How to dress for tourists in the UAE: useful tips. Traditions and laws of the UAE. Tips for tourists in the UAE Holidays in the emirates: how to dress

We have already written that when going to a particular country, you need to familiarize yourself with its customs, way of life and the wardrobe features of the local residents. Ignorance of this leads to sad consequences. If Turkey is a secular state and the clothing requirements there are not as strict as in other Muslim countries, then in the United Arab Emirates religious norms are more strict.

This also applies to clothing. Moreover, these rules are very different from ours, not only in relation to women who are in the habit of publicly demonstrating their beauty, but also in relation to men. Everyone who is planning to visit this country should know how to dress as tourists in the UAE. Otherwise, you may face local justice. Or be deported from the country.

How to dress in the UAE

So, how to dress in the UAE. This is our next story.

To better understand what can and cannot be tolerated in the United Arab Emirates, we must try to understand the following.

First. This is a rich country. Women's clothing in the UAE is mostly very beautiful, expensive and of high quality. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to surprise local residents with outfits. Unless it's excessive nudity. But this is not welcome here. On the contrary, it is condemned by both the law and the local population.

Second. This is an Arab country. Local women are extremely beautiful. And although some of them hide their beauty under a hijab, it is also very difficult to surprise men with female beauty. I don’t want to belittle the external advantages of our compatriots, I just want to say that a woman here will be adorned with a modest rather than a provocative appearance.

Third. This is a Muslim country living under Sharia law. And these laws are extremely strict, as we have already mentioned. It's not just excessive nudity and transparent clothing that are condemned here. Even tight-fitting, fitted, figure-flattering outfits are not welcome. Local women wear straight clothes without a hint of a waist. This is probably why the same is expected from tourists.

The behavior of frivolous tourists and their disrespect for the peculiarities of the local mentality are sometimes so full of extremes that a year ago, in 2012, the Federal National Council discussed a bill on introducing a dress code in public places. It was not accepted only because the tourism business, which is one of the components of the country’s economy, could suffer greatly after such innovations. In the meantime, tourists are appealing to the common sense to observe standards of decency in clothing with the help of signs and posters. Such as this one, for example.

What about tourists who are pretty tired of the rules and regulations in their own country and come here on vacation? And Russian women are simply not used to wearing scarves and tight clothing that covers most of the body in the heat.

Let's try to figure it out. Maybe these problems are not so serious? After all, crowds of people from all over the world travel to the Emirates every year and come happy. In fact, you just need to understand well: what is allowed where, and what absolutely cannot be done where. And the trip will be a joy.

City streets, shopping centers, bazaars

One thing both women and men traveling to the UAE should remember is: less nudity. It is considered indecent here to expose the shoulders, arms, stomach, back, and legs above the knees. That is, practically most of the body should remain closed.

Women can wear a dress appropriate to the situation that meets all these requirements, or jeans. But they can be hot. Therefore, the best option is capris, breeches, and a skirt below the knees. Nothing tight or see-through. And no neckline or shorts! This can result in a fine or even arrest. Please note that even a crocheted dress or blouse can be punished here, especially if there is only underwear underneath (this also happens).

It is also better for men not to wear shorts in public places, otherwise you will run into trouble with law enforcement officers. It is better to wear breeches and T-shirts that cover your shoulders.

Shopping centers and large stores have air conditioning everywhere, so you won’t have to suffer from the heat. Sometimes even a T-shirt is too light, it’s so cool here.

By the way, about T-shirts. Often funny inscriptions are written on them in the form of humor. If the inscriptions and pictures are harmless, it’s okay. But if the content of the inscription and drawing have a sexual or religious meaning, it is better not to wear such clothes here.

Went outside. Naturally there is no air conditioning here. The heat is unbearable. So, in order not to get heatstroke on the street, buy things made from natural materials. And take care of a hat and sunglasses. This is not punishable here.

Bars and restaurants

In such places, evening attire is more appropriate. It's okay if it's a little frivolous, as long as you're in your hotel restaurant. Shorts, T-shirts, tops in places where people eat are a sign of poor upbringing. So when heading here, dress appropriately.

