Women can wear shirts, tops, t-shirts, skirts, shorts, trousers, jeans, and dresses in Dubai. Women can wear swimsuits and bikinis on the beaches. They can also wear the traditional dress of their country or culture, such as saree or salwar kameez, as long as it is modest.
You can wear dresses, t-shirts, tops, pants, jeans, shorts, or skirts. Any shoes are acceptable as long as you're not barefoot. Make sure you are not wearing anything see-through or revealing.
The general rule regarding dressing in public in Dubai is to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and your knees. It's best to refrain from wearing clothing that is too tight or too revealing for both men and women. It's a good idea to carry a light sweater or shawl with you when going out into public places.
Even in Dubai, arguably the most relaxed Emirate, for both men and women, officially, it means covering the shoulders and the knees (and everything in between).
Yes, women can wear shorts in Dubai as long as they are not too short.
There are certain things you can't do in Dubai and PDA is one of them. In Dubai, holding hands, hugging, and kissing in public is considered socially unacceptable and if caught indulging in such acts, you might land up in jail.
Clubbing in Dubai: no hijab required!
Crop-tops, skirts, form-fitting dresses are all acceptable in Dubai nightclubs.
Wondering what to wear on your trip to Dubai? It's understandable why many visitors might think that Dubai has a conservative outlook when they visit because of its Muslim population. However, this couldn't be further from the truth! The truth is that visitors can wear whatever they want!
Mini skirts are definitely a no-no in traditional areas e.g. souks and markets – wear one here and you're likely to face a stern telling off by the locals at the very least. It's also a good idea to leave the short shorts at home, unless they're just part of your beach attire.
Around new areas such as Dubai Marina or Downtown it is not such an issue and men and women can wear shorts and sleeveless or strappy tops. If you are in some of the older areas like Deira or Bur Dubai then a little more respect should be shown and wearing a t-shirt and slightly longer pants is recommended.
Do not swear in public or use offensive gestures. Giving someone the finger or even just sticking out your tongue might be considered rude at home but can get you jailed in Dubai. This is particularly worth remembering when driving, since even a frustrated flap of the hands could potentially land you in trouble.
Paracetamol is not featured on the MoH's list of controlled drugs4, so you should be able to take it into Dubai. However, if you are ever unsure then check with your doctor. Codeine is a controlled drug in the UAE, so you will need permission to take co-codamol (paracetamol and codeine) into the country.
Dress code
Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible. Swimming attire should be worn only on beaches or at swimming pools. Cross-dressing is illegal.
Can you wear flip flops in Dubai? There are no restrictions on shoes. Only in mosques, shoes must be off, so if you're heading there, it would be a good idea to wear socks as well.
What happens if you dress inappropriately in Dubai? Residents and tourists who dress "inappropriately" in public places can face up to three years jail time and deportation for "harming the country's public morals", legal experts have warned.
Yes, you can wear leggings in Dubai, but ideally not as your only pants. Leggings can be used to cover your legs, especially under short dresses or shorts. If you only wear leggings, it's probably best to wear a very long blouse on top.
What happens if you chew gum in Dubai? One must be aware that chewing gum in Dubai Metro or the platform and Dubai buses isn't allowed and you can be fined if caught. Spitting in a public place can cost Dh1,000 in fine.
The United Arab Emirates does not have any explicit laws on tattoos. As a result, those who want to get tattooed in the UAE are free to do so.
According to the law, it's illegal for unmarried couples to stay in the same room during a holiday in Dubai. In reality, this is not strictly enforced and it's unlikely you'll be challenged on it. Many unmarried couples visit Dubai every year without issue.
While travelling to Dubai, you can carry AED and other currencies up to the limit of $3000. The general limit for an individual under Liberalised Remittance plan for Resident Individuals is $2,50,000 per financial year.
Some common medicines, including sleeping pills, are banned in the UAE, or require a prescription.
Viagra is not illegal in Dubai, in fact you can buy it over the counter there.
According to Amnesty International, the UAE arbitrarily restricts the rights to freedom of expression and association, and detains government critics, opponents and foreign nationals under criminal defamation and anti-terrorism laws.