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Diarist Tourists to Dubai: dress code Secretdubai guide to dressing for Dubai

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Basically the dress code is very liberal, and if you are staying in a holiday-type hotel (as opposed to a business one) then beachwear is fine. Restaurants often have dress codes in terms of men wearing long trousers and not sandals - though women can get away with whatever - but no different to the west really.

You'll probably find that you don't walk about much in the open because it's so damn hot!

I highly recommend taking a light wrap/scarf: it will be useful for shade in the sun, and when you go inside it will be ideal for the often chillly air conditioning. My arms and shoulders often get freezing. Also, if you then do have to go to an official office type place for any reason or speak to an official - you can cover your shoulders and feel more "proper". I think locals probably do afford more respect and concern for slightly more covered up women.

That said you're unlikely to come into contact with locals much, as they barely work in the hospitality sector.

There are often complaints about westerners in "skimpy clothes" outside mosques - the problem is that Jumeirah mosque is directly opposite Jumeirah public beach and a strip of touristy boutiques. But you're unlikeley to go to that beach if you're staying at a beach hotel. If you're not, I recommend Jumeirah Beach Park - it's a few dirhams to get in, but it is nicely landscaped, there is a cafe, and you won't get labourer-types gawping at you.

I would also avoid really skimpy stuff in malls (eg midriff showing stuff or micro skirts) though to be honest it's now at the level where people will just think: "another tourist" etc.

You'll get stares whatever you wear - that's the burden of being female here - but you shouldn't get actual harassment. If you do, shout at them to go away and don't be scared to find a hotel manager/supervisor/policeman/store manager etc to report it to.

Topless bathing isn't ok, though I've heard it's happening more and more - it is still illegal though, and hotel staff will ask you to cover up. (You can undo your bikini strap while you're lying on your front to avoid strapmarks etc, and push the shoulder straps down when you're on your back. Just keep nipples under cover!!)

For Wild Wadi waterpark, which you should definitely visit, you might be more comfortable in a swimming costume, as water and wave pressure tends to pull bikini bottoms down rather. Definitely avoid thong bikinis there (and on the public beaches too).

In terms of the heat take loose, cotton clothes as much as possible, strappy sundresses, though a/c is everywhere so nightclubs and bars don't get too stuffy. White cotton literally acts as armour under the sun. It is also hot at NIGHT - 30c and humid - so bear this in mind. You may get a bit sweaty in tight, lycra-y stuff, at least getting in and out of taxis etc.

Abu Dhabi is more conservative and while it's liberal law-wise, I tend to be more self-conscious if I wear skimpyish clothes there. Sharjah is a total bloody nightmare - it's illegal NOT to cover there. Sharjah is somewhat of a hole: however it does have quite a nice souvenir souq (the "Blue Souq", I think) and there is also an excellent wildlife park if you like animals. Men and women have to cover at least to the knee and the elbow there.

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