Dubai is one of the most luxurious cities in the world, with glistening skylines and eye-opening lifestyles.
Whether it’s your first time to Dubai, or you are a seasoned traveller, it’s always handy to know what you can wear and what is acceptable in various public spaces in the city. As many will know, Dubai’s attitude towards clothing is strict, so wearing the right clothing is essential. So whichever attractions in Dubai you want to visit, such as the world-renowned Wild Wadi Water Park or a desert safari, we have some tips on what to pack when heading to Dubai.
Malls/Shops
Luckily, despite the scorching temperatures in Dubai, most major shops and malls such as the Mall of the Emirates have air conditioning, which makes a shopping trip a lot more comfortable. Women are most respectful when they have their legs (to the knee) and shoulders covered, so a T-shirt and long shorts or skirt would be suitable, however keep a jumper or cardigan to hand just in case you do get too cold. As for the men, they are very much expected to wear the same sort of style as the women, T-shirts and shorts are the more respectful items of clothing when visiting local shops and malls.
Wild Wadi Water Park
With one of the most beautiful backdrops of any water park in the world, Wild Wadi Water Park in Dubai is situated in front of the stunning Burj Al Arab. When having fun in the sun and cooling off in the water, the staff of the park ask visitors to adhere to their swimwear policy. Although respectable bikinis, swimming costumes and shorts are permitted, anything that is transparent or indecently exposes parts of the body isn’t allowed. They suggest that you wear comfortable, water-friendly clothing and as the park is a family-orientated attraction, appropriate attire is to be worn throughout the park including the locker rooms – this could be a T-shirt and shorts or a long dress when not in the water.
Desert Safari
Desert Safaris in Dubai are a fantastic way to get out of the city and have an adventure on the golden sand dunes. Travel blogger, Jessica Poitevien from She Dreams of Travel, has experienced the Desert Safari excursion and has some great tips for those heading out onto the sand!
“For the desert safari, you really will be with tourists all day so you can get away with wearing shorts or tank tops and other things that might not be appropriate in the city. Despite that, I wouldn't suggest wearing those things because it gets cold in the desert at night! I wore a short sleeved shirt that covered my shoulders, and I regretted that decision the minute the sun set. Without the sun, the desert gets very cold so I would suggest wearing a short sleeved shirt but bringing a sweater.
“As for the bottom, I wouldn't suggest shorts because you will get cold. The best thing is to wear something flexible that will be comfortable for riding camels and sitting on the floor for dinner. I wore very loose fitted pants, but I think something like leggings would also be very comfortable.”
Restaurants and Dining
Dubai is home to some of the most luxurious restaurants and bars in the world such as Indego by Vineet, with Michelin Star chefs serving delicious award-winning food, but that doesn’t mean that you have to compromise with your clothing choices. Bars and clubs that sell alcohol will be within the hotel, as alcohol consumption outside of these spaces is forbidden for religious reasons. So when dining out, it’s important to note that men are required to wear long trousers and covered shoes with a shirt. Women are able to wear smart restaurant attire which you would normally see back home, but is limited to clothing which covers cleavage and the thigh, sandals are acceptable to wear too.
Mosques
There are only a few mosques that are open for tourists and visitors, as many of those which are used for prayer are only open to Muslims. However, if you decide to delve into the culture and religion of Dubai, it’s important to dress appropriately. For men – long trousers and long sleeved shirts. For women – long trousers or ankle length dresses/skirts combined with a long sleeved top which covers the top half of the torso. Women are required to cover their head too, and headscarves are available to borrow from the mosques.
If you're planning a trip to the sunshine, then check out our great range of Dubai attraction tickets. You'll save both time and money by pre-booking before you go.
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