Excursions

If you are going on a long excursion, it is better to wear light trousers and a long-sleeved jacket. Firstly, it will save you from sunburn; secondly, you will not have problems visiting attractions.

The fact is that you can only get into some places, the territory of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Abu Dhabi), if your entire body is covered. In general, before going on an excursion, consult with a representative of your tour operator on how best to dress.

Disco

Not everything on this trip is as sad as it turned out. A girl can go to a disco in both short and tight dresses. But guys won’t be allowed here if they show up to the disco in flip-flops or sneakers.

Beach

The beach is the only place where you can take your clothes off. But there are some limitations here too. It is better to buy a one-piece swimsuit. Thongs, skimpy bikinis, especially topless, are unacceptable here. In Sharjah, for example, it is prohibited to sunbathe even in a one-piece swimsuit, unless you are on the premises of a five-star hotel.

On the beach it is better to wear a modest beach dress, T-shirt, shorts, and a robe. It is advisable not to wear a pareo on the way to the beach and back.

If you are invited to visit

The people of this country are polite, balanced people. Very welcoming. If you are invited to visit, it would be impolite to refuse. Just like refusing an offer to drink a cup of coffee. At the same time, remember that before entering your home, you must take off your shoes. When you communicate with the owner of the house, remember that you should not sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards him (in general towards the Muslim). This will be considered an insult.

So, you are informed on how to behave in the UAE. Are we packing our bags? You already know approximately what to put in it. But we can remind you what to remove from it, if you have already abandoned it:

Thongs;

Transparent clothing;

Neckline clothing.

In conclusion, a few more tips:

Be doubly careful during religious holidays; during Ramadan, for example;

You should not stare at local beauties and take pictures of them, here this is considered the height of indecency;

Etiquette norms do not allow strangers to take an interest in the life and health of a Muslim’s wife; If you are so sociable that this question haunts you, you can ask about the family as a whole.

Here we end our story. And you can read about the attractions and features of holidays in the UAE - follow the link. There's a lot of good information there.

I'm sure this has already been discussed a hundred and fifty times.
But no concrete answer to such questions caught my eye.
Tell me, do you not take this type of clothing with you to the UAE at all?
Mikey? Are sundresses short?
Or can this be worn on hotel grounds?
if the hotel, for example, is not city, but like the new Rixos,
do you mean that the hotel has a territory?
And dresses for dinner, even if not short (knee-length is not short) -
Can't I wear this too?
It's hot. And what to do...

Well, to those. Who finished reading - another stupid question - you can’t eat on the street only during Ramadan or not at all?
What if it’s a child sitting in a stroller and drinking juice or eating a bun?
Does this also apply to children?
Do the rules about children’s clothing also apply?
If yes, then at what age?
Thanks to those who answered

Does everyone go out into the city wearing closed clothes?
It's hot.

You know, closed clothing does not mean that it is hot. With the sun as fierce as in the UAE, walking around with exposed parts of your body is fraught with big consequences. Especially for those who burn out quickly. So, closed clothing is not only a tribute to local religious rules, but also a banal concern for one’s own health. And even more so, concern for the child’s health.

Mikey? Are sundresses short?

Take it

Or can this be worn on hotel grounds?

Can be worn on hotel premises.

And dresses for dinner, even if not short (knee-length is not short)

Take it.

You can't DRESS. It is uncivilized to express yourself the way you express yourself.
You can wear it. Put it on.

Does everyone go out into the city wearing closed clothes?

No, not all of them, but keep some decency.
It is indecent to wear clothes with your arms open in malls.

It's hot. And what to do...

Light cotton clothing will help.

Can't you eat outside only during Ramadan or not at all?

During Ramadan, you cannot eat anywhere from dawn to sunset. You can eat in the closed area of the hotel.
The street is full of cafes and open verandas outside of Ramadan. Eat there as much as you like.

What if it’s a child sitting in a stroller and drinking juice or eating a bun?

Yes please. Just not in public transport (there is a fine in the metro).

