What do female tourists wear in Abu Dhabi? There are varying ideas of what to wear in Abu Dhabi but the general public is probably dressed the same as it would be anywhere else in Abu Dhabi. So once again – be respectful!
Visitors are not expected to cover their heads or wear traditional clothing. However, it is advisable to wear long clothing made of cotton or linen. If you or someone you know is planning to visit the UAE, I ask that you respect the tradition of the place and do not misrepresent the character of the place.
In December 2016, I received a lot of negative attention for wearing a bikinis on the Burj Khalifa. I felt self-conscious since I was dressed normally and not pregnant. As a person who does not wear any covers, I could easily see why people were annoyed. However, as long as you do your research and respect local customs, you can safely wear burkah.
Women are expected to cover up. To the point of no consequences, I’ve seen many women do in Dubai, but they never quite got around to showing their breasts. Here’s the rule of thumb I tell friends and family to stick to: no consequences, nothing to see here”.
Men can wear western clothes, like jeans, sweatpants and shorts. They can also wear singlets, flip flops and summer clothes. However, if you want to be respectful and not attract negative attention (or worse) then avoid shorts that are very short (and end way higher than the knees), tops that hang too low or any see-through shirts or pants.
Other than that, it is acceptable to wear skirts, shorts and show some skin.
What do female tourists wear in Abu Dhabi? You can choose from traditional dresses such as bikinis or corsets. Don’t be surprised if their skirts are loose and they look uncomfortable – just try not to pinch the hair – or try to cover it by putting a scarf around your neck or arms. Don’t forget sun protection!
Women can wear singlets, flip flops and summer clothes. However, if you want to be respectful and not attract negative attention (or worse) then avoid shorts that are very short, tops that hang too low or any form of see-through shirts or pants.
Most of the malls that open to the public in Abu Dhabi are Islamic. So you need to be aware that some of the malls have a very strict dress code. This means young women and men can wear very revealing clothes in front of the radio, in the street or in the lobby.
When I left the mall, I saw a lot of people who had just left the St. Regis Hotel for the Marina. I asked the concierge if there were any rules that people who have been to Abu Dhabi long should not be wearing. The concierge said that if anyone mentioned anything wrong with the dress code, it’s best to just respect the culture and do as you are told.
Hi Ravinder, you probably don’t need to worry about the tourists. The malls are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EDT). IAH (election accessible unhookable cardboard box) is the best option for hotel stays. It can be removed by hand if the weather is unpleasant.
I bought a pack of Neggers and a sun hat.
