Visiting Abu Dhabi: A Comprehensive Travel and Dress Code Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Abu Dhabi, read this first! Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, is a place where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. One aspect of this rich cultural tapestry is the traditional clothing styles and the customs that visitors should respect.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Expect warm weather. The United Arab Emirates is largely a desert and it’s a hot beach destination that doesn’t see a lot of rain. Summertime (May – September) is the worst time to visit. Abu Dhabi weather in September gets as hot as 105°F or 40°C. Truly, I’ve never felt heat like it; with temperatures regularly reaching 44 degrees C and higher during the day, the locals and the tourists know to stay inside, in the comfort of air conditioning. No one walks the streets during the day time. Speaking to the locals, they recommend October to February, with those two months in particular being the best time to visit, when it’s still miserable in the UK and you just need some guaranteed sunshine and heat. The highest temperatures in January are close to 75°F with lows of 50°F.
| Season | Average Temperatures | Travel Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (May – September) | 40°C – 44°C (105°F+) | Worst time to visit; many attractions close. |
| Winter (December – February) | 10°C – 24°C (50°F – 75°F) | Best time to visit; coolest months. |
| Spring & Fall (April/October) | 15°C – 35°C (60°F – 95°F) | Perfect for vacationers looking for a sunny beach getaway. |
Where to Stay and Visit
Abu Dhabi is an archipelago of islands, most of which are natural but some are man made too. Yas Island is a latest hot spot where you’ll find the F1 race track, Ferrari world, a huge mall, a beautiful marina, and lovely hotels. Instead, I’d recommend staying somewhere more central, such as the Emirates Palace. Originally built as a ‘guest house’ for the extremely VIP visitors to the rulers of Abu Dhabi, it quickly became a hotel. In the palace you’ll find over 30 tonnes of 23k gold leaf across the buildings walls and ceilings, as well as over 1000 Swarovski chandeliers! Near the Emirates Palace is an area along a long beach called ‘Corniche’ which seems to be where many of the hot spots in the city are.
Abu Dhabi Female Dress Code and Modesty
It’s important to be respectful of Abu Dhabi culture and customs during your visit. Women in Abu Dhabi dress modestly, typically wearing traditional clothing such as an abaya, a loose-fitting black cloak that covers the entire body. The UAE dress code is notoriously more relaxed than its sister countries in the Middle East. Women are not expected to wear the traditional dress of UAE; you don’t need to cover your head or wear Muslim traditional attire in general public areas. That being said, the best piece of advice is: Practice Modesty. All the Abu Dhabi clothing rules revolve around modest dress. This is especially important in public places like shopping malls & parks.
The Basic Rules of Modesty
- Cover your shoulders
- Cover your knees
- Nothing too tight or transparent
- Don’t show cleavage
- No offensive pictures or quotes
The Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque Dress Code
The dress code for tourists changes a bit depending on where you are. It’s a bit more lax at beaches, but it’s much more strict at mosques. The Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque dress code dictates that you must cover your head, cover your legs up to your ankle and cover your arms up to your wrist. You don’t need to worry too much about what to wear to the grand mosque, because the traditional dress is provided at no additional cost for all visitors. It’s a robe with head covering that you can quickly slip over your existing outfit.
Traditional Garments Explained
These garments not only reflect the region’s heritage but also serve as a symbol of pride and identity. One of the most iconic traditional clothing styles for women in Abu Dhabi is the abaya. It is often made of lightweight fabric, such as chiffon or crepe, to ensure comfort in the hot desert climate. Another traditional garment is the sheila, a long, rectangular scarf that is worn to cover the head and shoulders. In addition to the abaya and sheila, some women wear the niqab, a face veil that covers the lower half of the face, leaving only the eyes visible. While the niqab is not mandatory, many women choose to wear it as a personal choice or as a way to adhere to their religious beliefs.