Dubai Shopping Festival outfits: what women wear

How modestly to dress in Dubai’s malls

Dubai is more relaxed than its neighbours, but malls and public places still ask visitors to dress respectfully. Covering your shoulders and knees is the simple rule that works everywhere, and it avoids being asked to cover up by mall staff. Mosques ask for long sleeves, full-length trousers or skirts and a head covering. If your plans take you across the border into Sharjah, expect a stricter standard, which we explain in our guide to what to wear in Sharjah.

For everyday ideas beyond the festival, our guide to modest everyday outfits for life in the UAE covers work, school runs and weekends.

A full day of shopping

Comfort comes first when you are walking from one end of a mall to the other. A long, loose kurta over straight trousers lets you move easily and looks neat in every shop mirror. Breathable cotton or cambric stays comfortable when you step out of the air-conditioning into the sun, and full or three-quarter sleeves keep you covered without a cardigan to carry.

A long shirt dress over slim trousers is another easy choice: one piece, no matching needed, and pockets if you ask for them. Our button-front shirt dress is an example of the shape, made to your measurements and length.

Outdoor evenings and markets

Festival evenings are spent outdoors at markets, fireworks and waterfront walks, and the temperature drops once the sun goes down. An open abaya is the easiest layer: it covers you from shoulder to ankle, goes over anything and comes off in seconds when you go back inside. A bell-sleeve abaya in crepe has enough body to keep the breeze off, while a chiffon one adds a lighter, dressier look over an embroidered dress.

Dinners and family gatherings

December brings family visits, dinners and gatherings that call for something a little smarter. An embroidered kaftan is generous and comfortable after a big meal; the custom kaftan service explains the shapes and how the embroidery is placed. An embroidered suit in a rich colour, with a shawl for the drive home, works just as well. Deep greens, burgundy and navy suit the season and photograph beautifully under evening lights.

Ordering to Dubai in time

Every outfit is made to your measurements in Pakistan. Making takes 5 to 7 working days once your written quote is approved and paid in full, and shipping time to the UAE is added on top and varies, so order with time to spare before the dates you care about. Your quote can be in US dollars, euros or pounds and includes delivery to your address and any import charges.

If you usually buy shop sizes, our guide to sizing from the UAE shows how to measure instead. When you are ready, open the quote form for the UAE and send a photo of the look you want.