Pools (Swimwear acceptable): but cover up afterwards
• Restaurants & Clubs  (Smart casual to trendy):  demure in public areas
• Desert Safari (Comfortable): loose clothes and closed shoes

Dubai Travel Packing List (2025 Edition)?

Here’s your convenient checklist:

For Women:

• 3–5 demure tops
• 2–3 long skirts or loose pants
• 1–2 maxi dresses
• Light scarf or shawl
• Swimwear + cover-up
• Comfortable sandals and closed walking shoes
• Light jacket or cardigan

For Men:

• 3–5 T-shirts or polos
• 2–3 pairs of shorts or pants
• Swimwear
• Flip-flops + closed shoes
• Light jacket for indoor A/C

Final Tips: Respect & Comfort Go Hand in Hand

Dubai is a fashionable and liberal city, yet it remains conservative and modest. You are not here to go undercover as a visitor—your job is simply to be respectful of the host nation. By being aware of the dress codes in Dubai, you will be able to avoid awkward moments and enjoy a stress-free vacation.

So, if you’re eager to learn about what to wear in Dubai in 2025, remember this: modest, light, and smart is the way.