Planning a trip to Dubai and not sure what to pack? Between the heat, the local culture and the rooftop nights, dressing for Dubai takes a little preparation. Here is the complete, practical, no-nonsense guide by Dubai Small.
Climate: rule number one
Dubai is sunny almost all year. From May to September it gets very hot, often above 40 degrees. The reflex: light, breathable fabrics like cotton, light colours during the day, and something to cover up in the evening because the air conditioning in malls and restaurants is freezing. A quality t-shirt and a cap are your best allies during the day.
Dress code: where to cover up
Dubai is an open, modern city, but it is still in a Muslim country. On the beach and in hotels, swimwear and light outfits are no problem at all. In malls and public places, avoid anything too short: shoulders and knees covered out of respect, especially outside tourist areas. To visit a mosque, covering clothing is required. Nothing complicated, just common sense and a layer to cover up in your bag.
Day versus night
During the day the style is relaxed: t-shirt, shorts or light trousers, sneakers, cap. At night, Dubai steps it up. Rooftops, restaurants and clubs often have a dress code, no flip-flops or shorts for men in upscale venues. A clean, well-cut hoodie or a nice streetwear piece works anywhere for a casual dinner; for clubs, dress up a little more.
Wearing Dubai: local streetwear
The real trend in Dubai is streetwear that speaks about the city. Rather than a generic tourist t-shirt, locals and visitors in the know wear pieces that tell a Dubai story: a metro station, a neighbourhood, a local expression. That is exactly the spirit of the Dubai Small shop, with three collections built for it.
The Dubai Small shop
Dubai t-shirts, hoodies and souvenirs, printed on demand and shipped worldwide.
Packing essentials
A few quality t-shirts, one or two light hoodies for the air conditioning and the evenings, a cap, sunglasses, comfortable sneakers because you walk a lot in the malls, swimwear, and one slightly dressier piece for a night out. A reusable bottle is also very handy in the heat. No need for a huge suitcase: bet on versatile pieces you will actually wear.
Men and women: the nuances
For men, the t-shirt and shorts combo during the day, hoodie or shirt at night, covers almost everything. Watch out for clubs that refuse shorts and flip-flops. For women, anything goes in tourist areas and on the beach; in the city, a layer to cover the shoulders in your bag avoids stares. Dubai is comfortable for everyone as long as you keep a bit of common sense depending on the place.
Dressing well for Dubai is not about complicating your suitcase, it is about choosing pieces suited to the heat and the city. And while you are at it, you might as well wear Dubai in style: browse the collections on the Dubai Small shop. A question about a size? Message us on WhatsApp, we reply fast.
Frequently asked questions
How to dress for Dubai with the heat?
Go for light, breathable fabrics like cotton, light colours during the day, and always carry a layer to cover up in the evening because the air conditioning in malls and restaurants is very strong. A quality t-shirt, a cap and sunglasses are the basics.
Is there a dress code in Dubai?
Dubai is open and modern, but in public places and malls you avoid anything too short out of respect (shoulders and knees covered, especially outside tourist areas). On the beach and in hotels there are no constraints. For a mosque, covering clothing is required.
Can you wear shorts in Dubai?
Yes, during the day shorts are perfect with the heat. In the evening, however, many restaurants, rooftops and clubs have a dress code and refuse shorts and flip-flops for men. Plan a slightly dressier outfit for nights out.
What to pack for Dubai?
Quality t-shirts, one or two light hoodies for the air conditioning and the evenings, a cap, sunglasses, comfortable sneakers, swimwear, a reusable bottle and one slightly dressier piece for a night out. Bet on versatile pieces you will actually wear.
