Business Attire in Dubai

Can you get away with not wearing a jacket and tie when having meetings and going out for dinner or should you be prepared to always dress formally for work out there?


(Tried the Dubai section in Select Other Cities but it was empty and I was not sure it would get read so I've posted it here.)

Yes, jacket and tie for the guys and jacket for the ladies.


I had only 1 business meeting & conference there, so others may have a different advice. It also depends on the biz you are in.


Rule of thumb that we practice in our company:

For business trips to customers/suppliers' sites etc, a jacket and tie is a norm as we represent the company.

It's easier to dress down than being unprepared.

We can take off Jacket/tie if dinner venue does not warrant it or the rest of attendees are not wearing them.

Dubai's weather is extremely hot and humid especially in the summer, so it was possible not to wear a jacket, but a tie is a must. Most of the meetings i attended, i find myself the only one that is wearing a jacket and a tie, and the rest are wearing ties only. If you are in sales, Wearing the jacket as FunchalPP said gives you a good representation for your company. Telling you that from my experience since i loved in dubai for a year.

I recommend always wearing a tie and jacket (suit) in Dubai. Most businesses have drivers and you will not be spending much time in the heat. You will see the majority of people taking their coats off once they get inside a restaurant, meeting, etc. Dubai is a prime example of a "flash" country and if they got it - they flaunt it. If you are doing business there I especially recommend a suit and tie as - success looks better in a suit if you know what I mean. Having said that I always wear light suits in light shades when I am in Dubai, Amman and Kuwait City. Ensure that you wear a good quality undershirt (I prefer white underarmour) to ensure that you do not "soak" your shirt if you get too warm. Also, ensure that you pick up on the aspects of Dubai. Do not cross your legs in a manner that shows the bottom of your feet to anyone. Ensure that you always offer your right hand and never use your left to handle any food items. Also, be sure to say "salum" at a minimum when greeting an Arab it is common and if you want to fit it "assalumu alaikum" as a greeting and in return expect "alaikum salum". Enjoy your trip.