Ranked among the top holiday destinations in the Middle East, thousands of visitors vacation in the United Arab Emirates each year. Attracted to the desert nation due to its dramatic landscapes, cultural heritage, and retail hotspots, very few tourists take the time to find out what type of attire is appropriate to wear on a getaway to a conservative Islamic country. From how to dress to what to avoid, here are some practical tips on what's acceptable to wear during a holiday in the Emirates.

It is important to keep in mind that during a vacation in the United Arab Emirates, the confines of your resort or hotel are the safest in terms of fashion faux pas and clothing mishaps. Whether you are based at the Oaks Liwa Executive Suites or any one of the other serviced apartments in Abu Dhabi or Dubai or elsewhere, swimwear and trendy resort wear are only permissible inside your base. This is due to the fact that hotels and hospitality establishments have a more relaxed attitude towards tourist clothing than the public of the UAE so these spaces tend to be less judgmental when it comes to your clothing choices. This does not mean that bikinis or revealing clothing with cleavage are acceptable as tolerance levels will differ from hotel to hotel.

Women in Traditional Dresses in Emirates | Image by Rodnae Productions via pexels

When embarking on sightseeing tours and spending time on the streets, public squares, transport hubs, and other locations, it is best to be modestly dressed. This means outfits that go well beyond the knees for both men and women while shoulders and arms should also be concealed if you are a member of the fairer sex. Long-sleeved tops, dresses, and t-shirts are acceptable while long trousers, skirts, and pants are also permissible as long as they are not tight-fitting and are not low-waisted. Carrying a shawl can come in handy when traveling around in the UAE as it is an easy way to cover up when necessary.

Visitors who spend time in local malls and department stores in Dubai or Abu Dhabi will inevitably come across signs that request patrons to dress "respectfully." In spite of these signboards, it is apparent that very few locals and tourists pay heed to this request as issues only crop up if someone takes the pains to complain about your "disrespectable" attire, which rarely happens. So, tourists can be more casual about their fashion choices when heading to a mall although it is not uncommon for security personnel to offer travelers a shawl or a jacket if they feel travelers are inappropriately dressed. Most malls have extra shawls and jackets on hand for such an occasion.

It is best to cover up from head to toe when visiting mosques, museums, and other cultural points of interest in the United Arab Emirates. The security procedures and personnel outside heritage sites are very strict about clothing and may end up refusing access to visitors they deem to be inappropriately dressed. Avoid public embarrassment and miss out on touring some of the Middle East's finest architectural and historic highlights by wearing modest, conservative clothing. Women may be asked to cover their hair in a shawl when entering certain religious spots.

There are certain types of clothing that can bring negative attention from onlookers and locals in general during a stay in the Emirates. This includes cut-out jeans and denims and clothes made from transparent materials. Avoid tight-fitting clothing altogether and opt for loose and flowy tops, dresses, and pants that do not accentuate certain areas of your body.