What to Wear in Dubai: Business Dress, Heat and Ramadan

Dubai has no single written dress code, but it does have clear expectations. Beach clubs and hotel pools look like resorts anywhere, while malls, government offices and mosques expect modest dress. Business is more formal than many visitors expect, and summer heat above 104°F (40°C) makes fabric choice a real decision. Get those three things right and you will be comfortable everywhere.

Is there a dress code in Dubai?

Dubai has no single dress code for visitors, but UAE law prohibits indecent behavior in public, and many venues set their own rules. The large malls post signs asking visitors to cover their shoulders and knees, and they do not allow swimwear, see-through clothing or offensive slogans. In practice, security staff step in only in clear cases and may first ask you to cover up. The simple rule for both men and women: cover shoulders and knees anywhere not built for swimming or sport.

Shorts that reach the knee are usually accepted in malls and on the metro, but long trousers are the safer choice in older markets and anywhere official. Beach shorts and flip-flops can see you turned away from fine dining restaurants, and nightclubs often require long trousers, closed shoes and a collared shirt.

What should men wear to business meetings in Dubai?

Men in finance, law, real estate and consulting in Dubai typically wear suits, and a suit is the right default for a first meeting. Dress one step more formally for a meeting at a ministry or an Emirati family business. Emirati colleagues often wear the national dress, the kandura, but visitors are not expected to; a well-cut suit is the respectful choice. Our guide to the kandura explains what it is.

• First meetings and government: a navy or mid-gray suit, a white or light blue shirt, a tie and dark leather shoes.
• Ongoing work in summer: a light suit in open-weave wool, with the tie as the company expects. Our guide to wearing a suit without a tie shows how to keep it sharp.
• Less formal offices: tailored trousers and a collared shirt, with a jacket for client meetings.
• Always: closed leather shoes, a belt or side adjusters, and no visible graphics or slogans.

What should you wear in the souks and old Dubai?

In the older markets of Deira and Bur Dubai, such as the gold and spice souks, dress a little more conservatively than in the hotels: long trousers or knee-length shorts, a shirt with sleeves and comfortable closed shoes. Loose cotton or linen is the coolest choice, and a hat helps in the open lanes.

What should women wear in Dubai?

Women in Dubai follow the same core rule: cover shoulders and knees in public places, and avoid sheer, very tight or very short clothing in malls, markets and the metro. Women do not need to cover their hair outside mosques. For business, suits, dresses or smart separates work well, and sleeves to the elbow are a comfortable default for meetings.

What should you wear in Dubai during Ramadan?

During Ramadan, dress more conservatively in public during the day: keep shoulders, knees and chest covered, and avoid tight or revealing clothing. Visitors who are not fasting may eat and drink, but out of respect avoid doing so, or smoking, in public places during daylight hours; many restaurants and cafes serve daytime diners. Hotel pools and beach clubs keep their normal swimwear rules, and dress relaxes somewhat after iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast.

• Daytime: long trousers and sleeved shirts, even for errands and mall visits.
• Business: suits as usual; working hours are shorter during Ramadan, so meetings may move.
• Iftar invitations: smart casual or a light suit is appreciated; ask your host if unsure.
• Evenings: malls stay open late, and many restaurants serve iftar menus and late dinners.

What fabrics and colors work best in Dubai's heat?

The best suit fabrics for Dubai are light, open-weave wools of about 7 to 9 oz (220 to 280 g), wool and mohair blends, and linen or linen blends. They let heat escape outdoors and still look smart in a cold meeting room. Shirts in cotton poplin, voile or linen wear cooler than heavy twills. Avoid polyester-rich suits, which trap heat and sweat. Our guides to hot-weather suit fabric and linen suits go further.

Color matters too. Light and mid gray, light navy, tan and stone reflect more sun than charcoal or black, and feel noticeably cooler outdoors. Keep dark suits for evenings and air-conditioned offices.

What do hotel and restaurant dress codes mean in Dubai?

Dubai's hotels, restaurants and bars use the same dress code terms as other cities, applied with the heat in mind. Smart casual is the default in hotel restaurants and the better bars of DIFC, Downtown and Dubai Marina. Weekend brunch tends to be dressy but is not black tie.

Our guides to smart casual, cocktail attire and black tie explain each code in full.

What should you wear to visit a mosque in Dubai?

Mosques require the most modest dress of anywhere in the UAE. Men should wear long trousers that cover the knees and ankles and a shirt with sleeves, ideally long. Women need an ankle-length skirt or trousers, long sleeves and a headscarf. At Jumeirah Mosque, which runs visits for non-Muslims, abayas are provided at the entrance. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, in Abu Dhabi, checks dress more strictly and may refuse entry.

What should you pack for a trip to Dubai?

For staying comfortable in a suit outdoors, see our guide to wearing a suit in hot weather, and for local tailors, our ranking of the best tailors in Dubai.

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