Showing cleavage is somewhat frowned upon, and it's also best to avoid wearing any tops that show your underwear underneath. Instead, go for t-shirts and tops that cover your upper arms – strappy tops and those that show off your midriff are considered offensive.
Swimsuits and bikinis are also not a great choice unless you're at the beach. Women should not wear clothes that reveal the cleavage too much. Any show of cleavage is frowned upon in Dubai.
Nudity is strictly forbidden. Swimwear is not not allowed in public places. However, it can be worn in pools and beaches. Out of respect of Islamic tradition, female travellers will be required to wear abayas or head coverings when visiting mosques.
Most malls, restaurants, and hotels in Dubai ask customers to 'dress modestly' and advise to cover your knees and shoulders.
When I left the hotel, I saw many people in the metro, cafes, and restaurants wearing hot pants, belly tops, skirts, and other such outfits – it is not forbidden. I assume that many won't even care or look at you.
What's acceptable dress in Dubai? 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).
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.
Women can wear long dresses, tops, shirts, t-shirts, pants, hoodies, sweaters, and jeans. It's best to avoid wearing any sleeveless shirts, sleeveless dresses, mini-skirts, and short shorts. Most women wear smart jogging pants or gym pants and a hoodie for comfort.
If you plan on visiting either, remember to wear loose-fitting and conservative clothing, so avoid shorts and keep ankles covered. Women should also cover their head and arms before entering. You can bring a shawl of your own, but some mosques also let visitors borrow abayas.
Yes, Dubai is definitely safe for solo female travelers, and it is the perfect destination for solo female digital nomads!
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.
We'd urge you to think about the situation before wearing a very short dress in Dubai. At a nightclub, fancy weekend brunch, or night out with the ladies, yes, a short dress would be acceptable. A short dress is not appropriate in a shopping mall (though you'll see them!), mosque, or souk.
No, women are not required to cover their hair in Dubai. This might be required at certain religious places, but places that have this requirement usually also offer to borrow appropriate clothing to cover up.
A small kiss will not harm just make sure you are at the place with the right people around you just don't go the extra step with it. Always use common sense and respect for people around you and remember you are in an Islamic conservative country.
Women dress code in Dubai
Wearing what you want has never been more fashionable than when visiting Dubai! Short sleeves, strapless, and off the shoulder are all acceptable styles for women to wear there.
Unmarried couples in Dubai
Sexual relationships or unmarried couples cohabiting is illegal in Dubai. Cohabiting, including in hotels, is also illegal, however most hotels in Dubai do not enforce an 'only married couples' rule. The luxury hotels which mostly cater to foreigners are especially relaxed.
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.
Unmarried couples are not allowed to share a hotel room or bed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is because of the country's strict Islamic laws and cultural norms. Hotels in Dubai are required to ask for proof of marriage before allowing couples to share a room.
You can use flip-flops wherever you go in Dubai. If you're staying at a luxurious hotel you should refrain from wearing them. Additionally, since they are so simple to misplace in the dunes, it is best to avoid wearing them in the desert.
Leggings are totally fine if dressed with common sense. Can women wear shorts in public in Dubai? Yes, women can wear shorts especially in tourist areas like the beaches, pools, and outdoor sports areas.
Most public places in Dubai will accommodate decent ripped jeans. For example, you can wear them in the desert, old Dubai, public transport, and shopping malls. However, if they are extremely ripped, avoid wearing the jeans in such places. Wear such in hotels, party brunches, beach clubs, and bars.
Yes, you can wear a cross necklace in Dubai. People from all walks of life go to Dubai because of its international atmosphere. Due to the many different cultures and religions represented there, it is typical to see people dressed in ways that show their ethnic or religious identity.
The dress code in Dubai does not apply to your own home or inside your hotel room. You can wear whatever you want there. However, it does apply to public places. Examples of public places where the dress code applies include theaters, markets, malls, supermarkets, and the public areas of hotels.
Dubai isn't actually much more expensive than London, New York, and other big cities. However, Dubai's not a very walkable city. Jaywalking is illegal, and crossings are few and far between. Taxi prices aren't too expensive but taking them often can add up.
Any type of swimwear, including bikinis, are allowed in Dubai. While there aren't strict swimwear rules in Dubai,, it is still important that you remember that Dubai is an Islamic country. Therefore you might attract some stares if you're wearing a bikini at the public beaches in Dubai, where local Emiratis gather.