How to dress correctly in Dubai

Contents Part 1: Understand the dress code 1. Understand the scope of application of the dress code. 2. There are several important guidelines to follow. 3. Choose some common clothing styles. 4. Avoid prohibited items. Part 2: Comply with the dress code of different places 1. Correct dress to go to the mosque. 2. Correct attire for going to a restaurant or bar. 3. Correct attire when exercising. 4. Proper clothing when swimming. Part 3: How to solve problems when they arise 1. Respond to criticism appropriately. 2. Public displays of affection must also abide by the rules. Planning to go to Dubai? You'd better abide by Dubai's dress code or you might be invited to the police station for tea. These guidelines stem from Dubai's cultural norms, which require people to appear dignified.

Part 1: Understand the dress code

1. Understand the scope of application of the dress code. Of course, you don’t have to adhere to the Dubai dress code and you can wear whatever you want in your own home or hotel room. But you have to abide by it when you go to public places. Public places that require standardized dress include cinemas, markets, shopping malls, supermarkets and public areas of hotels, etc.

When you drive your own car on the road, you still need to abide by the dress code. If you go to a government building or a courthouse, you may be given an abaya to wear. This kind of clothing covers the clothes you are wearing.

2. Several important guidelines should be followed. You may not be used to it, but doing so will show your respect for Dubai culture and save you some trouble. The general principle is to cover everything from shoulders to knees. Do not show cleavage and choose tight or see-through clothing carefully. Women cannot wear sleeveless clothes.

Men cannot expose their chests in public places. Don't wear shorts, especially short ones. Also don't wear a swimsuit outside of pools and beaches. Do not unbutton your shirt to expose chest hair. Men are also not allowed to show their knees.

3. Choose some common clothing styles. There are some clothes that comply with the Dubai dress code, so you can bring more of these clothes. A shawl can be used to cover the body, and is also useful in the car. Cropped pants are very stylish and can cover the areas that should be covered. Wear a scarf when going to the mosque. T-shirts are also available. Camisole tops are inappropriate.

Leggings can be worn under short skirts to cover your legs. Wearing a cardigan to cover your shoulders is also a good idea. But don’t just wear leggings on your lower body.

4. Avoid prohibited items. You can get into trouble if you wear certain styles of clothing in Dubai, so it's best to leave them alone. Denim hot pants, miniskirts, tube tops, crop tops and cutout skirts are not part of the dress code.

The underwear should be covered tightly so as not to be seen by others. Under no circumstances should you expose your underwear in public. It is also against the dress code if clothing is see-through, allowing a thong, bra or men's underwear to show.

Tight stretch skirts and shorter jumpsuits may also cause you trouble. The same goes for clothes with see-through or hollow designs.

Part 2: Comply with the dress code of different places

1. Correct dress for going to the mosque. Entry rules to the mosque are very strict. If you're not a Muslim, you probably won't get in at all. If you can get in, you will most likely be given a blouse, either a women's robe or a men's robe. You will also be asked to take off your shoes.

Women must cover their hair and entire body. Men do not need to cover their hair, but they cannot wear shorts or sleeveless tops.

2. The correct attire for going to a restaurant or bar. Many high-end restaurants require men to wear full-length shoes and long pants, especially those that serve alcohol. Women can wear sandals, but their cleavage and thighs should not be exposed.

The dress code in a nightclub or bar is generally more relaxed. There will be signs in shopping malls reminding customers to cover their shoulders and knees.

3. Dress correctly when exercising. You also need to know how to dress when going to the gym or running. In a hotel or private gym, you can wear regular exercise attire. Men can wear longer shorts and lightweight tops when running outdoors.

Women can wear running leggings, as long as the length exceeds the knee.

4. Correct attire when swimming. Bikinis and swimsuits are allowed around the pool or on the beach, but there are some restrictions. Don't wear thongs. Before you leave the pool or beach, say you're going to the store, change out of your swimsuit. Wearing a swimsuit underneath a see-through outfit is also against the dress code.

Topless sunbathing is prohibited in Dubai. In fact, this behavior is illegal there. You can choose a one-piece swimsuit. It would be safer to wear a T-shirt and shorts on a public beach.

Part 3: How to solve problems when they arise

1. Deal with criticism appropriately. You'll find that a variety of people may say you're inappropriately dressed, from security guards to co-workers. Remember these people are giving you advice to help you. It's best to stay calm and apologize. If possible, you can say that you will go back to your hotel or go home and change your clothes.

If you lose your temper or refuse to change your clothes, the police may be called, and you don’t want to do that. You can avoid even bigger trouble by just throwing on a robe.

2. Public displays of affection must also abide by the rules. In addition to dressing discreetly, displays of affection are best left to private practice. These are based on Dubai’s cultural requirements that advocate solemnity. Don't hold hands, hug or have sex in public.

Remember that Islamic women in Dubai do not like to shake hands or make eye contact.

A British couple was imprisoned for a month for kissing in public. If you behave in an indecent manner, you may be arrested. If the whistleblower is Muslim and a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, your chances of arrest are greater. You could be deported or spend a month in jail.

Tip: There is no requirement to wear traditional clothing. People often make the mistake of thinking they have to blend in with local customs, bring nothing of their own, and then run out to buy a bunch of traditional Arabic clothing.

Do not wear T-shirts with inflammatory or offensive slogans.

Men may be arrested for wearing women's clothing in Dubai.

If you are going to Dubai to watch wildlife, it will be very cool in the forest at night, so remember to bring a cardigan or robe.

Understand the differences between regions. Other places in the United Arab Emirates besides Dubai, such as Abu Dhabi, may have a stricter dress code.

Don't expect to be able to enter the mosque, it's very unlikely unless you are a Muslim.

There is no dress code for children, as long as they don't get naked in public places. Teenagers should adhere to the dress code.

Adult women and teenage girls should not tuck their tops into their pants as this will reveal too much of their figure.

Warning to be extremely careful on Dubai's roads.