18 Top Dubai Packing List Items for 2023 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

First things first: Would I consider Dubai as a fashionable city?
I can’t think of any reason why it’s not. People dress up and they enjoy it. Emiratis are known for splashing out on expensive jewelry; handbags, shoes and ladies usually dress up to the nines under their abayas.

Expats enjoy what Dubai has to offer on the fashion front. Most shopping malls sell high-end brands and its very common to walk into a hotel to find a swarm of designer-clad foreigners making their way to a boozy brunch.

So, with that said, your playing field is large, but at times slightly conservative. Sticking to the rules doesn’t mean you cannot maintain your usual sense of style.

Speaking of shopping…when heading out for some harmless bank account ‘damage’ you may opt for a summery printed, flowy maxi dress, but take a shawl or lightweight jacket or cardigan with you to cover your shoulders.

You’ll find cool air-conditioning in every single shopping mall and I once went out to buy a scarf to warm my legs up with in the cinema. A strappy sandal or canvas sneaker would do just fine (unless of course you feel like it’s a heel day).

Mosques (as mentioned above) would require you to cover up well and be sure to arrive in respectable attire. A long, maxi skirt and a light chiffon blouse might do the trick, but if that sounds too Little House on the Prairie for your taste, then pick out a pair of jeans that are not too skinny and perhaps a loose fitting t-shirt dress that tucks in nicely on the side of your pants. Keep in mind that you might want to opt bring a scarf to cover your hair with.

As night falls, you can head out for a nice dinner at Souk Madinat, followed by some dancing at Barasti Beach or Cavalli Club. These two places draw very different crowds, but for the latter, you can team up your LBD with a lightweight tuxedo blazer and a pair of killer heels. The jacket can come off as you make your way into the club. During the cooler months, your jacket can be swapped for a fitted cape trench.

At the beach, you’ll need a tunic or kaftan when traipsing along the resort area. Combine your laid-back look with a pair of strappy slips-on sandals. Keep your beach bag handy to store your floppy resort hat and some statement sunglasses.

Hopping on the back on a camel is no easy feat, but you do get help from the kind gentlemen who guide you on your desert safari. Opt for a comfortable pair of linen pants (not white) and a t-shirt. You may wear shorts too, because it’s allowed. Best to tag that useful shawl/scarf along if you feel the need to cover up. When ‘winter’ sets in, you should definitely bring along a jacket, hoodie and jeans – the temperatures in the desert are cooler than that of the city.

The same rules apply here. Men do need to be considerate of what they wear to the mosque, beach and other public spaces. It doesn’t mean that you have to forget to work your style angle, but the best thing you can do is to pack smart casual and irrespective of season, you will need a shirt and trousers.

When heading to the beach or resort its probably a good idea not to wear your swimming trunks en route. You can always switch gears when you reach your destination. At resorts, you’ll find that gents do tend to go shirtless, but when heading back indoors, put on your shirt for the sake of being respectful. A pair of slides will go a long way as you walk from the dressing room to your spot by the pool. Bring your baseball cap and a pair of wayfarers for long walks in the sun.

Heading out to more public places doesn’t really require you to cover up too much, but you won’t really see guys walking around in ‘wife-beaters’. A pair of flat-front chino shorts will work well with a crisp white tee and sneakers for a day out.

For dinner, it all depends on where you are going. If you are going for a simple dinner in Deira, you can work your shorts and t-shirt to the max, but if you were dining somewhere more upscale, you’d want to bring along a good pair of lightweight textured trousers and a formal shirt. Blazers are not necessary, but it adds a nice touch. When heading out for a night out on the town, your dark jeans and Poplin shirt goes a long way when teaming it up with leather loafers. In fact, you will find that you fit right in.

During the cooler months, you can team up your day looks with hoodies and slim fit chinos and at night, your lightweight bomber jacket will give you plenty of swag when teamed up with a white t-shirt.

