dubai wardrobe help

My friends have just come back from there and she said she was glad she'd taken long sleeves and trousers because she said it was so hot you'd get burnt to a crisp otherwise!

Thanks thats very helpful

I live in DXB and rightly or wrongly get very annoyed when I see people (mainly tourists) inappropriately dressed. The advice Flora has given pretty much sums it up.

In and around the hotel you can pretty much get away with what I'd call 'normal holiday wear', for dinner, brunches etc - glam it up a tiny bit. If you go to a 'Friday brunch' you'll see a lot of the women have made a bit more of an effort - they guys..... well ok they do tend to be a bit smarter.

For outside of the hotel....... jeans/trousers/maxi skirts and even knee length skirts are all fine, DO NOT WEAR SHORT SHORTS (sorry have seen lots of them around grrrrrrrrrr), for tops - remember it is hot so tops in cotton/linen - t-shirt length sleeves and longer would be respectful, if they are see through then wear a vest top underneath, try to get something slightly longer than you might usually wear.

For the evenings........ you can go for something a fraction more revealing but take a cover up - pashminas work well.

If you go into the old part of Dubai (Deira - where you'll find the gold souk, spice souk or Bur Dubai) then dress more conservatively but this is mainly due to the stares you are likely to get from the people in this area (Asian expats/labourers) and of course if you visit any of the mosques then cover up and take a scarf to put over your hair. I'd also suggest dressing more conservatively if you take trips to some of the other Emirates.

I've never worn a hat in my 2 years here and never had sunstroke but would advise a high factor suntan lotion. Comfy shoes are a must - the malls here are big.......