When you're planning your trip to Dubai, thinking about what to wear is super important. Because it is an incredible city that gleams with wealth, you'll quickly notice how much fun everyone has wearing their dresses there!
Packing the right clothes and stuff can really level up your trip and make your stay even more enjoyable.
With temperatures taking off to 52 °C, Dubai sure knows how to turn up the heat! But don’t worry, keeping up with fashion trends is easier than you might think while exploring this beautiful city. Enjoy showcasing your own style in this vibrant atmosphere!
Getting ideas for your articles of clothing is so simple! Just keep reading this guide to find inspiration for your style.
Casual Day Outfits
Living in Dubai? Let’s chat about the best fabrics for staying cool and stylish in the heat!
First off, lightweight and breathable materials like cotton or linen are your best buddies. These fabrics are like SPF 50 for your wardrobe, helping you feel fresh and comfy even when the sun is blazing down.
It’s wise to avoid heavy materials like wool or thick polyester—you definitely don’t want to feel like you’re wrapped in a cosy blanket while standing in an oven!
In this vibrant city, finding a balance between style and comfort is key. Lightweight fabrics work wonders in keeping you looking sharp while feeling great.
For the guys, it’s super easy! You just need to grab some cotton shirts, pants, or T-shirts. They are simply perfect for a casual look. Plus, they come in all sorts of funky styles, so you can stay cool during your daily adventures without sacrificing an ounce of style.
And about linen—yes, it wrinkles a bit, but that's part of its charm! Many people embrace its laid-back vibe, which perfectly matches Dubai's casual-chic atmosphere.
So go ahead and rock those lightweight fabrics with confidence!
Beach or Resort Wear
Dubai is home to two wonderful types of beaches! You’ll find public beaches where locals love to hang out and private beaches at hotels or pools that are a big hit with tourists.
Private beaches are awesome because they’re very relaxed, letting you wear just about anything you’re comfortable in. On the other hand, public beaches tend to have a bit more of a conservative vibe.
On both kinds of beaches, you can wear almost any swimsuit or swim bottoms you like; just avoid anything see-through. Men can also enjoy a variety of stylish options, as long as they keep it classy!
Evening/Smart Casual
In Dubai, you can’t go wrong with a mix of stylish and comfy pieces for evening or smart wear. You can just start with some quality denim and pair it with a crisp white shirt or a chambray one for a laid-back vibe.
If you want to dress things up a bit, consider adding a blazer or a sports coat. Pair it with dark jeans and some shoes for a more polished, smart, casual look. Alternatively, loafers or boots can add a sleek touch.
For a chill evening outfit, swap out the shoes for sneakers or Chelsea boots. A plain white T-shirt or a polo works great instead of a dress shirt. Just make sure to balance it out with a good pair of pants to keep everything looking sharp.
As you refresh your wardrobe this year, add some chambray shirts, dark jeans, and derbies. These pieces easily mix and match to create a variety of outfits, perfect for evening events or casual hangouts.
In the end, nailing a smart casual look is all about prioritizing quality and comfort over formality. A few timeless pieces and knowing how to style them will have you creating a wardrobe that’s both stylish and flexible in no time.
Traditional or Cultural Wear
Dubai is entirely open to all ethnicities, so people here follow both old and modern cultures with a blend of fashion, but the tourists blend with the cultural and traditional wear to mix in the crowd and hang out to enjoy their vacation to the fullest.
Dubai loves dressing up in stylish outfits. Many celebrities and social media influencers post pictures of themselves in trendy fashion, but as you can see, these outfits aren’t comfortable, and many cannot afford them.
Thus, wearing a Kandura, a long, white, ankle-length robe commonly known as Dishdasha or Thawb, is the symbol of Emirati culture for both formal and casual occasions. In addition to this, a man wears a rectangular cotton headdress, Ghutra, that's usually worn with it and Agal, a black cord that's used to keep the Ghutra in place.
Business/Work Attire
In Dubai, dressing professionally is very important in your workplace and the local culture.
A good to go is a well-fitted suit, navy, black, or grey, along with a dress shirt and tie, even best for formal events as well. For business meetings, a grey or navy suit with a light blue or white shirt works just fine.
Keep in mind, choose fabric wisely, minimize accessories, and make sure you’re well-groomed.
In 2025, expect to see slim-fit suits, pastel colors, and subtly patterned ties in style. By following these tips and keeping up with trends, you’ll create a professional business look that leaves a positive impression.
Overall, the key to business attire in Dubai is being professional, respectful, and detail-oriented. Just stay aware of trends and make sure they fit in with the local culture and business etiquette.
Desert Safari Outfit
The majestic Arabian desert witnesses one of the most cherishing sunsets in the world. Due to precautionary measures, you must put on sunblock, a hat, and comfortable shoes in these golden sundunes.
For fun activities like dune-bashing, quad-bike riding, camel riding and sandboarding, you can be comfortable in light joggers and a casual T-shirt.
You must bring a warm shall or sweater with you, as it might get slightly cold in the evening. Also, bring a pair of flip-flops so you can easily stretch your feet, as they might get crumpled in the boots all day long.
As deserts are covered with relentless sunlight, you really need to cover your skin as much as you can. Otherwise, you'll wish for sun kisses and tanning. And yes, one more thing: wear woollen socks under cotton to avoid blisters.
Formal/Party Look
A man can put together a chic and stylish suit just in time to make a big impression!
A well-made suit in shades of black, navy, or grey, along with a clean white dress shirt or perhaps a vibrant pastel color, would be a great way to stand out!
A nice watch, a good leather belt, and some sleek cufflinks can really tie your outfit together. Keep it simple and sleek so your overall style shines through.
Your shoes talk, too. Do you know how? Leather dress shoes, black or brown, like oxfords or loafers, are best for a formal look.
Still, want to add a little flair? Try a patterned tie or a pocket square!
The key is to feel confident yet comfortable in what you’re wearing.
It's time for you to select clothing that expresses your personal style and makes you feel fantastic.
Dos and Don’ts of Dressing in Dubai As Men
In order to enjoy your trip to the fullest, you must understand the local dress code and cultural norms.
Men should dress modestly and show respect. It would be good if they covered their shoulders and knees and avoided tight or revealing clothing like shorts and tank tops. Since the weather can be pretty warm, lightweight and breathable fabrics in neutral colors are a fantastic choice!
Dress well, in a suit and tie for formal occasions. When you really wish to visit mosques from inside or traditional sites, kindly remove your shoes as a mark of respect.
You must avoid wearing clothing that features explicit language, logos, or images and reserve beachwear strictly for the beach!
Dressing appropriately really helps show appreciation for the wonderful culture around you.
Conclusion
Dressing in Dubai fully amazes you as a man, and it requires a certain level of cultural awareness and sensitivity.
When you're in Dubai, knowing the local dress code and customs can really help you have a great time!
It's a win-win! Can you guess how? Wearing a modest and lightweight dress is a thoughtful approach to keeping you cool while respecting local traditions.
Whether you are here for business or pleasure, learning about the customs of the locals will make your visit more enjoyable. The kind people you meet along the way will help you make wonderful memories and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy!
Also Read: What to Wear in Dubai?