I don't think tourists/expats should have to cover from their neck, wrists all the way down to the ankles, don't get me wrong 

  I just think people could much more considerate to the UAE customs.  Besides, the malls are freezing cold anyway, so I don't even understand how people can wear beachwear in there.  I had my own rules for dressing.  For example, if I went out wearing jeans (not skin-tight) I'd sometimes wear a tank top (no spagetti straps) with a pashmina covering my torso, or I'd wear a 3/4 sleeved shirt.  If I wore a skirt it was past the knee and I wore it with a 3/4 sleeve top.  If I went out to a restaurant or bar with husband or friends, maybe I'd wear a wrap dress that went to the knee, but I always wore a camisole underneath so that no cleavage was showing, and I'd bring a pashmina to cover my shoulders.