Modest & Modern: A Guide to the UAE Dress Code

Monique has been living in Dubai for over 3 years as an expat, so of course she has all the details when it comes to how to style in the UAE. Read on for a full breakdown, from the official dress code to how it actually plays out in real life. United Arab Emirates is an Islamic country in the Middle Eastern part of the world. Known for its riches, parties and extremely hot temperature, Dubai is affectionately named the "Las Vegas” Of the Middle East.

The Official UAE Dress Code

Though UAE is known to have less strict rules compared to its sister countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman there is still a modest dress code that should be followed at specific times. Via the UAE Government: “Visitors to the UAE should dress modestly, particularly in conservative areas and public places like shopping malls. Clothing should not be transparent, indecently exposing parts of the body or displaying offensive pictures or slogans.”

Both men and women might feel more comfortable wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders, arms and legs. Women traveling in the UAE are not expected to cover their heads or wear traditional Muslim attire in most public spaces. However, any form of nudity is strictly forbidden; including topless sunbathing. Swimwear should not be worn in any other area outside the beach, water parks or swimming pools.

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Mosques hold a religious and sacred position for all Muslims. Visitors to mosques should therefore abide by specific ethics and rules and show their full respect. Regarding the dress code for men, they should wear long-sleeve shirts and long trousers, with no shorts allowed. Dress code for women requires long trousers or skirts, long-sleeve shirts or tops, nothing tight and a mandatory headscarf.

• Hair Coverage: Hair (for women) should be kept covered while in the mosque grounds but it's not necessary to cover faces.
• Footwear: Footwear must be removed before entering so it is recommended that visitors wear comfortable shoes that are easily removed.
• Traditional Attire: Black abayas are provided to visiting females, and white kandorahs are available for men who are inappropriately dressed.

When visiting the mosque you can opt for a cute abaya or a colorful dress with metallic accents that can be found at any souk in UAE. Choose a long sleeve maxi dress or abaya that best fits your style but don’t forget a headscarf to cover all your hair.

Quick Summary of Attire Requirements

• Public Places/Malls: Keep dresses, shorts, skirts etc at knee level or below and cover shoulders.
• Desert Safaris: Wear loose, breathable but comfortable clothes for activities like dune bashing and camel riding.
• Mosques: Full coverage of arms and legs; headscarf mandatory for women.
• Beach/Pool: Standard swimwear is allowed, but strictly no nudity.
• Clubs/Bars: Men must avoid flip-flops and shorts; women can wear modern clubbing attire.

Dressing for the Desert and Daily Life

When you visit the deserts in UAE you definitely want to dress for the weather. The high temperatures can average about 45c/113f during the summer months and 25c/ 77f during winter. Keep in mind the general dress code rules and wear loose, breathable but comfortable clothes. Basically: “Make it fashionnnn but also I don’t want to burn TF up!”

In everyday life, you want to “keep it cute” but modest when visiting restaurants, coffee shops or malls. Layering is your best friend! If I opt for a top that has thin straps, no straps or is off the shoulder, I dress it down with a kimono, jean jacket or cardigan to stay modest. You can wear almost any kind of top with a long layering piece like a kimono or cardigan.

What to Wear to a Brunch, Club or Bar

This is where there’s pretty much no rules, within reason. Women can wear pretty much anything they want to most clubs, brunches and bars. In the upscale clubs in Jumeirah and large hotels, short skirts, micro minis and short dresses are normal clubbing attire; there are even some places in Dubai where you can wear your Beyoncé “Frekum dress!”

However, men should be more cautious. Most nightclubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will not allow entry to men wearing jeans, flip-flops, shorts or other casual attire. Keep in mind that businesses, security or police may ask you to cover up or leave if you push the envelope.