What to Wear in Dubai Mall: A Complete Style Guide

There is a world-class shopping and lifestyle hub in the heart of Dubai, i.e the flawless Dubai Mall. It welcomes everyone from a multicultural background while maintaining its respectful traditions. 

That’s true, you are free to wear your fav trendy and fashionable outfits of your choice, but it’s equally important to select clothing that is both comfy and modest.

Therefore, considering the mall’s friendly and Dubai's warm climate, here’s your guide to “Dubai Mall Dress Code”.

From casual daytime looks to chic evening styles, we’ll answer your biggest question: “What to Wear in Dubai Mall” Let's go through it quickly.

Understanding Dubai Mall Dress Code

It’s difficult for a fashionista to pack their stuff for Dubai vacations without considering the Dubai Mall Dress Code.

Dubai Mall is one such place where you will witness a mix of all types of people, be it tourists wearing cozy sports shoes or businessmen and women in elegant traditional attire, and, of course, fashion enthusiasts using the mall as a fashion runway. 

It is due to this fashion fusion that Dubai Mall has a rather lenient dress code in place, yet a set of unwritten rules that you must understand prior to your entry.

Before anything else, it is worth noting that there is no strict dress code when it comes to what is worn in Dubai Mall.

Specifically, you will not be asked to leave the vicinity if you are wearing casual clothes. Of course, it is an area where families and tourists can freely roam, so it is best to dress moderately.

The dress code for visiting the Dubai Mall depends on the time of day. If you're going in the morning or early afternoon (10 AM to 4 PM), you need to priortize comfort.

The fact is, many tourists come after exploring, so casual attire like loose clothing, linen shirts, and comfortable shoes is ideal for blending in seamlessly with the crowd.

The evening presents a different kind of atmosphere altogether. 6 PM onwards, particularly at weekends, the Dubai Mall becomes more vibrant with different kinds of shows, dinner dates, and other activities. 

It’s at this time that you will notice tourists dressing up a bit, particularly if they are going to high-end restaurants or watching the Dubai Fountain show, which starts every 30 minutes after sunset.

Special days and occasions may also affect the way an individual dresses. When Ramadan comes, modesty in dress becomes an aspect, with visitors being advised to dress in accordance with this respect for the local culture. 

When it comes to special occasions such as New Year's Eve celebrations, national holidays, or mall happenings, you are sure to see women dressed up, yet modestly so.

Here are two insider tips for you:

• The mall is massive, and you will be doing some serious walking. So you need to focus on your shoe comfort too.  

• Don't forget to carry an accessory like a scarf or shrug to layer over your clothes, as the air-conditioning can get pretty cool.

Dubai Mall Dress Code For Males

Guys, Dubai Mall attire is quite flexible and classy. Jeans, chinos, and even shorts are permitted at the Dubai Mall.

Though please make sure that your attire is not too short or too revealing, such as tank tops. You can put on something that counts in as casual or modest.

Polo shirts, tees, and dress shirts are optimal for a walk. If you are in the evening, you can wear mi and match things with just a touch of elegance.

Yes, this is a must, especially if you are going for Dubai Fountain shows and upscale diners in Dubai Mall. 

Good footwear is another essential since you are going to walk a lot. The Dubai Mall dress code for guys is relaxed and respectable.

Dubai Mall Dress Code For Females

Ladies, if you are ready to go out in the Dubai Mall, you can dress to play and enjoy, and remember your modesty. It’s your key to elegance.

It is best that you have shirts and dresses that can conceal your shoulders and skirts that can reach down to the mid-thighs.

Avoid wearing see-through and tight clothing. And also, when you are about to wear shirts, it is best that you reserve the strapless ones if you want them on in the privacy of your home only. 

For starters, lighted clothing is very helpful if you want to cope with the air-conditioned temperatures inside the Dubai Mall.

You can also dress up in the long maxi dresses or in smart casuals if you want to watch the fountain show or if you want to have a meal outside.

Dubai Mall Dress Code For Kids

Children can tolerate slightly flexible rules, but from thereon, it is for the adult. Comfortable, light, and airy clothes are the best choice for a sunny day out, but modest T-shirts, shorts, or skater skirts will also do. 

Graphics and texts which are not desirable should be avoided altogether, and an extra layer should be available for cooling purposes by the AC in the air-conditioned space.

The guiding principle is to copy the dress code of the Dubai Mall, which is respectful, practical, and kid-friendly.

What To Wear in Dubai Mall in Summers?

Opt for clothes that are breathable, moisture-wicking and skin-friendly.  Cotton dresses, linen shirts, loose-fitting trousers, and light clothing will be your lifesavers. 

Also, don’t forget to use skin care and other essential accessories like an umbrella, bags, and shades of all kinds, might be required if you happen to stroll towards the mall. 

The climate after you enter the mall is quite powerful because of the AC, and for this, you don’t need much.

All you need is a scarf or a cardigan, which will be your savior. The point is you must dress up in a proper manner while taking a tour of the mall, taking modesty and comfort as your first priority.

What To Wear in Dubai Mall in Winters?

As a girl, you can wear your simple maxi with a covering scarf or a light shawl. Whereas males can put on their jackets with a simple polo shirt and a jacket above.

The winters in Dubai are actually good, but at times they could be quite cold too. So, wear smart casuals in the form of full dresses, long-sleeved shirts, or light jackets. 

You also might need to wear slightly formal clothes for evening shows or events, too. All this has to be done while keeping in mind the dress code, of course.

What Not To Wear in Dubai Mall?

Everything here is wonderful, but there are a few things you should be careful about wearing in public.

It’s best to avoid beachwear, very revealing outfits, or see-through clothes that show lingerie or too much skin. Short shorts, low-cut tops, and strapless dresses can attract the kind of attention you probably don’t want.

Also, try to skip T-shirts with rude graphics, overly worn-out clothes, or messy flip-flops, as they can leave a bad impression.

At the end of the day, dressing with respect for local customs helps you blend in and fully enjoy the luxury and experience.

Practical Styling Tips For Tourists

The styling of a tourist would basically revolve around versatile neutrals, comfortable fabrics, strategic layering for easy transitions, dressing for a place and time, using accessories to make simple basics shine, and avoiding those very typical tourist traps, like the bulky fanny pack, for a more polished, local look.

Despite visiting a hub of international brands and high-end style, there are a few important tips to follow when it comes to dressing.

• Versatility: Pack clothing that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits; for example, neutrals with one or two Statement Pieces.

• Comfort: Choose breathable fabrics-cotton, linen, modal-and comfortable, broken-in footwear that is for walking: sneakers, loafers, ankle boots.

• Laying: It is essential for the variation of temperature. Consider cardigans, scarves, and light jackets over simple tops.

• Color Palette: Neutrals (black, white, gray, beige, navy) are easiest to match and often blend in.

Conclusion

As you know, Dubai’s atmosphere is full of fashion, comfort, and respect for multiple cultures. Whether male, female, or accompanying children, appropriate attire would mean that you enjoy all that the mall has to offer. 

Luckily, you can have your best time in Dubai Mall from shopping sprees to fountain shows without an ounce of trouble.

Though it’s light during summer and layers are permissible in winter, it makes it a necessity to avoid wearing something revealing to make for a smooth trip. 

Also Read: What to Wear in Dubai?