Does this also apply to children?

Partially. No one is allowed to eat in public during Ramadan. Eat in the closed area of the hotel.

Do the rules about children’s clothing also apply?

Completely naked children are unacceptable.

If yes, from what age

A girl of about 3 years old is no longer allowed to lift up her dress and show her panties. Children can be dressed as they please, incl. have bare shoulders and legs until approximately six years of age.

That's not what I asked.
I'm not very interested in this.
I wanted to know how closed clothes should be in accordance with local, in my opinion, prejudices.

On the hotel premises you can wear T-shirts, shorts, pareos, whatever you want.
You can eat and drink on the hotel premises even during Ramadan, but there is no alcohol.
To be honest, you can see women in different clothes, including very revealing ones. Another thing is that you will not feel comfortable. It is better to dress in malls, they are cool.
But you definitely don’t need to completely close yourself off.
Knee-length dresses are acceptable, bare arms are acceptable, jeans are acceptable.

Visited Dubai and Sharjah twice a year for the past few years. That's it! Korean tourists wear ultra-short shorts, black women wear T-shirts with thin straps, from under which their bras are bursting out, often in provocative colors, as well as mini dresses and skirts. Our people generally look decent, if you feel comfortable in a mini, then please, I personally wore a mini when I went to get my husband’s phone at Nasser Square and it was still wildly hot... I saw all the undressed foreigners in the subway and in shopping centers and on the streets of the city. Yes, shopping centers are cool.

Can you open the back? for example like this

in the hotel and in the tourist area. Wherever there are no Arabs.

from under which the bra bursts out, often in a provocative color, as well as in mini dresses and skirts

Everything is fine until you run into an indigenous moral guardian. And if there are only Pakistanis, Filipinos and Indians around you, then walk around half naked. You don't even have to wear panties - it's overkill.

Korean tourists wear ultra-short shorts, black women wear T-shirts with thin straps, from under which their bras burst out, often in provocative colors, as well as mini dresses and skirts.

is this an example to follow?

Our people generally look decent, if you feel comfortable in a mini, then please, I personally wore a mini when I went to Nasser Square to get my husband’s phone and it was still wildly hot..

It's not about the heat, but about the limits of decency in a Muslim country.

And if there are only Pakistanis, Filipinos and Indians around you,

Moreover, those living there without family - and here you are - so beautiful in a sundress :) If you enjoy close attention from them, then you can have a sundress.

it's not about the heat, but about the limits of decency in a Muslim country

+ a lot. Everyone is more comfortable - both you and the locals

Yeah) Only from the UAE. Everywhere there are a lot of “ours” (i.e. Europeans and their ilk) in shorts, T-shirts, mini-dresses and sundresses, supermini shorts (both F and M), with a deep neckline, etc. and so on. both in the hotel, and on the street, and in malls. There is zero attention to this, no comments or surprised looks. I was surprised because... I thought it was somehow stricter there) I didn’t take dresses above the knee with me, but it would have been quite possible, even if only for a hotel)

Ramadan is over, and the rest... Do you want to be “holier than the Pope”? Wear what you feel comfortable within reason and don't show too much if you don't want to draw attention to yourself. After all, there are plenty of “idiots” there too. They will come up, say something nasty and may just accompany you for a while, even if you are with a man... Do you need this? It's about the streets. Our tourists have been wearing flip-flops and light T-shirts in shopping centers for 20 years now. They come to their homeland with bronchitis. It’s not very hot in the MALLS. On their feet - “loffers - ballet shoes”. For children - sweatshirts. And about clothes for children - complete nonsense. Dress as you do everywhere else. True, children should not “go to the toilet” on the street... There could be trouble.