Some say Dubai has only one season: hot.
No seriously, temperatures start to spike around April and until the end of October, you will do well in your summer gear. From November to mid-March, you’ll need a few warmer pieces. Daytime still brings plenty of sunshine, but the cooler breeze from the ocean can sometimes spoil your poolside fun.

The city does see rainfall at the end of summer and when the cooler period ends. People in Dubai don’t really use umbrellas for rain…you’ll see plenty of women covering up under the harsh mid-summer sun and even during the warmest months, you’ll need to keep an eye on what you wear in public. Yes, it’s hot, but you’ve got this.

Remember to pack light, breathable fabrics and to refer to the dressing guides above.

Mosques – Although we have covered a few pointers on this, we can look at this section with a bit more focus. When visiting places of worship in the Middle East, it’s imperative that you respect the dress codes that are instructed on the signs as you enter.

At the mosque, you will be required to remove your shoes and if your regular clothes require more cover, abayas and kandouras are available that can be worn over whatever you are already wearing. In some instances headscarves are kept for women, but it’s better to bring along your own. Finally, make sure that whatever you choose to wear before entering a Mosque is not too tight or revealing.

From Souk Markets to Shopping Malls – You will come across quite a few foreigners whom blatantly ignore the notices and signage requesting appropriate attire. You will find these signs at most malls and public markets, but in smaller restaurants outside malls you’ll find none.

When heading out in public, you’d want to avoid a potentially mortifying situation of coming face to face with a security guard, asking you to cover up. This applies to men too. No muscle tanks or short shorts.

Ladies, now’s the time to live your finest fashionable moment in a lightweight jumpsuit and a silk shawl to cover your shoulders with. Covering up has never looked this good. Gents, follow suit with tapered Bermuda shorts that drop on the knees and a summery linen shirt. Finish off the look with a fedora and canvas sneakers.

Desert Safaris – Out there in the open, it’ just you, nature and camels – Your guides won’t care much for what you choose to wear, but again: it’s all quite conflicting. As long as you don’t show up in your Daisy Dukes and revealing tank tops, then all should be fine.

I would opt for classic linen and cottons to make your camelback trip an enjoyable one.

Dubai Opera and Nightlife – Dubai Opera… It’s glorious. Dressing up is a must. It’s a fantastic experience if you can afford it, and while there is no official dress code, you will stand out like a sore thumb if you show up in casual attire, and will get some pretty dirty looks to boot.

Smart dinner jackets with bow ties and tailored trousers will set the tone for rubbing shoulders with the elite of Dubai. Keep your colors neutral and do yourself a favor by going for a local grooming/shaving experience.

I have seen women arriving at the Dubai Opera in ball gowns and sleek designer dresses, but you can also put your unconventional foot forward with slim, tailored pants and a ‘blingy’ blouse. Accessorize with statement jewelry and your best heels.

Dubai Nightlife – The parties happen inside (on top of) most hotels and private resorts and beaches, since they are the only places that are allowed to obtain a liquor license.

At most clubs and bars (even some pubs) men are stopped at the door when showing up in flip-flops and shorts. Your beach-look stays down by the shores. Wear your dress shoes, smart sneakers, trousers or jeans. Team it up with a nice shirt and your most dashing smile.

Women in Dubai most certainly dress to the nines when heading out. It’s a sight to behold, so be well prepared if you are heading out for a bit of a soiree.
Pack your halter neck, sleeveless Bodycon mini dress and your most eye-catching heels. You’ll thank us later…

This will serve as last note of sorts, but whatever you do, avoid wearing utterly revealing clothes in public places. You will only be stared at or asked to leave some premises if you are not dressed accordingly. Crop tops work on private resorts and beaches and not in malls or restaurants. The same applies to see-through fabric and short shorts.

Men need to make sure that they don’t reveal too much skin either. Keep those shoulders and chests covered and keep short lengths near the knee. Last but not least, check your t-shirts before you pack them and make sure nothing offensive or religious stands out.