Dubai’s Dress Code and Clothing for Women
The most common types of attire for women in Dubai include native clothing like the abaya and sheila, modern outfits, and designer evening wear. Although wearing a hijab is not mandatory for women in Dubai, adhering to certain dress codes, such as having a shawl or scarf in religious places, is essential. This freedom in women’s clothing has led many women to seek to buy apartments in Dubai and reside in the city.
Types of Women’s Clothing in Dubai
While hijab is not compulsory for women in Dubai, respecting the laws, customs, and traditions of the city is necessary. According to Dubai’s dress code for women, ladies should avoid wearing tight, short, and revealing clothes. However, just as people can live in apartments, luxury towers, and townhouses in Dubai, they can also choose their attire based on their interests and culture. Below, we introduce the various types of women’s clothing in Dubai.
1. Traditional and Local Women’s Clothing in Dubai
The native and traditional clothing of women in Dubai consists of several parts, which we introduce below.
- Abaya: One of the main garments for Emirati women is the abaya. This covering, worn over the main clothing, is black, loose, and long. Today, it is available in modern and diverse models adorned with stonework and luxurious fabrics. Besides complying with women’s dress code, the abaya also represents the cultural identity of women’s clothing in Dubai.
- Sheila: The covering that women in Dubai use for their heads is called a sheila. This light and comfortable product, similar to a shawl, is available in various colors.
- Niqab: The niqab is another element of women’s attire in Dubai. This item, which covers the entire face except for the eyes, is mostly worn by local and older women.
2. Modern and Everyday Wear for Women in Dubai
Due to developments and policies in tourism, investment, and immigration in the UAE, Dubai has become an international city with diverse cultures and ethnicities. For this reason, women’s attire in various parts of the city has a Western and modern style. Of course, according to the rules, women in Dubai should not wear clothes that are excessively short, tight, or revealing. It’s interesting to note that these changes have not only altered the culture and dress but have also significantly impacted the economy and property prices in Dubai.
3. Formal and Evening Wear for Women in Dubai
Dubai hosts boutiques for famous brands such as Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Wealthy women in Dubai purchase their evening wear from these brands for formal events. This is because, in addition to regular ceremonies like weddings and parties, the city hosts many luxurious, grand, and international events. This luxury lifestyle has made many wealthy individuals worldwide interested in buying a villa in Dubai.
4. Appropriate Attire for Women in Clubs and Luxury Restaurants
Women’s clothing in restaurants in Dubai generally complies with the overall rules. However, some hotels and restaurants that have specific restrictions for women’s attire announce them during reservation or on their social media channels. Women’s dress in clubs is slightly more liberal than in other places in Dubai, but it should be noted that wearing very short dresses, bikinis, and swimwear is forbidden even in clubs.
5. Suitable Women’s Clothing for the Desert
Dubai’s climate is hot and dry, which is why choosing appropriate clothing to protect the skin from UV rays and prevent sweating is particularly important. It is recommended that women wear long, light, and loose-fitting clothes made of cool fabrics in the desert. Also, note that the weather gets slightly cooler at night, so be sure to bring a jacket or sweatshirt.
6. Attire for Women Entering Religious Sites
To enter religious places, women must have a scarf or shawl in addition to modest and long clothing. According to the laws and customs in Dubai, the dress code for women in these places is stricter than in other locations in the city.
7. Sportswear and Beachwear for Women
Women’s sportswear in Dubai is often from popular brands like Nike and Adidas, which offer high quality and a wide variety of designs and colors. Using all types of swimsuits and swimwear is permitted for women on private beaches and pools. However, on public beaches, it is recommended that women use one-piece swimsuits or Islamic swimwear (burkinis).
Red Lines and Dress Code Rules for Women in Dubai
Although wearing a hijab is not mandatory in Dubai, respecting the culture, customs, and laws is essential. In most public places, women should refrain from wearing clothes with slits from the shoulder to the knee, or that are tight, very short, or revealing.
- For cooler evenings, it is recommended that women use a jacket or a sweatshirt.
- Attire for women in offices and official places must be dignified and respectful.
- Wearing clothes with offensive words, inappropriate slogans, or sexual images is prohibited.
- During Ramadan, the dress code in Dubai is more strictly enforced.
- Women should avoid wearing underwear and bikinis at water parks.
- You must have appropriate clothing to wear when leaving beaches and water parks, as wearing swimsuits and swimwear outside these areas is forbidden.
What Clothes Are Suitable for Women in Dubai’s Summer?
The weather in Dubai is hot during summer days and nights. Therefore, T-shirts, loose dresses, shorts, jeans, and long skirts made of cotton and linen are suitable choices for women’s attire.
Suitable Women’s Clothing for a Trip to Dubai in Winter
In general, Dubai’s weather is hot and dry, and even in winter, the temperature is mild. A typical winter day in Dubai has a moderate temperature, and wearing clothes like T-shirts, shorts, and dresses would be suitable. However, the nights are a bit cooler, so it is recommended to bring a jacket, sweatshirt, or a thick blouse.
Final Words on Style and Women’s Clothing in Dubai
Women in Dubai can freely choose their style and dress according to the rules. Therefore, looking around the city, you will see some women wearing traditional and native clothing consisting of an abaya, sheila, and sometimes a niqab, while others use modern clothes. Additionally, women’s attire on public beaches and at water parks can be a one-piece swimsuit. According to the general dress code for women in Dubai, clothing should not be tight, revealing, very short, or thin. Women should be aware that in certain situations, like during Ramadan, and in some places, like mosques, these rules are enforced more strictly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Women’s Dress in Dubai
How do clothing prices in Dubai compare to other countries?
Prices in Dubai are varied because the city has both luxury and expensive global brands, as well as affordable brands.
What is the dress code for women in the workplace in Dubai?
Typically, women wear business suits or modest and modern long-sleeved blouses or tunics.
Are the dress code rules for women in Dubai strict?
No, most rules in the city are flexible, but it is essential to wear modest clothing and respect local and native culture and customs.
