Dubai work attire - please help me!

[Slayday]

I have a business trip to Dubai and need help with what to wear. Is it as conservative in the business districts as other sites on the Internet make out? Do I need to cover up head to toe? Do they really frown on sandals over closed toe shoes. Is the aircon turned up to ridiculous levels so that I need to prepare for winter?

I will be frequenting shared office spaces, it's not corporate but I really want to fit in with other business people.

I have a lovely halter neck dress with a pleated skirt for evening, but it has bare shoulders.

Please advise!

I have a lovely halter neck dress with a pleated skirt for evening, but it has bare shoulders.

Out of respect for the country I am visiting I wouldn’t dream of even taking this.

Work wear I would go with trousers and a long sleeved cotton shirt (not tight fitting). Plus a jacket etc as air con will make it cooler.

I was not intending on being disrepectful! Thank you for your advice. Would black trousers be out of place? Or is it best to get more earthy tones as it's so hot?

It’s conservative- local women are covered up to the wrist and down to the ankle which should give you an idea of their preferences. As a westerner the same is not expected but a general guide is shoulders covered, nothing form fitting or very tight, absolutely no cleavage on shoe, trousers rather than skirts that risk rising up. Long sleeves preferred and definitely no sleeveless. Black trousers are ok. Smart sandals are fine.

*cleavage on show

I'm in Dubai. It depends on the company you're visiting, but I wouldn't personally wear a halter neck. It's also not something I think I ever see people in my office wearing (and we are pretty much as permissive as you can get - there wouldn't be an issue if someone wanted to wear a halter neck). For an evening event, absolutely fine.

That said I don't think it's something I'd wear in an office environment in the UK either!

In general - absolutely not a need to cover head to toe. Whether you need to cover more than you would in the UK really depends on where you're going. For some areas I would dress more conservatively (still not head to toe covered anywhere) but I doubt you'll be going to those types of areas on a fairly short business trip. [For Dubai peeps - thinking I wouldn't be in a miniskirt in many parts of Al Quoz and similar] Happy for you to PM me for more detailed advice.

Also no idea on why anyone would say sandals aren't ok. I mean flipflops in a top end restaurant might be an issue, but not culturally.

I worked there for two years and it's not quite as restrictive as others are saying - particularly in the corporate world where you are actually highly unlikely to encounter any Emirates as they don't tend to work as such! I think I met one. My husband worked with more but he was based in Abu Dhabi which is more traditional.
Most of my work colleagues were Lebanese (very glamorous) or South Asian.
That being said, business wear is quite formal and shorter skirts are best avoided - even knee length. I used to live in straight cut trousers and various light weight blouses / tops with short sleeves - but not sleeveless. I also had a variety of cardigans / to act as a coverup or to counteract the vicious air-conditioning. Midaxi length skirts and dresses would work well also.
I don't remember any particular guidance re not showing toes but I don't wear open toed shoes at work anyway.
In terms of evening wear it depends where you are / who you are with. Your dress sounds perfect for a dinner with other Westerners in a hotel but if you are mixing outside the hotel it might be a bit too revealing - again a lightweight kimono style cover up might work with the dress.
Hope that helps!

Hi thank you for your advice. I ended up packing really well and brought appropriate clothing. I did not intend to wear the halter neck dress at work! I was thinking more for cocktails on the palm etc. anyway, I wore my dress for an all day brunch at one of the hotels and it was perfect. I got light grey trousers, cream shoes and a blouse for the office and it was ideal.

lots of women in sleeveless maxi dresses in hotels, in the mall etc. it really isn’t as bad as people made out, just what you’d see ppl wearing to work and on a spring day in London really.

I went to the old part and covered up head to toe and was glad I did.

thanks again everyone I had a great trip.

I was wondering about the restriction on toe cleavage 😆