What to wear in Dubai: dress codes for mosques, beaches and the sights

Visit Dubai says all attire is generally acceptable in a city where more than 200 nationalities live, but asks visitors to be mindful of the local culture and religion and to dress for the occasion. Its packing list includes clothing that covers the shoulders and midriff for public areas.

Swimwear is fine at the beach and the pool, but not in areas such as business districts and shopping malls. Avoid clothes with offensive slogans or images, or anything that could insult a religion, faith or culture.

Evenings out vary: some party spots and rooftop lounges are known for a stylish dress code, while the eateries along The Beach and The Walk at JBR are flip-flop friendly. Indoor spaces are always air-conditioned, so a light shawl or jacket helps in malls and cinemas.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi asks women for loose clothing down to the ankles, sleeves to the wrists and full hair coverage, with nothing transparent, tight-fitting or revealing. Men should cover their legs and avoid transparent, tight-fitting or sleeveless shirts; the mosque's FAQ asks for long, loose, ankle-length clothes for women and men.

The mosque also asks visitors to avoid excessive jewellery, heavy make-up and vibrant colours, and clothes with slogans or inappropriate drawings. Children are welcome, under their parents' constant supervision.

In Dubai, Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslim guests. Guided visits start at 10:00 and 14:00 from Saturday to Thursday, with registration from 30 minutes before each; the mosque is closed on Fridays, admission is AED 55, and no booking is needed.

Jumeirah Mosque requires modest clothing: women should cover their arms, legs and hair, and men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Abayas and sheilas are provided for women who need them, and kanduras for men.

On our Abu Dhabi day tour, bring your own headscarf rather than relying on one at the door, and expect to take your shoes off before the prayer halls.

In Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the souks around the creek, Visit Dubai recommends dressing more modestly: sleeved tops and trousers, or skirts and shorts past the knee.

Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi asks for clothes that cover both knees and shoulders, and comfortable shoes; shorts, sleeveless tops, see-through garments and flip-flops are not allowed.

The Dubai Frame's rules ask visitors to consider respectful clothing, and Global Village asks them to dress modestly; as Global Village is a very large outdoor park, it also recommends comfortable shoes.

Swimwear is acceptable at hotel pools and beaches, Visit Dubai says, and it suggests packing a cover-up for the water parks and beach clubs.

Atlantis Aquaventure requires appropriate swimwear at all times: one-piece or two-piece swimsuits, speedos, rash guards, board shorts and burkinis. Abayas, sarees, cotton tops or bottoms, jeans, long pants, undergarments, street clothes and see-through items are not accepted.

Life jackets are required at Aquaventure for all swimmers under 1.2 metres, and regular nappies are not allowed in any pool; swim nappies are available in the park's gift shops.

From November to April, highs average 25°C and evenings cool to lows of 14°C, so Visit Dubai suggests a light jacket, and something thicker for a desert safari, as the desert can get quite cold.

In summer, with temperatures peaking above 40°C, pack light, breathable fabrics, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and reapply the sunscreen through the day, in the open-air historic districts and the desert as well as at the beach.

At Ski Dubai, both official Snow Park passes include clothing rental and fleece gloves. With our ticket, winter clothing, jackets and boots are issued at the entrance, so bring your own gloves and warm socks, or buy them there.

You can still go to the beach and to restaurants during Ramadan. Visit Dubai notes a few dress guidelines to respect the local culture and religion, but beachwear is acceptable at hotel beaches and pools, and restaurants stay open through the day for those who are not fasting.