Middle East holiday

[sailorsgal]

Going to Abu Dhabi and it will be hot though want to be respectful of local customs. TIA

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What to Wear
First-time visitors to Abu Dhabi may be unsure of what clothing to wear. There are varying ideas of the dress code, but bear in mind that the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country and many of the expatriates living in the country also hold strong religious views. Traditional dress for men is a long white cotton shirt and head-dress secured by a leather rope. The traditional dress for women is a long black cloak over long loose clothing and a black headscarf. Some local women also cover their face in various ways (sometimes the face is completely covered).

Visitors are not expected to cover their heads or wear traditional clothing (except in mosques). However, it is advisable to wear long, loose clothing made from natural materials containing cotton or linen. It is one of the best ways to cope with the heat.

Skirts or pants/trousers should be knee-length or longer. Don't wear tight form-fitting clothes or expose thighs, cleavage, midriff or upper arms. Short sleeve tops are acceptable. It is a good idea to have a loose shirt/jacket or shawl with you at all times even in hot weather as mall, restaurant and cinema air conditioning can be extremely cold.

Beachwear - Shorts are only considered suitable for the beach (for men and women). Normal western-style swimsuits (one or two piece) are acceptable at all beaches. Topless or nude sunbathing is not allowed. Men and women should always wear a shirt when away from the beach.

Maxi dresses/skirts with short sleeves. I've worn long-ish shorts in Qatar, but look hideous in them so wouldn't do it again. 3/4 length trousers are good.

I have a few boden tunics which I thought I would wear over my hush harem trousers. is it ok to wear shorter dresses in the hotel?

I haven't been to Abu Dhabi, but we got stuck in Kuwait on our way back from Kerala in teh Ash Cloud fiasco and so we only had what we had been wearing in Kerala, but it was fine. There is quite a mix of ethnicities there, so people walking about in shorts and fairly strappy tops as well as the full hijab. We had a fab time in a waterpark one day wearing our usual swim stuff. Although we were just about the only Westerners there, noone batted an eyelid at what we had on.

In the evenings in hotels, anything goes. I mean anything. (I live in AD)

Natural fibres are best. I like maxi skirts and maxi dresses, with a lightweight cardi that acts as a cover up of needed. Remember it's going to be cold inside - the AC is bloody cold.

As long as you're not wearing boob tubes and hot pants, you'll be fine. Normal t shirts are fine. 3 quarter trousers are good too.

If you're worried, carry a pashmina with you. Then you can throw it around you if you're feeling self conscious

thanks Thankfully my boob tube and hot pants days are long gone!

When I went to Morocco, I wore maxi dresses with a cardi, and I always wore a long scarf also. I was pretty hot, but I wouldn't have considered wearing anything more 'skimpy' as I would have felt even more self conscious and uncomfortable. I was not a fan of Morocco at all!

Have bought a long skirt from the white company and a couple of linen tops.

We were in Oman recently and the main thing outside the hotel was to cover elbows, knees and cleavage.

Maybe AD is not quite so strict but I did find I just felt more comfortable if I was following that guide.

The one time I was caught out in shorts that only just touched the tops of my knees I had a v uncomfortable afternoon with many stares, leers and some women looking at me in disgust! I could not understand what was so terrible about a bit of knee but since then someone said it is akin to going out in your bra and knickers to the locals!

I wore maxi's and capri type trousers and used scarves a lot to drape round shoulders but found it a bit of a faff.

Instead, I wish I'd had a white 3/4 sleeve cotton or linen loose shirt to throw on over my usual t shirts.

Things I didn't pack but wish I had taken were a midi length skirt (I've got a swishy jersey one that would have been worn a lot), jeans and some 3/4 sleeve tops for evening as it is chilly with aircon. Also some ballet shoes instead of just sandals for same reason.

Inside hotel area you can wear your usual holiday clothes.

The Abaco beach v batwing maxi dress from heidi klein is fairly modest and covers shoulders, elbows and cleavage

www.heidiklein.com/abaco-beach-v-batwing-maxi-dress-5