{
  "id": 11225188,
  "title": "Why locals dress for the café like they’re going somewhere else",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/why-locals-dress-for-the-cafe-like-theyre-going-somewhere-else",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T15:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/why-locals-dress-for-the-caf%C3%A9-like-theyre-going-somewhere-else-1.500693163"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the United Arab Emirates, a visit to a café often goes beyond simply grabbing a coffee. It can be an opportunity to dress up, style one's hair, apply perfume, and choose an outfit that exudes sophistication while still appearing effortlessly chic. The café is not merely a pit stop, but sometimes the destination. Upon entering popular cafés on weekends, one can observe the unofficial dress code that UAE women and men follow. There is the impeccably pressed abaya-clad woman accompanied by heels, the stylish individual sporting wide-leg trousers and a crisp shirt, the man in a clean kandura with well-styled hair, and the friend who manages to create an entire outfit from jeans, a simple top, and sunglasses. The dress code is casual yet elegant, allowing for a blend of class without appearing overly formal. The art of café dressing in the UAE involves looking polished without looking overdressed, creating an outfit that is put together and suitable for various settings. Sneakers and designer bags coexist, showcasing the versatility of the dress code. Perfume plays a significant role in Emirati culture, with fragrances being an integral part of daily grooming. The attention to smell is just as crucial as the appearance, as it complements the overall look and leaves a memorable impression. The UAE weekend is imbued with a distinct personality, where cafés act as social hubs, workspaces, and romantic settings. A coffee run can seamlessly transition into lunch, another café, dinner, or a casual catch-up session. The café outfit is designed to sit comfortably between staying home and going somewhere special, allowing individuals to dress up without a specific reason and simply go to a café nearby.",
  "summary": "In the UAE, “let’s just grab coffee” has never really meant just grab coffee. It can mean getting dressed, fixing your hair, putting on your favorite perfume, checking the mirror one more time and choosing an outfit that somehow says, “I didn’t try too hard,” while very clearly having tried. Because the café is not always a pit stop. Sometimes, it is the destination. Walk into almost any popular…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}