I have been going to Dubai 2-3 times a year on business trips since 2011.
In 2011, I dressed quite closed, then after traveling a couple of times, I began to dress like in Moscow. But in principle, I don’t have shorts or mini-tops in my outdoor wardrobe. I can only wear this to the beach.
There was a situation when I was traveling from the office by subway in a sheath dress with a V-neck on the chest, and a jacket was thrown over my shoulders. I received a comment from a Muslim woman. I had to button my jacket so as not to embarrass her.
And the second time I witnessed a story with my colleague. She was dressed in breeches and a T-shirt, and we were walking in the area of the fountains. A Muslim of Russian origin (a la a Chechen) loudly commented on her clothes. Hearing that we were speaking Russian, he said something like “dressed like a prostitute,” she answered him quite politely that firstly, there is no need to insult her, and secondly, what does it matter to him. And then “Ostap got carried away.” He started yelling at her that he would now call the police, that she would be jailed, that she was insulting the feelings of Muslims with her appearance. In general, the yelling made him even more incensed. I ran to the security guards who were on duty at the entrance to the mall. It was lucky that his English was very bad. Other than saying this bad Russian woman and pointing a finger at a colleague, I couldn’t do anything else. So it’s not just the locals who should be wary of an inadequate reaction.

By the way, my example about inadequate “Muslims” is very similar to yours (Propeller). It is the “new” faithful from the republics of the former USSR who are very angry and clingy. Hearing Russian speech from girls - young women, they fly into a rage, begin to fight in hysterics and shout... They deliberately wander near places with a large number of tourists. (Our military specialists were told about this in the special department of Abu Dhabi). They are not suitable for English-speaking tourists! Yes, there are enough such “insane” people being treated in the UAE after the fighting in Chechnya and other “hot spots”... It must be that they “couldn’t cure everyone”...

When greeting, Arabs use a handshake, but be prepared for it to be longer than we are used to. By the way, when you say goodbye, the ritual should be repeated. With friends and people who are dear to you, a two-handed handshake is used. Meanwhile, all these rules apply mainly to men. Because it is not customary for Arab women to shake hands first; a handshake is permissible only if the women take the initiative.
Regardless of which local resident and for what period of time you come, in the UAE it is customary to treat guests to at least drinks (tea, coffee, non-alcoholic chilled aperitifs). You cannot refuse a treat, otherwise the owner will think that you are offended by him or will perceive such a step as disrespect.
Since you understand that you will have to try something, then prepare yourself for what drinks they may offer you. Coffee in the Emirates has been elevated to the rank of a cult drink; it is drunk several times a day and brewed in a special way - of course, by hand. Then they pour it into small bowls - cups without a handle. Tea is also served in similar containers, often black with mint or green with herbs. As a rule, drinks are brought to the table moderately sweet, but without cream or milk.
When you enter an Arab home, it is customary to take off your shoes. While sitting, the soles of your feet should not be pointed towards the owners; this position is considered offensive to local residents.
It is customary for Arabs to pass and receive food and drink exclusively with the right hand.

If you want to show respect to the inhabitants of the Emirates, then follow the wardrobe rules. When walking along the city streets, men are not recommended to wear shorts and a T-shirt, and women are not recommended to wear clothes with an open stomach, back, neckline, mini skirts or see-through dresses. Even if you dressed inappropriately, you may not be reprimanded in a hotel, shopping center or restaurant, but near mosques, in the subway and residential areas you may be approached with a warning.

After 2 verbal reprimands, a fine of about $100 may follow. As for mosques, fortunately, visitors are offered temporary clothing: abayas (long dresses) for women, special long shirts for men. Meanwhile, for example, in Dubai the dress code is not so strict, here they treat tourists more loyally.
As for beachwear, topless sunbathing is not allowed in the Emirates. Baring one's breasts is considered not only a violation, but also a corrupting act. Nudists in the UAE are also not tolerated, so good luck, you can end up behind bars.

In the Emirates, it is not customary to kiss on the street, passionately hug in public places, and even more so to do something more serious in the direction of a romantic relationship. Even a girl sitting on a guy’s lap is a gross violation of law and order. For such actions they can be punished, for example, with a 10-day trip to jail. Exceptions to these rules can only be made in nightlife establishments (clubs, discos) and hotel bars.
If you travel by public transport, keep in mind that there are exclusively women's carriages and seats only for women with babies. Men are prohibited from entering these zones, and it doesn’t really matter what country you come from. If you prefer to travel side by side with your significant other, then simply select public areas in the transport.

