UAE Travel Guide - with Wired Destinations

Dress Code in Muslim Countries

The appropriate dress code in Muslim countries forms a very important aspect for locals. In a Muslim country everyone dresses conservatively. Women usually wear loose clothes that cover their hair, arms and legs. Bahrain’s men are not allowed to wear shorts. On the same token, sleeveless tops are a strictly forbidden. Naturally, clean clothes and only an unobtrusive perfume is preferred. Very importantly, no one is allowed to wear shoes inside a mosque, and one is expected to talk very softly  while inside a holy shrine.

The Muslim dress code has a few more rules. In traditional areas, like the markets (souks), villages and such areas, short skirts are not proper for women. Long skirts below the knee level or even trousers are preferable. Western garments like tops with deep necklines are ill-advised. Therefore, women have the choice of half sleeves to the full-sleeve tops. In general, men can go less formal here, however, be sure not to wear your best clothes around here, as some places tend to get a bit sandy and dusty.

In shopping malls, all of this becomes less strict; yet, as for women, it is recommended to wear conservative styles only. People usually dress up in shopping malls. In restaurants flashy gowns can be worn and the conservative dress rules vary from restaurant to another. Rule of thumb, mind the Muslim culture and do as the locals do, and DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL in public places!