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ADIPEC 2026 Dress Code: What Men and Women Should Wear

ADIPEC 2026 has no official dress code, but it is a business show, so most people wear business attire and smart casual is the minimum. Men wear suits, blazers or a kandura; women wear suits, blazers, dresses or an abaya, ideally covering shoulders and knees. Wear comfortable, closed shoes for 16 halls, and avoid shorts, flip-flops and gym wear.

Habibti in Dubai
Published Updated 4 min read
Professionals in business suits, traditional kanduras and modest abayas networking at the ADIPEC exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

ADIPEC has not set a dress code for 2026. Its questions page and visitor guide say nothing about what visitors should wear to ADIPEC 2026, which will run from 2 to 5 November at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. But this is a business show. Ministers, oil company bosses and buyers will be there, so most people will come in business clothes.

ADIPEC 2026 Dress Code

This guide tells you what to wear to ADIPEC, for men and for women, and shows what people wore last year. It also covers the shoes and layers that make four days in the halls easier, and what not to wear.

Is There Any Official Dress Code for ADIPEC 2026?

No, ADIPEC has no official dress code for 2026. It publishes no dress rules for visitors. Our advice is simple: wear business clothes if you have meetings, and smart casual at the least.

Here is why. ADIPEC expects more than 239,000 visitors and 2,250 exhibiting companies. Most of these people will be working. They will be selling, buying, hiring or looking for partners. You may meet someone you will want to do business with later. So dress as you would for a client meeting in Abu Dhabi.

ADIPEC Dress Code for Men

At an event like ADIPEC, it is best if you wear a dark suit, or a blazer with smart trousers. Pick the outfit that matches your day. Each card is one full look, from top to shoes:

Four outfits that work for men
Classic suitBest for: Meetings, the conference and opening day
Suit jacket in navy, charcoal or grey
White or light blue shirt
A tie, if you like. It is optional
The matching suit trousers
Black or brown leather shoes
Blazer, no tieBest for: Meetings on the show floor
Navy, grey or light blue blazer
Shirt with an open collar
Grey, navy or beige smart trousers
Loafers or leather shoes
Smart casualBest for: Walking the halls with no meetings
Collared shirt or a smart polo
Chinos or dark smart trousers
Clean leather trainers
A small backpack for brochures
National dressBest for: Emirati and Gulf visitors
White kandura, the long robe
Ghutra headscarf, white or red-checked
Leather sandals or loafers

A tie is optional. At ADIPEC 2025, many men in meetings wore blazers with open collars. If you have no meetings, a smart polo is about as casual as you should go. Always wear long trousers, never shorts.

ADIPEC Dress Code for Women

At an event like ADIPEC, it is best if you wear a trouser suit, a dress with a blazer, or a smart blouse with trousers or a skirt. Here are four full looks:

Four outfits that work for women
Trouser suitBest for: Meetings, the conference and opening day
Tailored blazer
Blouse or a simple top with sleeves
The matching trousers
Low block heels or smart flats
Dress and blazerBest for: Meetings and networking
Knee-length or midi dress
Light blazer or a long cardigan on top
Low block heels or flats you can walk in
Blouse with trousers or a skirtBest for: A full day walking the halls
Blouse or shirt with sleeves
Wide-leg or tailored trousers
Or a midi skirt
Loafers or comfortable flats
A cross-body bag to keep your hands free
AbayaBest for: Visitors who usually wear it
Abaya
Shayla headscarf, if you wear one
Comfortable flats or low heels
A small bag for your badge and phone

There is no rule, but in a business setting in Abu Dhabi, covering your shoulders and knees is the safe choice. A light blazer or cardigan does both, and it helps in the cold air conditioning too. Skip very short skirts, low necklines and see-through fabrics.

What People Wear to ADIPEC

Want to see these looks in real life? Watch these short videos from ADIPEC 2025 and look closely at what people are wearing. You will see the same mix again this year.

The opening ceremony

Look at the front rows. Most Emirati men wear the white kandura with the ghutra headscarf, and most other men wear dark suits. This is the most formal moment of the four days.

ADIPEC 2025 opening ceremony highlights

Meetings on the show floor

Here, two men meet at a stand in blazers with open collars and no ties. That is the usual look for a business meeting in the halls.

ADIPEC 2025, day 4 on the show floor

Walking the halls

This reporter wears an abaya with a hijab and her badge on a lanyard. Behind her, visitors walk the halls in smart, comfortable clothes.

ADIPEC 2025, the largest edition so far

At this stand, the visitor wears a cream blouse with dark trousers and carries a small backpack. The stand team behind her wears matching white shirts.

ADIPEC 2025, day 1 at an exhibitor's stand

Notice one thing in every video: everyone wears their badge on a lanyard, where people can see it.

More from last year on Instagram and TikTok

Want to see more? Scroll through these:

What Not to Wear to ADIPEC

Here is a quick list of what works and what doesn't:

Wear

  • A suit, blazer, kandura or abaya
  • A collared shirt or blouse with smart trousers
  • A knee-length skirt or dress
  • Smart trainers or comfortable leather shoes

Skip

  • Shorts and sleeveless tops
  • Flip-flops and beach sandals
  • Gym wear and tracksuits
  • T-shirts with slogans or images that could offend

Shoes and Layers for Four Days at ADIPEC

Your shoes matter more than your suit. ADNEC has 16 exhibition halls in one long building. Walking from Hall 1 to Marina Hall at the far end takes a while, and you will do it many times over four days.

Pack these four things:

  • Comfortable, closed shoes. Smart trainers or soft leather shoes beat new formal shoes.
  • A light layer. The halls are air-conditioned and can feel cold after an hour.
  • Something for the sun. You may wait outside for a shuttle bus or a taxi, and early November afternoons in Abu Dhabi are still warm.
  • A bag with a shoulder strap. You will collect brochures, and your hands stay free for handshakes.

Dress Code for Exhibitors, Delegates and Media

  • Exhibitors usually wear the company's stand uniform or branded shirts. Ask your stand manager what the team is wearing.
  • Conference delegates dress more formally than visitors, because ministers and senior executives speak at the sessions. A suit is normal.
  • Media dress for the job. The opening ceremony on Monday 2 November is formal, so dress up for that day.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Wear your badge where people can see it. Our ADIPEC 2026 badge guide explains how to get it.
  • Plan for the bus stop. You may wait outside before and after the show. Our ADIPEC 2026 shuttle bus guide has the times.
  • Nobody under 18 can enter, so there is nothing to plan for children.

FAQs

Is there a dress code for ADIPEC?

ADIPEC publishes no official dress code. Most visitors wear business clothes, and smart casual is fine if you have no meetings.

Can I wear jeans to ADIPEC?

No rule stops you, and dark, smart jeans with a blazer are fine for a visitor. If you have meetings or a job interview, wear smart trousers instead.

Do I need to wear a suit to ADIPEC?

No. A suit is common, especially for meetings and the conference. A collared shirt and smart trousers are enough for a visitor.

What shoes should I wear to ADIPEC?

Comfortable, closed shoes. ADNEC has 16 exhibition halls, and over four days you walk a long way.

Sources and method7 sources from 2 publishers · last checked 31 October 2026

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