What to Pack for a Trip to the UAE + Outfit Inspiration for Women
/YOU’RE GOING TO the uae - YAY!
Now, comes the fun part (well at least for some people) - picking out your outfits! While everyone’s personal style is different, one thing is consistent throughout The UAE which is VERY important to keep in mind when selecting outfits - IT WILL BE HOT.
HOW TO DRESS FOR THE WEATHER AS A WOMAN
During the winter months, you’ll rarely see the temperature drop below 70, but in the summer you could see the temps peak at 110. Because of this you’ll find that virtually every place will BLAST the air conditioning. So you’ll want to make sure you pack clothes that work both in extreme heat & when the A/C.
HOW TO DRESS FOR THE CULTURE AS A WOMAN
On top of the heat component, it’s also important to consider the cultural elements of visiting this destination when packing.
The UAE is rooted in Islamic traditions, so even in cosmopolitan Dubai, do as the longtime expats do and respect the culture by dressing more modestly than you would at home. The easy rule of thumb is that women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
If you’re in Dubai and visiting touristy locations it’s okay to show a little of your shoulders and knees. But when visiting old Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you’ll want to cover up.
No matter where you are, do not wear short skirts, shorts, crop tops, or show too much skin between your shoulders and knees if you want to be as respectful as possible. You will of course see many women who push boundaries but I always like to err on the side of respect.
Emiratis – both men and women – dress in loose-fitting robes, and you’ll see many local women opting to cover their hair or faces with a scarf.
A colorful pashmina or scarf will be your new best friend on a trip to the UAE - never leave the hotel without one so you always have one just in case. You can drape it around the head and hair and it will do the trick.
The ONLY golden rule I would suggest is to make sure you're packing layers, breathable fabrics and maybe a wrap or light jacket if you get chilly at night or on the plane.
PRO TIP #1: Copy and paste that list into the notes section of your phone so that you can reference it when you’re packing.
PRO TIP #2: if you're looking to Jazz up your looks for this trip without breaking the bank you should absolutely look into Rent the Runway. This is my GO-TO when traveling. You can use my code: RTRALLEP for 40% off two months.
Another fantastic option that is also much more size-inclusive than Rent the Runway is Nuuly (owned by Anthropologie and Free People) I also rent from them and LOVE their selection. While my discount code isn't as good as RTR if you click this link you'll get $20 off your first month!
UAE MVPS
There are a few things I NEVER travel to UAE without. To help you in your packing process, I'm sharing some of my staples. Each of these items is linked just in case you see something you love and want to shop.
What to wear during the day in THE UAE
What to wear in the evenings in the UAE
WHAT TO WEAR WHEN VISITING THE SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE IN ABU DHABI
The UAE is a Muslim nation and this is one of its prized religious sites so as a woman when you visit you need to FULLY cover up & they take this VERY seriously. I have visited many mosques in countries all around the world but NONE have been as strict as the Grand Mosque. They fully inspect everyone who plans to enter & if you are not properly covered up (I’m talking wrists, ankles & head covered) you will not be allowed to enter. I remember with the kaftan I wore, there was concern that too much of my wrists were showing....I had to shrink up my shoulders to hide my wrists when walking in (don’t let that be you haha).
The mosque provides photos of what’s allowed and what is not.
Previously they gave Abayas to visitors to rent, however, that policy was eliminated in 2023. So it’s VITAL that you come prepared & properly covered.
My best piece of advice for this day would be to purchase an Abaya on Amazon & plan to have that with you on the day we visit Abu Dhabi. You can wear a different outfit for the rest of our exploring but when we visit the mosque you can pop the Abaya on over your outfit in our van and put on a proper head scarf.
What to wear to the pool in the UAE
Don’t feel like you need to wear any special kind of bathing suit if you plan to go for a swim at the hotel / resort you’re staying at (especially in Dubai). You’ll see plenty of women in every style of swimsuit so wear whatever you are most comfortable with.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: if you're looking to Jazz up your looks for this trip without breaking the bank you should absolutely look into Rent the Runway. This is my GO-TO when traveling. You can use my code: RTRALLEP for 40% off two months.
Another fantastic option that is also much more size-inclusive than Rent the Runway is Nuuly (owned by Anthropologie and Free People) I also rent from them and LOVE their selection. While my discount code isn't as good as RTR if you click this link you'll get $20 off your first month!
ACCESSORIES
SHOES
TOILETRIES
Some of my travel staples for India trips
MORE OPTIONS LINKED BELOW:
MY UAE PACKING LIST
Day dresses / jumpsuits
Night dresses / matching sets
Outfits for the evening
A couple of scarves / shawls for when you need to cover your head
Abaya for any mosques you might visit
Swimsuits
Cover-ups / sarong
Layering tops
Flowy pants
Blouses/linen tops
Maxi skirts
Tank tops / t-shirts
Sweater or cardigan (for the plane)
Activewear
Comfortable airplane outfit
PJs
Socks and compression socks
Comfortable walking shoes
Sneakers
Flats
Sandals
Heels for a night on the town
Carry-all bag
Hat
Hair accessories
Jewelry & Sunglasses
Toiletry bag (makeup, hair & skincare)
First aid kid (pain meds, bandaids, etc.) Click here for a full post on how to stay healthy while traveling
Device chargers
External battery
Carry on
Away luggage (click here for $20 off)
Dirty laundry bag
Chapstick
Power converter and adapter
Personal fan
Coin purse or small wallet
UAE OUTFIT INSPIRATION
Do you have any packing suggestions on what to bring for a trip to the UAE? If you do, please share them in the comments!
If you are looking for more UAE travel tips, make sure to check out my Dubai Destination Guide.