What should I wear in Dubai?

Normal summer clothes are fine in most of Dubai. The city’s tourism department says all attire is generally acceptable, with three guidelines: swimwear belongs at the beach and pool, not in malls or business districts; dress conservatively in historical areas and cultural sites; and in a mosque, cover shoulders, arms and knees, and women also cover their hair.

The three guidelines at a glance

Malls, restaurants and hotels

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism describes the city as cosmopolitan and says all attire is generally acceptable. Shorts, T-shirts, dresses and sleeveless tops are everyday clothes in the malls, restaurants and hotels where visitors spend most of their time. The one firm exception is swimwear.

Beaches and pools: the one line not to cross

Swimwear is fine on the beach and at the pool, and not appropriate in business districts or shopping malls. The practical habit is simple: pack a cover-up, and put it on before you walk off the sand into a beachfront café, shop or mall. Our guides to the best beaches in Dubai and whether Dubai’s beaches are free help you choose where to swim.

Old Dubai and cultural sites

The official guidance is to dress conservatively in historical areas and cultural sites. That covers places such as the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. Loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees are the easy answer, and they are cooler in the sun too. If you are walking the area, our old Dubai walking route links these stops.

Visiting a mosque

The UAE government portal is specific: a non-Muslim entering a mosque must dress conservatively, with clothes that fully cover the shoulders, arms and knees, and women also need to cover their heads. Bring a scarf if you are planning a visit.

Jumeirah Mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths through the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding. The centre lists:

• When: every day except Friday, at 10am and 2pm
• Price: AED 45 per person
• Length: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Booking: not required; registration opens 30 minutes before the start

Check the centre’s website before you go, as schedules can change.

Dressing for the heat

The Department of Economy and Tourism gives average temperatures of around 41°C in summer and 23°C in winter, and advises making sure you are protected from the sun when out and about. Light, loose, breathable clothing, a hat and sunscreen do more for comfort than wearing less. The best time to visit explains how the months compare.

During Ramadan

The Government of Dubai recommends wearing modest clothing in public during Ramadan. The simplest approach is to treat the whole city as you would a cultural site: shoulders and knees covered when you are out in public. What Dubai is like during Ramadan covers the rest of the month’s etiquette.

A packing list that covers everything

• Light, loose tops and trousers or long skirts for old Dubai and cultural sites
• Shorts, T-shirts and summer dresses for malls, hotels and restaurants
• Swimwear plus a cover-up for the walk from the beach
• A scarf: it covers hair for a mosque visit and shoulders anywhere else
• A hat and sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes; for the desert, the desert safari guide covers what to bring

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear shorts in Dubai?

Yes, in malls, hotels, restaurants and on the beach. In historical areas and cultural sites, dress conservatively, and inside a mosque cover knees.

Do women need to cover their hair in Dubai?

Only inside a mosque, where women are asked to cover their heads.

Can I wear a bikini on the beach?

Yes. Swimwear is fine at the beach and the pool, but not in malls or business districts.

What should I wear to Jumeirah Mosque?

Clothes that fully cover shoulders, arms and knees, and a head covering for women.

Is there a different dress code for solo female travellers?

No; the same guidelines apply. Practical safety advice is in is Dubai safe for solo female travellers?

More of what surprises first-time visitors is in first time in Dubai, and entry rules are in do I need a visa for Dubai?

Verified August 2026. See our editorial policy.