Dubai dress code 2026: what to wear so you don't get fined or stared at

The short version

Dubai is an open, cosmopolitan city — and a Muslim country at the same time. The dress code is practical: shoulders and knees covered in public, anything short of nude is fine on the beach and in hotels. Fines are rare, but sideways looks and being asked to leave a venue aren't.

Beach and hotel pool

Any swimwear including bikinis is fine at hotels and licensed beaches (JBR, La Mer, Kite Beach). Topless is banned everywhere. When walking from beach to cafe, throw on a sarong or t-shirt — restaurants don't admit open swimwear.

Public beaches in Sharjah (neighbouring emirate) are stricter — women need knee-length shorts and a sleeved shirt; men, no bare torso on the promenade.

Malls and the street

The official rule is shoulders and knees covered. In practice and Mall of the Emirates are full of summer dresses and short tops and nobody is stopped. What you actually shouldn't do: see-through fabric or swimwear in a food court.

Men: shorts and a t-shirt are fine, no bare chest. Closed shoes or sandals — it doesn't matter.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The one place with real dress enforcement. Women: long covered dress or trousers plus long sleeve plus a scarf (provided free at the entrance). Men: long trousers (not shorts) plus sleeve, not a vest. Colourful fabrics are fine; tight tops and leggings won't get you in.

Restaurants and bars

Hotel restaurants range from smart casual to evening. At.mosphere (122nd floor) wants a jacket for men, Nobu and Zuma are smart casual, beach clubs let dive shorts through. Local dishdasha (white men's thobe) or abaya is welcomed everywhere — not required of tourists.

Ramadan

During daylight, public eating and drinking is restricted in many spots, and dressing a notch more conservative is courteous — sleeves and knees covered. Beach and hotel rules don't change. After Iftar everything resumes — many restaurants stay open till 2–3 am.

What's actually banned

• See-through or provocative clothing in public
• Swimwear off the beach or hotel pool
• Topless anywhere
• Bare-chested men in malls or on the promenade
• Clothing with profanity, political, or religiously provocative slogans

Tip: pack one light scarf. Same scarf covers your shoulders for the mosque, keeps you warm in over-AC malls (it's actually cold), and works on the plane.

What's not a myth

Dyed hair, tattoos, piercings — all fine. No restrictions on hair, nails, or makeup. Same-sex couples should keep public emotional displays low-key — a handshake is the public norm, no kissing or hugging (same applies to hetero couples).

If it's your first time and you're unsure about a specific situation (wedding, conference, mosque, ), message us — we'll advise.