If You Are Going For An Educational Tour In Dubai, What Dress Code Should You Follow?
Does Dubai University Allow Western & Other Fashion?
These are some of the most common questions people ask about Dubai.
Recently, I visited Dubai and faced some situations regarding fashion and clothing. I learned some information about the dress code in Dubai. Dubai is a city in the UAE known for its ultramodern architecture like the Burj Khalifa and its lively nightlife scene. While Dubai is a modern and cosmopolitan city, the people of Dubai have a local culture with specific dress codes. If you are going to Dubai for education or a study tour, it is important to be aware of and respect their local culture in terms of clothing choices. In Dubai, there is a dress code for tourists and visitors are expected to follow it, especially in public places, religious sites, and when studying at a university.
Western clothing like skirts, tops, and jeans are allowed in places like hotels, restaurants, malls, and other tourist areas. However, if you want to visit other public places or Dubai University, here are some guidelines to follow:
- In Dubai University, there are different dress codes for boys and girls. For boys, head and shoulders should be covered, and they should wear a Kandura, a long white coat with full sleeves, or a shirt and long trousers/jeans. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. For girls, especially national UAE female students, the dress is called an Abaya, often black in color, a long, full-sleeved, loose-fitting cloak that covers the body from head to toe, except for the face, hands, and feet, along with a Sheila headscarf.
- Your clothing should cover shoulders and knees and avoid being tight or sheer. You can wear anything light and comfortable but not too showy.
- Western girls’ clothing that exposes most of the skin is not allowed. Though western clothing is allowed in some places, it is a good idea to be respectful of their culture.
- Avoid clothes with offensive language or images.
- Beachwear is allowed on beaches but not in public places. When leaving the beach area, covering up is recommended.
- Short clothes are allowed in swimming pools and beaches.
- If you are visiting religious places like mosques, your full body should be covered with traditional dress from head to toe. For men and women, keffiyeh and hijab are a must.
These are some recommended guidelines to follow, but in reality, there are no significant issues with clothing in Dubai or Dubai University. You can wear anything, but make sure that your clothes don’t reveal too much skin.
On the other hand, Dubai is a modern city and is becoming more futuristic in terms of technology and fashion. For the first time in 2024, Saudi Arabia participated in Miss Universe, with Rumy Alqahtani being the first contestant from Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is becoming more progressive in terms of fashion.
By dressing respectfully and modestly, you can ensure a positive and comfortable experience in Dubai.