However, there is good news for lovers: couples can walk holding hands. Moreover, local romantics also do this. Lovers who are not officially married are allowed to live in the same room; local law enforcement agencies delicately and understandingly “turn a blind eye” to such details.
As you understand, it is better not to flirt with local residents; frivolous love relationships are not welcome among Muslims.
Moreover, it is not recommended to start a conversation with Arab ladies on your own initiative - even if you have a tragedy, local law enforcement officers may regard such actions as sexual harassment.

As you know, Muslims are not drinking people. Meanwhile, our tourists, accustomed to liberties in Turkey and Egypt, sometimes do not believe that in other Arab countries they can be discriminated against in alcohol matters. Meanwhile, upon arriving in the Emirates, you will understand that everything is quite serious here - alcoholic drinks are prohibited. Of course, there are exceptions for travelers of non-Muslim faith, but there are also a lot of conventions that it doesn’t hurt to know about before your trip.
Let's start with the fact that tourists should not drink alcohol on board an airplane flying to the UAE. Otherwise, you risk returning to your homeland without ever setting foot on Arab soil outside the airport. Despite the fact that you can freely import 1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine into the country, transporting them on public transport or openly carrying them in public places is prohibited. Meanwhile, the severity of alcohol consumption varies across emirates. So, for example, if in Sharjah they don’t actually sell alcohol anywhere and strictly punish for appearing in public while “under the influence”, then in Dubai, for example, you can calmly enjoy your favorite alcohol in a hotel bar or in a hotel room. Meanwhile, if you go out into the street in a tipsy state, then you will be in trouble, you may pay a fine, receive a warning, or even go to jail. But what about those who were at a disco or in a restaurant at another hotel and “took it on the chest” a little? Just calmly and quietly walk to the exit and get straight into a taxi, return to your place of residence without incident. Do not try to drive a rental car while drunk, you risk paying a fine of about $5,000.
By the way, don’t even think about giving local residents our legendary vodka or other strong treats (regardless of where they came from), such surprises are not welcome here.

It is not allowed to photograph Arab women in the UAE. In general, some Muslims consider the process of photography to be a sin (haram). So avoid photographing men, especially those with a bright appearance, in national clothes, or with a beard. It is possible that you will come across a strict Muslim who will feel insulted.
It is also prohibited to film public buildings and government institutions; these actions can be equated to espionage. It is not customary to photograph mosques, as well as people performing prayers.
Not all beaches allow you to photograph even yourself or your family. If you see a prohibitory sign, it’s better not to take risks. Meanwhile, the desire to capture yourself on the sand “as a keepsake” can be realized on other beaches where this is permitted.

It is not customary to talk loudly on the phone on the streets and in public places of the Emirates.
When talking with local Arabs, it is not recommended to ask questions about your wife; however, you can inquire about the interlocutor’s family as a whole.
It is not necessary to carry the original passport with you; a copy of the passport and visa is sufficient. It is better to keep the originals in a hotel safe.
Do not even think about giving a bribe to local police officers - this is considered a crime, and it is possible that it is even more serious than what they tried to punish you for.
Fighting, swearing (believe me, local police have already learned all the colorful Russian curses) and showing indecent gestures are strictly prohibited in the Emirates - a fine of $1,000 or even 7 years of “rest” behind bars can be imposed for this.
For some violations, you may be permanently barred from entering the country. Moreover, changing your passport will not help in this matter, because upon entry they take a retinal scan, so if you are deported for violations, you will never be able to visit the Emirates again.

Meanwhile, the residents of the UAE are very good-natured and hospitable people, and their sincerity is natural, because local residents, as a rule, are wealthy people, regardless of the income that tourism brings to the country.

Now that you know all the intricacies of staying in the country, your vacation will be “correct,” comfortable and interesting.

Residents of the UAE are quite restrained in their clothing, this is due to their Muslim faith and long-standing traditions. Tourists and just visitors must respect the culture of this country, otherwise they (particularly women) may have problems with local womanizers and even the police.

