There is no strict dress code for the Burj Khalifa observation decks (floors 124, 125, and 148). Casual clothing including shorts, t-shirts, and trainers is permitted. However, the tower’s restaurants — At.mosphere (floor 122), Burj Club (floor 76), and The Lounge (floor 152) — each require smart casual attire as a minimum. Beachwear, flip-flops, and sleeveless tops are not permitted in the dining venues.
One of the most common questions from first-time visitors to the Burj Khalifa is what to wear. The short answer for the observation decks is: anything comfortable. The longer answer depends on which parts of the tower you plan to visit — the restaurant dress codes are a different matter entirely, and turning up underdressed can mean being turned away from your reservation.
This guide covers dress requirements for every venue inside the Burj Khalifa: the observation decks, each restaurant, and the SKY Lounge. For other practical planning advice, see our visitor tips guide and opening hours guide.
Top Tickets
# Level 124 & 125 Ticket – At the Top Burj Khalifa
# Level 124, 125 & 148 Ticket – At the Top SKY (Premium)
Table of Contents
Dress Code for the Observation Decks (Floors 124, 125 & 148)
At.mosphere restaurant on floor 122 requires smart casual attire. Men should wear collared shirts or smart tops with trousers or smart chinos — jeans are generally accepted if clean and without tears. Women should wear dresses, smart trousers, blouses, or equivalent. Shorts, flip-flops, sleeveless tops, sportswear, and beachwear are not permitted. Children must also be dressed in smart casual.
This applies to all three decks: At the Top (floor 124 and 125) and At the Top SKY (floor 148). The SKY experience is more premium in atmosphere, but there is still no dress code enforced — you may see other visitors in smart casual simply because they are visiting before or after a restaurant booking, but it is not required.
Practical clothing tips for the observation decks:
- Wear comfortable, flat shoes — the walk through Dubai Mall is long and the marble floors are slippery in heels
- Bring a light layer in the evening — the outdoor terrace on floor 124 can be cool between November and March
- For photography, dark or neutral clothing photographs better against the glass and bright city backdrop
- Large bags must be stored — bring only what fits in a handbag or small backpack
Dress Code for At.mosphere Restaurant (Floor 122)
At.mosphere restaurant on floor 122 requires smart casual attire. Men should wear collared shirts or smart tops with trousers or smart chinos — jeans are generally accepted if clean and without tears. Women should wear dresses, smart trousers, blouses, or equivalent. Shorts, flip-flops, sleeveless tops, sportswear, and beachwear are not permitted. Children must also be dressed in smart casual.
At.mosphere is one of the world’s highest restaurants and sits on floor 122 of the Burj Khalifa, offering panoramic views from 442 metres. The dress code reflects the fine-dining and upscale lounge environment. If in doubt, think ‘smart dinner out’ rather than ‘tourist visit’. For full details on menus, pricing, and reservations, see our At.mosphere restaurant guide.
At.mosphere: what is and isn’t permitted
- Permitted: Collared shirts, smart chinos, trousers, dresses, blouses, blazers, clean dark jeans
- Not permitted: Shorts, flip-flops, sleeveless tops, tracksuits, sportswear, beachwear, ripped jeans, caps
Dress Code for Burj Club Restaurant (Floor 76)
Burj Club on floor 76 requires smart casual attire. The dress code is similar to At.mosphere but slightly more relaxed — clean jeans, smart casual tops, and neat footwear are fine. Shorts, flip-flops, sleeveless tops, and beachwear are not permitted. As a rooftop restaurant and lounge, the atmosphere is upscale casual rather than formal.
Burj Club is a rooftop restaurant and social venue on floor 76, with city views and a lively atmosphere. It’s less formal than At.mosphere but still upscale — think smart brunch or dinner-out standard. For menu details and opening hours, see our Burj Club restaurant guide.
Burj Club: what is and isn’t permitted
- Permitted: Smart casual tops, clean jeans, trousers, dresses, smart trainers, neat footwear
- Not permitted: Shorts, flip-flops, sleeveless tops, sportswear, beachwear, heavily torn clothing
Dress Code for The Lounge (Floor 152)
The Lounge on floor 152 — the world’s highest lounge — requires smart casual attire. The standard is similar to Burj Club: neat, presentable clothing with no shorts, flip-flops, or beachwear. As an exclusive, intimate venue at 555 metres, it draws a well-dressed crowd by nature, but there is no black-tie requirement.
The Lounge on floor 152 is an intimate, bookings-required venue that offers one of the most elevated experiences in the tower. See our Lounge at Burj Khalifa guide for full details on access, pricing, and what to expect.
Dress Code for the Armani Hotel (Lower Floors)
The Armani Hotel Dubai, which occupies the lower floors of the Burj Khalifa, has its own dress code for its restaurants and public areas. Smart casual is the minimum for all dining venues within the hotel. Some venues require smart attire — always check the specific restaurant’s policy when making your reservation.
What to Wear in Dubai Generally
Dubai does not require visitors to dress conservatively at tourist attractions like the Burj Khalifa. However, if you plan to visit mosques, souks, or traditional areas after your tower visit, covering shoulders and knees is respectful and required in mosques. On beaches and in hotel pools, regular swimwear is fully acceptable. In malls and indoor attractions, standard Western casual wear is fine.
The Burj Khalifa sits within Dubai Mall, which has no dress code itself. You’ll see visitors in everything from shorts and t-shirts to formal dresses in the mall. For the observation decks specifically, wear whatever is comfortable — you won’t be turned away for being too casual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear shorts to Burj Khalifa?
Yes, shorts are permitted on the observation decks (floors 124, 125, and 148). Shorts are not permitted in the tower’s restaurants — At.mosphere, Burj Club, and The Lounge all require smart casual minimum.
Can I wear flip-flops to Burj Khalifa?
Flip-flops are permitted on the observation decks but are not recommended — the walk through Dubai Mall and the observation platforms involves a lot of time on your feet. Flip-flops are not permitted in any of the tower’s restaurants.
Is there a dress code for the Level 148 SKY experience?
No formal dress code applies to At the Top SKY (floor 148). Smart casual is common among visitors there, but it is not enforced. The same casual-is-fine rule applies as for floors 124 and 125.
Do I need to cover my head at Burj Khalifa?
No. The Burj Khalifa is a commercial observation tower and there is no religious dress requirement for any part of the visitor experience, including the observation decks, restaurants, and SKY Lounge.
What should I wear to At.mosphere restaurant?
Smart casual is required — collared shirts or smart tops with trousers or clean jeans for men; dresses, smart trousers, or blouses for women. No shorts, flip-flops, sleeveless tops, or sportswear. When in doubt, dress as you would for a smart dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
Can I visit the Burj Khalifa in traditional dress?
Yes, absolutely. Traditional dress — including thobes, abayas, and kanduras — is perfectly acceptable throughout the Burj Khalifa, including the observation decks and restaurants. There are no restrictions on traditional or religious dress.
