Dubai Sauna Etiquette: What You Must Know Before You Go

When you step into a Dubai sauna, a heated room designed for relaxation and detoxification, often part of a larger spa or hammam experience. Also known as a dry heat room, it’s not just about sweating—it’s about following unspoken rules that keep everyone safe and respected. In a city where luxury meets tradition, skipping sauna etiquette isn’t just rude—it can make your experience uncomfortable or even unsafe.

Most spas in Dubai follow a mix of international standards and local cultural norms. You’ll usually wear a lightweight towel called a peştemal, a thin, absorbent cotton wrap used in Turkish and Moroccan baths. Also known as hammam towel, it’s the only thing you need—no swimwear, no underwear, no exceptions. This isn’t about nudity; it’s about hygiene and tradition. Spas provide these towels for a reason: to keep the space clean and to let your skin breathe properly under heat. If you’re unsure, ask. Most staff will gladly explain it without judgment.

Who should avoid the sauna? People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or who are pregnant should skip it—sauna health risks, serious concerns like dizziness, dehydration, or overheating that can turn a relaxing session into a medical emergency. Also known as heat contraindications, these aren’t myths—they’re backed by medical guidelines. Even if you’re healthy, drink water before and after. Dubai’s dry air makes dehydration sneak up fast. And never rush in after a heavy meal or alcohol. That’s when your body can’t handle the heat properly.

Quiet is part of the rule. This isn’t a party room. People come here to unwind, not to chat loudly or take selfies. Phones are often banned inside. Respect that. If you’re unsure how long to stay, start with 10–15 minutes. Listen to your body. If you feel lightheaded, leave. No one will think less of you. In fact, knowing when to walk away shows you understand the real purpose of the sauna: restoration, not endurance.

There’s also the unspoken rule about space. Don’t sit right next to someone unless the room is full. Give people room to breathe—literally. If you’re new, watch how others behave. Most locals and regulars move quietly, sit modestly, and leave quickly after their session. It’s not about being stiff—it’s about mutual respect.

You’ll find plenty of guides on what to wear or how long to sit, but few talk about the quiet details: how to dry off properly, why you shouldn’t splash water on hot stones unless instructed, or why some spas separate men and women by time slot. These aren’t arbitrary rules—they’re built on decades of practice in hot environments, from Istanbul to Marrakech to Dubai’s luxury resorts.

Below, you’ll find real answers from people who’ve been there: what to do if you’re unsure about clothing, why coffee after a sauna might backfire, who should skip the steam room entirely, and how to avoid common mistakes that ruin the experience—for you and others. No fluff. Just what works in Dubai’s unique mix of heat, culture, and high-end wellness.