Clothes of tourists in the UAE

Tourists, like locals, should behave modestly and not wear provocative clothing. Residents of the Emirate of Sharjah are especially conservative in this regard, so when going there on vacation or for work, there is no need to take see-through dresses with a deep neckline, short shorts and miniskirts.

Hotel clothing

The clothing of tourists in the UAE who are planning not only a hotel stay, but also trips to the city, must meet certain criteria. You should make sure that your wardrobe includes blouses and long-sleeved T-shirts that cover your arms, chest, stomach, and shoulders. Women do not have to wear long skirts; trousers or long (knee-length) loose-fitting shorts are suitable for walking. Naturally, the fabric of the clothing should be opaque. You can also wear modest dresses and sundresses.

For beach

Tourists who are puzzled about what clothes to take to the UAE should not forget about hats. A hat or panama hat is needed to prevent sunstroke on a hot day. Women are allowed to bring swimsuits. Only locals swim there in “dresses” - remember this.

Dinner and going to a restaurant

If you plan to go to a respectable restaurant for dinner, you need to take an evening dress (for a woman) and a business suit (for a man).

If you plan to stay on the hotel and beach grounds all the time, you don’t have to take a lot of things with you. In this case, you can get by with your favorite light sundress, swimsuit and pareo.

National clothing in the UAE

Arab residents wear clothes that correspond to their religious traditions and reliably protect them from heat and sunlight. That is why women and men cover their bodies as much as possible, with preference given to products made from natural fabrics that allow moisture and air to pass through. In everyday life, Arabs wear dresses, shirts and pants made of cotton; festive national clothing in the UAE is made of more expensive silk.

Very often on the streets of small villages and even large cities you can meet girls with their faces completely covered. This is due to the fact that in religious families, women are only allowed to open their eyes. In most of the Emirates, it is customary to wear black, so women wear loose capes of this particular color.

Women's clothing in the UAE

Local women usually wear kandura, a dress with long sleeves. Kandura is sometimes embroidered with gold, silver or colored threads to create a pattern. Also, representatives of the fair sex wear shirts made of thin linen (sarub), they are put on over wide pants (sirwal).

Women's clothing in the UAE

On the street, women's clothing in the UAE is always as closed and modest as possible. The female figure should be completely covered from head to toe with an abaya - a black veil. In some rural and Bedouin villages, women wear long colored robes instead of abayas. The head outside the house is necessarily covered with a black scarf or handkerchief, sometimes the face is additionally hidden behind a veil (gishua). Gishua reliably covers his face from prying eyes. In some villages, women also wear special masks to cover their face (or part of their face).

How to dress for female tourists in the UAE

Let us remember that the UAE is a Muslim country, which is reflected in the wishes of local authorities regarding clothing in the UAE for female tourists. Although there is a paradox here - it is also prohibited for a female tourist to wear a burqa (abaya) - only Muslim women have the right to wear them. So you need to look for the ideal middle option, which we will discuss below.

Which emirates have stricter rules for female tourists?

Please note that dress code may be the most scrutinized in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

When you go to Dubai, how to dress as a female tourist - read!

But in Dubai everything is much simpler, but you may also be perceived differently if you walk around in very revealing attire. By the way, it won’t always be possible to undress too much - high temperatures during the day and the scorching sun will not allow you to take off all your clothes - the risk of getting sunburned is too great, even when using protective creams. And in the evening it can be “slightly cool” - the temperature can drop to +20, and with a difference from +35+37 during the day this is very noticeable.

But topless sunbathing is prohibited!

Options for how to dress in Dubai for girls

We recommend leaving shorts and T-shirts for your hotel, and long-sleeved blouses, jeans, trousers, short skirts and shoes for going out. Naturally, everything should be made from natural fabrics - they can withstand the heat much easier. All these recommendations are relevant not only for Dubai - this form of clothing would be quite appropriate for women in any of the emirates.

