Q&A for How to Dress in Dubai

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  • Question
    Can I wear a long, full length gown with sleeves?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. A long, full gown with sleeves is likely to cover up most of your body, therefore making it perfectly acceptable.
  • Question
    What types of shoes can women in Dubai wear?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is it appropriate for women to wear sandals or flip-flops in public?
    Community Answer
    Yes, feet can be shown in public as they are like the hands and don't need to be covered.
  • Question
    Can ladies wear Capri pants?
    Community Answer
    As long as they don't show too much of your legs, it should be fine. Make sure whatever you wear is past your knees and most of your calf.
  • Question
    Can women wear jeans and t- shirt in Dubai?
    AuraAya
    Community Answer
    Yes, they can.
  • Question
    Is wearing makeup allowed for women?
    Community Answer
    Yes, wearing makeup in Dubai is allowed since it is now an "open city," though it is still forbidden inside mosques.
  • Question
    Is it acceptable for men to wear hats?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is acceptable.
  • Question
    What dresses can I wear in Dubai?
    Community Answer
    Ones that cover your knees, shoulders and bra strap at all times, and do not show off excessive cleavage. If you do choose to wear something that shows off knees and shoulders, be sure to accessorize with tights and a cardigan.
  • Question
    We are visiting our son in Dubai soon. Can we hug and kiss him at the airport since we are his parents?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It's only couples that are required not to show affection in public (like kissing, hugging, making out, holding hands, etc.)
  • Question
    Is it suitable to wear my hair down in public?
    Community Answer
    Of course! Women are not forced in any way to wear headscarves, as long as you are dressed in an appropriate manner.
  • Question
    Do men need a jacket for dinner?
    Community Answer
    At formal establishments, men should wear jackets at dinner in Dubai.
  • Question
    Can I wear t-shirts without cardigans?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can, just make sure it's not see-through and take a scarf or light jacket just in case you are asked to cover up.
  • Question
    Can I wear a short-sleeved shirt or a v-neck shirt and shorts that fall below the knee?
    Community Answer
    Not during Ramadan. If you do wear clothes that show shoulders and knees, you may be refused entry to certain places. Also make sure your underwear, lower back, and bra straps are not visible.
  • Question
    I am female and will be at Dubai airport for 1.5 hours changing planes. Will I need to wear a head covering while there?
    Community Answer
    Neither Islam nor Dubai forces you to wear a head scarf. It is encouraged by Islam to cover yourself appropriately, but don't worry, you'll not face any issue passing through the airport nor even living in Dubai itself with your attire.
  • Question
    What about wearing jeans with frays, rips, or holes in them? Is that allowed?
    Community Answer
    Yeah, it's allowed. The culture and fashion is quite modern, we even sell those kinds of jeans in stores here!
  • Question
    Can a woman wear jewelry like earrings and necklaces there?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it's perfectly fine to wear any jewelry you choose.
  • Question
    What are some good outfits for my 15-year-old daughter for Dubai?
    Community Answer
    Bring T-shirts, leggings, long sleeves (depending on the season) and dresses. Wear leggings beneath the dresses. Cardigans are good to put on to cover her shoulders if she wears a T-shirt.
  • Question
    Can a woman wear jeans that cover until the knees only?
    Community Answer
    If they are a little below the knee, then yes. If they are shorter than that, no.
  • Question
    Can straight men wear makeup in Dubai?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    What type of clothing is appropriate to deal with the heat?
    Community Answer
    Loose maxi skirts, cotton tops and other such tops allow more ventilation while still covering up appropriately.
  • Question
    Is it true that I can't wear white jeans or shorts in Dubai?
    Community Answer
    No, this is a myth, as are many other things. As long as you're not wearing shorts that are too short, you're fine.
  • Question
    Can men wear trainers?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    Can I wear a mesh dress in Dubai if I wear another layer underneath?
    Community Answer
    As long as no flesh or underwear can be seen (basically as long as all mesh is under-layered by something else).
  • Question
    Can I wear shorts at the beach and desert safari?
    Sobi
    Top Answerer
    As long as they cover the thighs and reach the knees, shorts should be fine to wear at the beach.
  • Question
    Can I wear distressed denim jeans with small holes?
    Sobi
    Top Answerer
    Yes, ripped jeans are allowed in Dubai. They should, however, be moderate and shouldn't expose your private parts or inner clothing as that will be considered as public indecency.
  • Question
    If my boyfriend and I are staying in a luxury hotel, are we still banned from kissing in public or holding hands there?
    Sobi
    Top Answerer
    You are entitled to your own privacy in your hotel room, so you are free to dress however you wish and you can hold hands and kiss.
  • Question
    Can I wear a sweatshirt with a Victoria's Secret logo on it at the airport?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    Are women required to wear the scarf to cover their hair at all times in Dubai?
    Community Answer
    No. Hair is acceptable.
  • Question
    Can a woman wear makeup?
    Community Answer
    Yes, she can.
  • Question
    Can I wear a sari in Dubai?
    Syna Singh
    Community Answer
    Yes. There are many Indians living in Dubai, and it's completely normal for one to wear a sari.
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