Dubai Spa Dress Code: What to Wear and What to Avoid

When you walk into a spa in Dubai, the Dubai spa dress code, the set of unwritten and sometimes written rules about what to wear in spa and wellness spaces. Also known as spa attire guidelines, it’s not about fashion—it’s about respect, comfort, and safety in a space designed for relaxation. Unlike Western spas where nudity is often accepted, Dubai’s spa culture blends global wellness trends with local customs. You won’t be turned away for wearing underwear, but you also won’t find people walking around in street clothes. The middle ground? Modest, clean, and practical.

Most high-end spas in Dubai, like Spavia or The Ritz-Carlton Spa, expect you to wear a robe and slippers provided by the facility. You’ll change into the robe before your treatment, and many places allow you to keep your underwear on during massages—something you’ll see confirmed in posts about massage etiquette, the set of behaviors and clothing norms that ensure comfort and professionalism during bodywork. For steam rooms and saunas, you’ll typically wear a towel or swimwear, never jeans or synthetic fabrics that trap heat. The spa clothing rules, the specific garments and materials approved for use in spa environments exist to protect your skin, your privacy, and the cleanliness of shared spaces. If you’re unsure, ask ahead—most spas will send you a quick guide when you book.

It’s not just about what you wear—it’s about what you don’t. No flip-flops outside the changing area. No revealing swimwear in communal zones. No perfume or heavy lotions before treatments. These aren’t arbitrary rules; they’re tied to hygiene standards and cultural norms. In Dubai, modesty matters—even in a spa. You’ll find this echoed in posts about spa etiquette, the behavioral norms that ensure a peaceful, respectful experience for everyone in a wellness setting, like keeping your voice down, turning off your phone, and not bringing outside food. The Dubai spa dress code is part of a bigger picture: creating a calm, clean, and culturally respectful environment.

Travelers often overthink this. You don’t need to buy a special spa outfit. Just bring a simple set of underwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Most places provide everything else. If you’re heading to a hammam, a lightweight cotton wrap works better than a towel. For couples’ treatments, matching robes are common but not required. The key is to be prepared, not dressed up.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there—what to wear to Spavia, why you shouldn’t bring your phone into a steam room, how to behave in a hammam, and what to expect during a massage if you’re unsure about removing underwear. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear, practical answers to help you relax without stress.