If you want to visit a mosque, then know that in this case the laws apply to everyone equally: both locals and tourists. Women with uncovered heads, bare shoulders, arms and legs are prohibited from visiting the mosque. And not every mosque can be visited by representatives of other faiths (this does not apply to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the mosque in Jumeirah).

Clothing for men in the Emirates

Men at home wear dishdashahi - white cotton shirts of sufficient length and special coarse knitted headdresses (keffiyeh, gafiya, taqiya). A white scarf is put on top of the ghutra, which is secured with an iqal (black double whip).

Traditional men's clothing in the UAE

Festive clothing for men in the UAE is represented by bisht. Bisht is a wide dishdaka cape painted with silver or gold braid, which looks like a cloak.

Note to tourists

Even if a man is a visitor, he should not walk around a Muslim city in rubber slippers, short shorts, swimming trunks, or an open T-shirt. This is a sign of disrespect for local residents.

Buying clothes in the UAE

Many people go to the United Arab Emirates not only to relax on the beach and taste national cuisine, but also for shopping. To buy clothes in the UAE, you can stroll through countless shopping centers or go to one of the markets. You should definitely pay attention to the national costumes; women may be interested in an abaya or shayla; men can choose a kandura or khutra.

Prices for clothing in the UAE cannot be called low, but hand-embroidered Arabic robes made from natural fabrics can delight everyone. Both casual and formal wardrobe items are available for free sale; if desired, you can also order a custom-made suit.

The Emirates is known throughout the world as a country with ultra-modern infrastructure and futuristic skyscrapers, where a high standard of living is noted. However, at the same time, they honor centuries-old traditions and adhere to conservative views, because this is, after all, a Muslim state. Therefore, when going on a trip, it is worth knowing how to dress properly in the UAE and what to take on a trip.

Type of clothing

Guests of the country are not required to wear traditional Arab clothing, but there are some restrictions. First, understand that almost all the time in the Emirates the weather allows you to wear light clothing. However, during the winter months, namely in the morning and evening, a jacket or sweater will come in handy. Also at this time you will need demi-season shoes.

In public places

In public places, which include streets, markets, shopping centers, museums, you should appear in closed clothing:

It should cover your legs, knees, shoulders and forearms. The chest, décolleté, and back should also be covered. Arabs are reserved people and will not pester you about this. However, you won't get annoying looks from puzzled men.
In establishments, malls and transport in the UAE, even at stops in Dubai, in a word, air conditioners work everywhere, and very strongly. Therefore, it is better to have a light blouse with you, warmer than a T-shirt.
When vacationing in the UAE, avoid very tight and transparent clothing.
There should be no inscriptions on things that are offensive in relation to the ancient foundations of the local population. This applies mainly to sexual sayings.

On the beach

In the hotel and resort areas, you can allow yourself to dress according to your habit. You can wear a swimsuit and beachwear on the beach and near the pool. At the same time, remember that topless sunbathing is prohibited in the Emirates, and the absence of one part of a swimsuit is also prohibited. On Arabian beaches where locals relax, women are advised to wear a cover-up over their swimsuit, and men - shorts. Don't forget that the sun in the UAE is very active, so it's worth taking a hat with you. You will also need sunglasses.

At the restaurant

In cafes and bars you are welcome if you choose an elegant evening style. Beachwear is not appropriate here. In addition, you may simply not be allowed into the establishment, since many of them have a strict dress code, which implies “smart casual”. The “casual” style is considered less strict. Appearing in clubs, even those located at hotels, in sports and beach shoes and clothes is also not allowed! Men should go out in a suit, shirt, boots or shoes, while ladies are recommended to wear a dress, shoes or high-heeled sandals.

On an excursion

When going on a long excursion, dress appropriately. Wear trousers and a light blouse. Choose items with long sleeves, so you won't get sunburned in the scorching sun. In addition, take note that the entrance to many UAE attractions will be closed if the tourist is dressed inappropriately. So, say, to get into the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, the vacationer’s body must be covered, including arms and legs, regardless of the fact that appropriate clothing is provided on site. Therefore, check such details with your tour operator or guide.