Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque reflected in a pool at sunset, Abu DhabiPhoto: David Rodrigo on Unsplash

UAE etiquette and dress code

The UAE is welcoming and relaxed, but it is also a Muslim country with its own customs. A little awareness goes a long way.

Updated November 2026

Millions of people from all over the world live in the UAE, and visitors are made to feel at home. Most of the time you will not notice many rules at all. But there are a few customs that matter, and getting them right shows respect and makes your trip smoother.

What to wear

  • In malls, souks and city streets: dress modestly. A good rule is to cover your shoulders and knees. Tight or see-through clothing can draw attention.
  • At beaches, pools and hotels: swimwear is fine, but cover up when you leave the beach area.
  • At mosques and religious sites: long, loose clothing covering arms and legs for everyone, and a headscarf for women. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque checks the dress code at the door.
  • In Sharjah: the emirate has a public decency code and is more conservative than Dubai. Dress accordingly.

Visiting a mosque

  • Only some mosques are open to non-Muslim visitors. In Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomes everyone, and in Dubai the Jumeirah Mosque has run guided visits.
  • Take your shoes off before entering prayer areas.
  • Avoid visiting during prayer times, especially on Friday at midday.
  • Speak quietly and do not take photos of people praying.

During Ramadan

During the holy month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Visitors are not expected to fast, but it is respectful not to eat, drink or smoke openly in public places during daylight hours. Many restaurants stay open, some behind screens. After sunset, the iftar meal brings people together, and visitors are often welcome to join community iftars. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February.

Public behaviour

  • Keep public displays of affection low-key. Holding hands is generally fine.
  • Swearing and rude gestures, including online, can lead to serious legal trouble.
  • Alcohol is served in licensed venues such as hotels, but drinking in public or being drunk in public is against the law. Sharjah is completely dry.
  • Do not photograph people, especially women and families, without their permission. Avoid photographing government buildings and military sites.

Small things that help

  • Use your right hand to give, receive and eat.
  • If you are offered Arabic coffee (gahwa), it is polite to accept a cup. Gently shake the cup from side to side when you have had enough.
  • The weekend in the UAE is Saturday and Sunday, and many government offices work half a day on Friday. Friday midday prayers are the main weekly prayers.
  • A few words of Arabic are always appreciated. See our useful Arabic phrases.

Sources

Rules and prices change. If you spot something out of date, tell us and we will fix it.