You cannot visit Dubai and ignore the Burj Khalifa. One of the most important facts about Burj Khalifa is that it is the tallest building in the world. Moreover, it rises way above all the skyscrapers in the city. But Burj Khalifa is not a place that you must only admire from the outside. In fact, no visit to Dubai is complete without visiting the Burj Khalifa. Located next to the enormous Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa is a popular tourist destination. Many people book combo tours like Burj Khalifa with Aquarium, so that they can explore the record-breaking building along with the indoor aquarium in Dubai Mall. But before you visit Burj Khalifa, it is important to understand what you can wear and not wear. Here is a complete guide on Burj Khalifa dress code for visitors.
Importance of Dress Etiquette in Dubai
At sight, Dubai is a modern city, one of the most luxurious in the world. The city resembles any cosmopolitan city in the western world. While the city may look ultra-modern, it is still is a part of the UAE, a country that follows the rules of Islam. While Dubai is quite liberal as compared to other Arab countries, there are some rules and regulations on behavior and dressing style that one needs to follow. Although Dubai does not have any dress code or restrictions, it expects everyone, including residents and tourists, to be modest in their dressing style. This fact is especially true when it comes to public places like malls and tourist attractions. This includes Burj Khalifa as well. If you are visiting Burj Khalifa, it is important to make sure that your outfit is modest and respectful. Here we are going to discuss everything you need to know about the dress code for Burj Khalifa.
General Dress Code Guidelines for Burj Khalifa Visitors
Although there is no strict dress code Burj Khalifa, there are some unsaid rules that you need to follow:
- The clothes you wear should cover your shoulders and knees.
- The clothes should not be too tight and should not have a plunging neckline. You can carry a stole or a shawl to cover yourself up.
- Regular clothes that cover your body modestly are acceptable.
- When it comes to footwear, opt for comfortable closed shoes, as visiting the Burj Khalifa may involve a lot of walking. Walking shoes or closed shoes or sandals are acceptable, depending on which part of the building you are visiting.
- Dress up as per the season. For summer, wear clothes that are made of breathable fabrics. When you are visiting the building in the winter, carrying a light jacket would be a good idea, especially while visiting after sunset.
What to Wear to Burj Khalifa: For Different Visitor Categories
Here we will specify the types of dresses that can be worn by men, women, and children visiting the Burj Khalifa.
Burj Khalifa Dress Code for Men
Here are some of the recommendations for Burj Khalifa dress code men. You will find local men wearing the traditional kandura along with the head gear. There is no compulsion for tourists to wear it. Instead, you can pick from the following outfit ideas:
- For upper wear, men can go for full-sleeved or half-sleeved button-down shirts and polo t-shirts with sleeves.
- For bottom wear, knee-length shorts, trousers, chinos, jeans, etc., are acceptable.
- For footwear, men can wear a strong pair of closed shoes or even smart sandals.
Burj Khalifa Dress Code for Women
Religious places in Dubai like mosques require women to wear the traditional abaya before entering. However, this rule does not apply to visiting Burj Khalifa. But the Burj Khalifa dress code for ladies asks for modesty. Here are some outfits that women can wear while visiting the world’s tallest tower:
- If you are wearing a dress, a maxi dress or a dress that goes beyond your knees is acceptable. Mid-length skirts can also be worn.
- If you are not wearing a dress, you can opt for loose pants and linen trousers that cover your knees.
- Sleeved blouses, t-shirts, and tops are good options for upper wear. Regular sleeveless tops and dresses are also permitted.
- Stylish sandals, ballerinas, or walking shoes are good options for footwear. High heeled shoes and stilettos are great options for certain occasions.
Dress Code for Children
The dress code for children is similar to that of adults, although a little bit more relaxed. Make sure that your kids are dressed in comfortable clothes. Cotton T-shirts, shorts, long pants, etc., are acceptable. Girls can also wear tops and skirts as well as frocks. Children should also wear comfortable shoes while visiting Burj Khalifa.
Burj Khalifa Dress Code for Different Experiences
The reason you are visiting Burj Khalifa will also determine the dress code. The outfit you wear if you have Burj Khalifa At the Top 124th floor tickets may not be the same if you are dining at one of the fine dining restaurants here. Here’s what you can wear as per the reasons to visit Burj Khalifa.
Observation Decks
Most tourists visit the observation decks in Burj Khalifa. The building has two observation decks: one on the 124th and 125th floors, named At the Top and the other on the 148th floor, named At the Top, SKY.
- Casual attire is all you need to visit the observation decks. Long pants, knee-length shorts, collared t-shirts with sleeves, and button-down shirts will all work. Similarly, women can go for knee-length or long shirts.
- Women can wear sleeveless tops and dresses, but it is important to not wear thin straps. In such a case, throwing a pashmina or stole over your shoulders would be a good idea.
- While casual attire is accepted at the observation decks, you are also free to wear dressy outfits if you want to get some good pictures with the bird’s eye view of the city in the background.
- Visiting the observation decks involves a lot of walking and standing around, so you must wear comfortable walking shoes. High-heeled sandals would not be a good idea, although a good pair of sandals are also great.
Lounge or Fine Dining Experience
If you are dining at At.Mosphere or at one of the restaurants of Hotel Armani, wearing casual clothes may not be a good idea, especially shorts, jeans, and T-shirts. This is also the case if you are visiting the lounge or if you have Burj Khalifa tickets with The Cafe Treat.
- Dining at the restaurants, cafe, or lounge of Burj Khalifa requires you to wear smart casuals or elegant attire.
- Men should wear shirts, trousers, and closed shoes.
- Skirts and smart pants paired with elegant blouses and evening gowns or dresses would be perfect for women.
- You can also check with the restaurant you are dining at to know if it has a specific dress code.
- Closed shoes for men and elegant sandals are the right footwear for women. Ladies can also wear stilettos with their outfits while dining at restaurants in Burj Khalifa.
What Not to Wear at Burj Khalifa?
As important as it is to know what you should wear while visiting Burj Khalifa, it is also important to know what you should not wear while visiting the building.
- Revealing clothing are a complete no-no. Avoid anything that is too tight, transparent, or short. Off-shoulder dresses, crop tops, tiny short, noodle straps, etc., should be avoided.
- T-shirts that have offensive slogans, symbols, logos, etc., should also not be worn while visiting Burj Khalifa.
- You must avoid wearing swimwear, gym clothes or active wear, and beach wear.
- Clothes that are too casual, like ripped jeans, should also be avoided.
- You must also refrain from wearing dirty footwear.
Conclusion
The people of Dubai have been welcoming tourists from all over the world for decades. And it is important to be respectful about their beliefs and rules. Wearing the right kind of clothes while visiting public places like Burj Khalifa seems appropriate. So, make sure you follow the rules mentioned above while you are picking your outfit for your Burj Khalifa visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
