Dubai is known for being one of the most luxurious places on earth. So what kind of outfits are in style there right now? Surprisingly, Dubai is more relaxed than the photos on social media want you to believe.
People from all over the world visit this hot destination, so there are many varieties of styles that you could see walking around. The best way to decide what to pack is to read the following suggestions and decide which outfits align with the activities that you plan to do.
Outfits Depending On The Season
Dubai is a desert, so the weather is generally warm year-round. That said, deserts can get quite cold when the sun goes down, so make sure to always pack layers no matter what you are wearing.
Summer In Dubai
Summers in Dubai are extremely hot, so be prepared to pack breathable clothing made from linen, cotton, or any other organic material. If you choose to visit Dubai in the summer, be prepared to spend a lot of time near a water source, as you will need the cool relief.
Some good summer staples are swimsuits, long, flowy dresses, strappy sandals, and big sunglasses.
Winter In Dubai
Winter in Dubai is not like winter in many other parts of the world. It does get cooler, especially at night, but it is still a very warm place year-round. Winter is a great time to visit when you want to go to Dubai on a budget as it is less expensive to travel there not in peak months.
A winter packing list should include a light jacket, long pants, close-toed shoes, and a shawl for women that can double as a head covering to keep you warm.
Outfits Depending On The Venue
Hotels
Dubai is known for its imposing hotels with out-of-this-world rooftops. If checking a few of these out is on your bucket list for Dubai, make sure to save your coolest outfits for these occasions. People of wealth are frequent visitors to these spots, so it is a great place to people watch and soak up the outfits of the rich and famous.
If you want to splurge a little, pack one good brand-name outfit for a night out on one of these hotel rooftops.
Restaurants
Depending on the type of restaurants you chose to dine at, your dress code may change. If you plan on having at least one nice dinner at a fancy restaurant in the city center, a classy dress is the way to go. Women can be seen in restaurants in elegant maxi dresses and heels and men can be seen in suit jackets and long pants.
More casual restaurants like the ones along the beach or in street food markets are less strict about dress codes, so you can be more casual with your outfits. Long dresses like swimsuit coverups for women are common as well as flip flops and for men, t-shirts and knee-length shorts work.
Weekend brunches are also very popular in Dubai, so make sure to pack a light brunch outfit with floral patterns or pastel colors.
City Sightseeing Tours
Guided tours around the city are a great way to show off your style in Dubai. These tours might be the things you spend most of your money on and take the most pictures doing, so pack some fun and colorful outfits for these activities.
There are a lot of activities to do in Dubai, from water parks to yacht rides, so your outfit really depends on the activity. A Dubai sightseeing tour like a hop-on hop-off bus or a cruise along the harbor is sure to make a lasting memory, even more so if your outfit is on point. Some statement sunglasses, a nice sun hat, and a colorful top are good starting points.
Desert Tours
The biggest thing to consider when deciding on a stylish outfit for a day or two out in the desert is the sand. Sand will get into every crevice that it can, so the best way to avoid swimming in it is to wear long, breathable pants and tennis shoes or sandals that can be strapped to your feet.
Shoes to avoid are flip-flops or other sandals that can easily fall off. Stepping in the sand is hard enough without losing a shoe every few steps. Women and men alike will be most comfortable in long pants so that less sand will fly up their pants. This is also recommended if you plan on going on a camel ride as shorts or a skirt will be uncomfortable.
The most important thing is to be comfortable in the outfit of your choice because you will be doing a lot of physical activity out in the desert.
The Beach
The beach in Dubai is no different from the beaches in any other part of the world. Feel free to pack your favorite bikinis and soak up the sun, but if you plan to go into town later on, make sure to pack a non-seethrough coverup to seamlessly go from day to night.
For men, going without a shirt is no big deal on the beach, but make sure to have a shirt that covers your shoulders when heading back into the city center.
The beach may be the least conservative place in Dubai, so use it as a chance to express your style and enjoy relief from the heat by jumping in the cool water of the Persian Gulf.
Religious Buildings
Religious buildings and heritage sites are places where you should be the most conscious of your attire. In order to enter a religious building, you must have your shoulders covered and in certain places, women must have a head covering like a shawl and something to cover their arms.
Men should not have their legs showing, so breathable long pants are the best option for cultural excursions.
Remember that even though this is not your culture, you should still respect the environment that you are in. If you are asked to cover your shoulders, people will be generally polite about it, so reciprocating that behavior is the best practice.
Coming up with the best outfits for your Dubai vacation is all about comfort, style, and respect. Make sure to have a good combination of those and the other items listed in this article and you will be ready to enjoy your Dubai adventure.
