Dress code in Dubai?

[Nounderwireplease]

I’m travelling to Dubai for the first time at the end of the month. I have googled but still unsure about the dress code, particularly on the beach. I’m staying at one of the main hotels so presume anything goes there but I would like to go to La Mer beach…can I wear a bikini there? I also plan on getting taxis from the hotel to the beach (15 min journey time) alone, is this safe? I appreciate this sounds very ignorant so apologies in advance if this is offensive. I’ve never been before, will be alone for much of the trip and am a nervous traveller at the best of times. Grateful for any tips / do’s and don’ts.

Yes you can wear a bikini on the beach; cover up in the taxi. In my experience shorts and t shirt are fine, but long sleeves are always appreciated.
You can ask your hotel to organise a woman’s taxi - driven by a woman- it will be safe.
Don’t get in a random taxi if you have been drinking. Modest dress is always safer.
You are not being offensive. It’s good to think about norms.

Thank you so much @PinkflowersWhiteBerries that’s really helpful. I didn’t know about the women’s taxis, I will definitely do that. I will pack plenty of long sleeves too.

They have pink taxis (literally yellow taxis with a pink roof) that are driven by women.
I was a single female travelling in Dubai a couple of
weeks ago and felt completely safe getting into taxis.
I also wore ‘standard’ holiday clothes, no different to anywhere else. I wouldn’t wear just a bikini in the street in America or France etc and I wouldn’t in Dubai.
Enjoy the warm weather! 😎

This! No boobs or bums hanging out but normal holiday wear is fine. If you're going to the souks maybe cover up a little more but most things are fine x

Thanks @Justfivemoreminutesplease I will look out for those! That’s reassuring to know you were in the same situation and felt safe.

I'm travelling in 2 weeks time and I'm nervous too. Want to be respectful but also cool as I don't do well in heat. We're not having a drop and flop holiday, going to be on the go al the time.

Loose cotton kaftan style dresses as cover ups. Perfect for heat and modesty.

Check if it's open before you get in the taxi, as they were in the process of shutting it down a couple of months ago. You would be better off going to JBR, it's massive and you've got all the shops and restaurants and a lovely view of the wheel (which isn't functional btw). Don't worry about clothing, as long as you only wear swimwear on the beach and not in the restarants/shops. I have spent 50% of the year in Dubai for the 8 years so know it very well! Also don't worry about just getting pink taxis, any taxi is fine but don't get lured into a black lexus as you will get ripped off.

FYI If you’re taking the metro they also have women and children only carriages, usually at the back of the train

Just come back from Dubai.
In tourist places- big hotels, pool/ beach/ water park then normal beachwear is fine. Bikini and a kaftan or sun dress cover up.
Personally I wore dresses/ skirts that were knee length or longer when out- malls etc. I either had short sleeves or if sleeveless style or low cut I took a shawl which was also helpful for air con. I saw lots of people in crop tops, leggings etc in Dubai Mall though!
It feels very safe. Use the Careem app for Hala taxis.

Solo female traveller and i had no issues getting around using taxis arranged for me by the hotel, all with male drivers.

My tip would have been not to go, but as you have committed to going, hope the suggestions others have made are useful.

A wrap of some kind for inside the malls is a must they are very cold compared to outside! Also something for full head covering and wrist to ankle coverage if you plan to visit a mosque.

Thank you everyone for those tips. I’ll definitely take a shawl and buy a kaftan.

@robinsnest1967 do you mean they were shutting down the women’s taxis?

No shutting down La Mer to refurbish it. It was an OK beach, nothing special but just looked old and a bit scruffy.

Hi hoping someone can help - I wondered if anyone has brought prescribed medication into Dubai?

I’m bringing prescribed medication for a long term health condition with me, I have checked and it’s not on the controlled substance list. Is there anything further I need to do? I emailed the health ministry a couple of weeks ago just to double check I understood the process correctly but didn’t hear back. Thank you in advance.

As long as it is not on the controlled list, you will be fine. Best to keep it in its original packaging with your name label shown.

Yes, I took my medication including sertraline. I took it in its original box from the pharmacy, with my name on. I also took a copy of my prescription and I printed a screenshot of the NHS app with my medication list. No one asked but I was pleased that I was prepared in case they did.

Also only take a small amount so no more than one month’s worth.

Honestly OP, you'll have a lovely time. Bikinis are perfectly acceptable on beaches and around the hotel pools. Cover up with tee shirts and shorts to ride in a cab, but you would anyway! Malls and indoor attractions can be chilly due to the AC, but a nice shirt or light cardi will suffice.
The only place you want to be conservative is the Souk's imo, maxi skirt and blouse / tee will be fine. Taxis are super cheap and the light beige ones are licensed. Careem app is great. It felt safe as there is no beer-fuelled tourists!

Thank you, that’s put my mind at rest. I will take the original box with name label and take a screenshot on my nhs app. I’m running out of things to worry about now!

Don’t wear shorts in malls, taxis and in downtown where there are a lot of emirati locals. At that time of year it will be perfectly comfortable to wear something a little longer and definitely more appropriate. Dress as you like within the confines of your hotel though!

Be aware that if you go to public beaches you are likely to get a lot more staring than on hotel beaches. You may also get some of the immigrant workers there in the sea in underpants which are not particularly appropriate. Watch out for men trying to take photos of you on beaches as well. Be cautious when using toilets/changing facilities at public beaches.
Taxis are fine but yes use a pink taxi if available. Be aware that taxi drivers can report you to the police if they deem your behaviour or conduct to be lacking in some way. I'm not trying to scare you btw. Lived there for years.

As long as your knees and shoulders are covered no one will bat an eyelid in the malls. That rule though is very much flouted.

Dubai only has two mobile phone providers and using data services of any type can be very expensive. You can buy a tourist sim that gives both calls and data from Du (passport is needed).

Metro service is good if somewhat crowded.