I really didn’t have a clue how to pack for our trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I had been to the Middle East the year before when we spent 10 days traveling independently around Jordan, but this was different. It was going to be hot. The forecast ranged from high 80s to low 90s during our visit and I wanted to be respectful without sweating to death (though sweating off 5 or 10 pounds would have been okay with me). So here are my tips for how to pack for Dubai:
At the Pool, Beach, or Water Park
Bikinis can be worn at your hotel pool, water parks like Aquaventure at the Atlantis, and even at the beach. But remember, you may need to walk through your hotel lobby to reach the pool or beach, so be sure to pack a coverup. Wrapping a beach towel around you is not sufficient.
Dining Out
Feel free to dress up! Dubai’s residents like to put on their finest and it is acceptable to bare your shoulders when dining out in the evening. Carry a pashmina or scarf that you can drape around your shoulders on the way to and from dinner. Many restaurants keep the air conditioning quite cool to combat the heat outside, so your scarf will come in handy for keeping warm!
At the Malls and Souks
Modest clothing is required for entering the various malls in Dubai and signs on the doors to the malls remind you of that fact. The best rule of thumb is to be covered from your shoulder to your knees. That means no spaghetti straps, tank tops, mini skirts, or shorts. Short sleeves are okay, but it is best to wear at least 3/4 length sleeves.
On Desert Safari
The one place it is a-okay to wear shorts and tank tops in Dubai is when you’re going on a desert safari. Safari trips generally begin in the afternoon (our pick-up was 3pm) to combat desert heat and show you the stunning sunsets in the Arabian Desert. Temperatures can quickly drop once the sun goes down, so I was quite comfortable in cropped pants, a tank top, and a light 3/4 sleeve cardigan that I brought with me for the evening. Wear flip-flops or sandals. The sand is actually wonderful to walk around barefoot in!
At the Mosque
The dress code at mosques open to visitors is strictly enforced. The dress code for women is long pants or skirts, long-sleeve shirts or tops, and hair must be covered with a scarf at all times while on the grounds of the mosque. Bring a scarf with you. If your clothing is deemed inappropriate, the mosque will gladly lend you an abaya (long black gown) to wear during your visit.
Jennifer Dombrowski
Jennifer Dombrowski is a location independent globe trotter and bases herself in Prata di Pordenone, Italy. She works as a social media and innovation strategist in higher education and is a regular contributor on johnnyjet.com. Her website, jdombstravels.com, is the 2012 Destinology Travel Bloggy Best Newcomer award winner. Google+
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We’re Jennifer and Tim and we love traveling! We are just one ordinary couple who have found that travel brought us closer together, taught us patience, the art of compromise, and how to truly appreciate the diversity of this extraordinary world. So far, we've visited 37 countries, lived in the United States and Italy, and Tim has lived in Korea. And we do it all while both holding down full time jobs. 
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6 comments
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Ali
January 1, 2013 at 6:26 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Great tips! Many people who don’t have experience traveling to more modest areas might not realize how you need to dress.
Ali recently posted..Bathroom Travel Hassles
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Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 3:25 pm
Thanks, Ali! Even with experience traveling to Jordan, I still had a difficult time packing. I hope others find the list helpful!
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Katherina
January 6, 2013 at 12:40 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Great tips! When I visited Lebanon a few years ago, all of the girls received a black burka at the entrance, that would cover legs, arms and also hair.
Katherina recently posted..2013: Looking Ahead
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Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 3:13 pm
It’s great that mosques provide a burka, but I think it is also important to dress appropriately in the country you are visiting. We observed so many in Dubai that were not dressed appropriately and it just feels rude to the culture. I know it’s hot, but you can layer and still feel cool and fashionable.
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fon
January 8, 2013 at 3:47 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thank you so much for the very useful information. I went to Dubai and Abu Dhabi many times, but it was only for transfering the flights. I would like to really explore the really cities:) nice photos, nice articles and absolutely nice couple
fon recently posted..Bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok
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Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 12:55 am
You should definitely visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi! Great cities to explore with a wide range of activities. I’m glad to hear you found the tips helpful!
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