What to Wear in Abu Dhabi: Demystifying The Abu Dhabi Dress Code

You will no doubt see everything from tiny bikinis to full-length burkinis worn by women at public beaches in Abu Dhabi.

Some beaches are more conservative than others, particularly if they’re considered a family beach, such as on the Corniche, you will be pulled up by security for exposing too much skin (e.g. wearing non-existent butt floss bikinis).

It’s up to your personal style, but something that is more modest and doesn’t disappear up your bottom is considered more respectful in Muslim countries. Topless bathing is considered a strict no-no (in fact, it’s against the law).

For men at the beach in Abu Dhabi, long shorts are better than speedos. It’s OK to have your top off at the beach, but cover up when you enter public areas away from the beach.

At a resort beach and pool, the dress standard is a little more relaxed; you will see mostly skimpy swimwear, especially if there is a pool bar or adults only. This is absolutely fine; just make sure you bring something appropriate to cover yourself when moving through the public areas of the resort or if heading into a restaurant for a meal.

If you are asked by security to cover up a little, do so without argument. Security officers are well within their right to call the police if you do not cooperate or become abusive – remember, this is a big no-no in Abu Dhabi, worse than the original clothing infringement.

Again, you will see a wide variety of outfits, from bikinis to burkinis, at Yas Waterworld or any water parks in the Middle East. Given the activities you will be undertaking and being out in the sun all day, it really is sensible for women to wear something more comfortable.

We would suggest a rashie top is a good idea for a waterpark, or at the very least, once-piece bathers that won’t flop off on any of the rides. If you’ll be hanging out by the kiddy pool, a nice kaftan pullover is sensible (you can see a few more ideas over on our Abu Dhabi packing list page)

For men, as per the beach, it’s better NOT to wear your skimpy Speedos and wear shorts. Local lads will probably have T-shirts and knee-length or three-quarter shorts, but tourists will be OK with shorter shorts and topless.

This popular tourist attraction – along with any religious or Government buildings in the UAE – has its own set of strict rules that are far more conservative and must be abided by at all times.

For women, unless you have all parts of your skin covered from ankles to the wrist, and a head covering, you will be asked to borrow a traditional abaya and Shayla for your visit to the Grand Mosque (NB since COVID restrictions, you can no longer borrow this abaya for free, they will direct you to the nearby strip of shops to buy something appropriate).

If you don’t want to buy anything specifically for this trip, we recommend a full-length maxi skirt for ladies and a non-clingy blouse that covers the wrist to the neck. Finish this off with a head scarf fully covering the hair.

This dress code is expected from teenagers visiting Abu Dhabi, too (or those who have reached puberty).

For men, long trousers and covered shoulders are required. If your trouser legs do not reach your ankles, you will be asked to wear a kandura.

Here is a more detailed guide on what to wear for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi (Qasr al Watan) does not have as strict a dress code as the Grand Mosque, requiring women to be fully covered from ankle to wrist. There’s no need for a head covering as it’s not a religious building.

Visitors are, however, asked to dress modestly – so follow the guidance on covered shoulders and knees as a minimum and skip anything that could be mistaken for beachwear – we cover the dress code for Qasr Al Watan in more detail here.

If you are headed into the desert on a popular Abu Dhabi desert safari, it is sensible to wear closed-toe shoes if you’ll be participating in sand sports like sandboarding. Sand will inevitably get everywhere, but it is safer than wearing your flip-flops!

You will also want something to tie back long hair, a sunhat, and sunglasses for daylight hours. In the middle of winter, it can be chilly overnight, so we suggest you also pack a sweater.

You can find further advice for packing for an Abu Dhabi desert safari here.

At Yas Mall, or any shopping mall in the UAE, you should dress appropriately for a public place. This is more covered up than at the beach, but not as conservative as the mosque or a museum, etc. You will have no problem wearing shorts and a T-shirt to shopping malls, but be mindful that nothing shows too much skin or is too revealing.

Often, despite dress standards stated at mall entrances, you’ll see people fairly scantily clad. Security is well within their right, though, to refuse entry if you’re not wearing appropriate clothing.

The dress standard for pre-pubescent children is much less stringent than for adults. Children should feel free to dress to the weather conditions.

You will find Muslim boys and girls on the whole dress a lot more conservatively – even at the peak of summer, they will still be in long trousers and long sleeves on many occasions. There is no obligation for your children to follow suit. If you have active little girls, then leggings under dresses may be sensible, but otherwise, dress as they please.

Non-Muslim women do not need to cover their hair in Abu Dhabi. Only if you enter a religious building or some Governement buildings will this be required (and frequently one can be provided for you if you did not pack one).

As we covered above, yes, wearing a bikini in Abu Dhabi is acceptable in the right poolside or beach setting. In a family setting, such as a public family beach frequented by locals, it would be appropriate to wear something less revealing.

Yes, it is absolutely fine for women and men to wear shorts in Abu Dhabi in most settings. You may feel more comfortable in longer shorts to your knees, but mid-thigh is OK in most situations.

Anything from flip-flops to trainers is perfectly acceptable in Abu Dhabi. Locally, men tend to wear sandals with their kanduras and sandals, or slip-on leather shoes are pretty standard casual wear.

For women, sandals, high heels, flip flops, take your choice; while there’s a bit to think about covering your upper body, pretty much anything goes on your feet.

The only settings you may need to consider are dining out and nightlife. Some venues won’t let you in with flip flops or shoes considered ‘beach wear’ or trainers, men and women.

If you are hitting the theme parks, walking the museums, or taking a desert safari, think comfort first.

The dress code for Dubai is the same as for Abu Dhabi. Although you will find there are more tourists in Dubai and the rules are stretched more often, the core principles are the same.

Dress for the heat but try to remain modest and consider your surroundings at all times in Dubai; what you wear to the Mall or Souqs is quite different from what you can get away with wearing at some beaches or in a private beach resort.

You can find our complete dress code advice for Dubai here.

It used to be the case that during the Holy Month of Ramadan, a much stricter dress code was required from everyone. Personally, as long-term expats, we still dress more conservatively and modify our behaviours in line with local customs at this time of year. However, in recent years, we’ve seen very little modification in dress behaviour.