While Dubai may have become synonymous with over-the-top glamour—a caricature reinforced by TV shows such as Dubai Bling and Real Housewives—in reality, it’s a city of eclectic style sensibilities that far outshine the sequins and skyscraper heels for which it’s known.
Priding itself on diversity and with an entrepreneurial spirit at the heart, Dubai attracts a host of different cultures and personalities, resulting in a dynamic variety of style tribes influenced by just about everywhere. Oumayma Elboumeshouli, a creative director and content creator, perfectly embodies the reactive dressing that sees city suiting and beach chic all in a day’s wardrobe changes for Dubai residents. Growing up in Amsterdam and of Moroccan descent, Oumayma first moved to Dubai in 2017 and has since cultivated a strong style identity, thanks in part, she says, to the confidence Dubai has given her to be experimental with her fashion choices.
“Dubai has actually influenced my style a lot, in a very positive way—I feel like I can be more myself. In Amsterdam, or Europe in general, it’s all about being comfortable, but in Dubai, you can go as crazy as you want because you’re not the only one. I really love dressing up here, the city makes me feel more confident.” A multifaceted city where one moment you can be at a meeting in the shiny D3 Design District and the next having cocktails on the beach at sunset, Dubai requires an arsenal of adaptive outfits to see you transition to any and every environment.
Traveling often between Morocco and Dubai over the years, Oumayma says the Middle East has influenced her in myriad ways, not solely in a modest aesthetic. “The Middle Eastern woman is very strong which also defines my style perfectly, as well as being independent,” she says. “Although people outside may see Middle Eastern women very differently, in my household, we’ve always been told to be strong, feel strong and confident.”
Oumayma is always on the hunt for inspiration for her unique photo shoots, and when in Dubai, she can be found scouring markets and hidden corners of the city. “I like to go to Alserkal Avenue where a lot of creative people hang out to sit in a cafe and work,” she says. “For shopping, I like THAT Concept Store—it has lots of interesting labels. And I love the vibrant mix of cultures in Dubai, so I go to Satwa for the food and to discover new restaurants to eat where locals eat. I also love customizing my own stuff so I meet with the tailors there, who are very talented.”
Here’s what to pack for Dubai, according to ultra-chic style expert Oumayma Elboumeshouli.
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A tote bag
“Always carry a tote bag with you. They’re perfect for a beach day—I choose raffia or canvas, and my favorite style is the Loewe tote.” It’s true—no matter your travel style, having a go-to tote in your rotation makes packing (and navigating in-transit days) a whole lot easier.
An oversized suit, blazer, and more modest attire
“A blazer has always been one of my essentials, especially one with power shoulders.” Given that modest dressing in public places is expected, Oumayma often wears her signature look of an oversized suit for daytime meetings, switching up her shoes and accessories for evening events. “I think suits are so underrated, I wear them all the time for meetings with a nice pair of heels or made more casual with a pair of sneakers and a crop top underneath,” she says. “Or I go for a flared skirt under a blazer.” For dressier moments, have fun with formalwear. “For events, you can never go wrong with a nice tuxedo. I wear it with my hair down and slicked back.”
Swimsuit or bikini
From a quick dip in a hotel plunge pool to long days by the ocean, a great bathing suit pulls double duty: It’s functional, flattering, and makes packing that much simpler. “I prefer bikinis as it’s easier to maximize a tan, but I love a swimsuit worn with a skirt or pants. Swimsuits can also double as a bodysuit, which looks cool.”
Cocktail and maxi dresses
Especially for stylish travelers, lightweight vacation dresses are crucial when heading to warm cities. “I wear more maxi dresses in Dubai than anywhere else as they are super light and are great as an easy cover-up if grabbing a quick lunch at the beach.” If she’s heading out for a night on the town with friends, you’ll often see her in a “cute cocktail dress for dancing the night away on the beach.”
A pair of sneakers and a hoodie
“You’re going to be walking around the city a lot. If you want to go to the mall, you need a pair of sneakers because the malls are huge. Sometimes if I haven’t done enough cardio, I go to the mall to walk around and reach my 10,000 steps (easily). Tip: The mall can be very cold, so I always wear a jacket or a hoodie.”
Comfy sandals
The best sandals to pack are the ones that are lightweight, durable, supportive, and great for night-to-day versatility. “A pair of comfy sandals is very important. I love to invest in a good pair of designer sandals as I wear them every day while on vacation.”
Sun-protectant accessories
Whether it be sunglasses or face cream with good SPF protection (ideally, both!), for ultra-sunny destinations like Dubai, protecting your skin should always come first. “The sun is so strong in Dubai, you have to avoid sun damage with a good SPF face cream; as for sunglasses—these are definitely something that you need to bring with you—it is always sunny.”
Local brands
Some of Oumayma’s favorite looks have been sourced locally from homegrown brands. “I really love Bouguessa,” she says. “It matches my style perfectly—it’s very modest but also very modern, and a perfect mix between East and West. They have beautiful cover-ups, abayas, kaftans, as well as suits and dresses and I love the fact that everything is made in the UAE.” Two more of her favorites: Saudi label Abadia (“they have gorgeous abayas and kaftans”) and Qatari brand 1309 Studio (“beautiful, and very modest”).
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Jessica Chapel.