What to Wear in Dubai as a Visitor: A Place-by-Place Guide

Dubai is relaxed and international, so what you wear as a visitor depends mostly on where you are going. The short answer: in malls, restaurants and hotels, wear what you would wear to dinner in any warm city. Choose a little more coverage in older neighbourhoods and mosques, keep swimwear for the beach and pool, and carry a thin layer and a large scarf, because indoor air-conditioning is often cold.

Malls, souks and sightseeing

Malls are busy and cold inside. A courteous, easy rule is to skip very short, very low-cut or see-through pieces: a midi dress, light trousers or a skirt with a sleeved or strappy top all work. In older neighbourhoods and traditional markets, a little more coverage is usually appreciated: loose fabrics, covered shoulders and a hem near or below the knee. Wear flat sandals for the heat and uneven ground.

Mosques

Mosques that welcome visitors usually ask for modest clothing: loose, opaque fabrics that cover shoulders, arms and legs, and a scarf over the hair for women. Shoes come off at the entrance. Some places lend cover-ups, but do not count on it, and visiting hours often change around prayer times, so check ahead.

Beaches, pools and the desert

Swimwear is normal on the beach and by the pool at hotels and beach clubs. Put a cover-up on (a sarong, kaftan or shirt dress) when you leave for lobbies, restaurants and shops, and follow the signs and staff where you are. For a desert safari, think practical: loose light trousers or a long skirt, sleeves for the sun, closed shoes or sandals that stay on, and a scarf for dust. Winter evenings in the desert get cold, so bring a jacket.

Evenings, brunch and boats

Restaurants, rooftops and lounges are usually smart casual or dressier: a midi or mini dress, an elegant set, heels or smart flats. Dress codes vary, so check your booking. More in our guides to the Dubai evening dress code, brunch outfits and yacht party outfits.

Looks that work: Desert Mirage, with bold cut-outs and a high slit, for evening outings and rooftop dinners, and Celestial Bow Set, a strapless bow top with wide-leg trousers. More in evening dresses.

Heat versus air-conditioning

Outside, breathable fabrics in light colours, such as cotton, linen-style weaves and chiffon, are the most comfortable. Inside, malls and hotels can feel cold, so carry a cardigan, light shirt or big scarf. Long sleeves in a light fabric help in both places: Chiffon Elegance Romper is lightweight chiffon with long sleeves and flowy shorts, so it suits casual outings and brunches, not places that ask for covered legs. More in summer dresses.

By season

• Summer (roughly June to September). Very hot and humid: loose, light pieces, outdoor plans early or late, strong air-conditioning indoors.
• Winter (roughly November to March). Pleasant days, cooler evenings, especially in the desert, by the sea and on rooftops: add a light jacket.
• April, May and October. Still warm: summer clothes and a layer.

A simple packing list

• Day. Two or three light midi or knee-length dresses or sets.
• Layers. A cardigan and a large scarf (shoulders, hair at a mosque, cold air-conditioning), plus wide trousers or a long skirt for souks and mosques.
• Evening and beach. One or two dinner outfits with a wrap, swimwear and a cover-up.
• Extras. Flat sandals, one dressier pair, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a crossbody bag.

Quick answers

Can I wear shorts and sleeveless tops?

Usually yes in hotels, tourist areas and at the beach. In malls and older neighbourhoods many visitors choose knee-length and covered shoulders, and mosques expect arms and legs covered.

Do I need to cover my hair?

Usually only at a mosque. Keep a large scarf in your bag.

Where can I get a dress during my trip?

From an online boutique with same-day delivery. See below.

How DOUBLE helps

DOUBLE is an online-only boutique in Dubai, so there is no shop to visit. Browse the summer dresses and evening dresses on the website or send the pieces and sizes you like on WhatsApp. Same-day try-on is available anywhere in Dubai, at home, hotel or office: a female fitting assistant brings the dresses, waits 45 to 60 minutes while you try them on, and you pay by cash or card only for what you keep. Deliveries go until 3 AM. See how try-on at home works.

Delivery and fitting are free if you keep at least one piece; if you keep nothing, the courier fee is AED 100, and distant areas may cost AED 100 either way (the manager confirms before dispatch). Sizes are mostly XS to L, and dresses are mostly AED 245 to 900. For other emirates, delivery is AED 30 and arrives the same day if you order before 1 PM, without home try-on, which is Dubai only.