Dubai – the city of the future, where traditional Arab culture meets the world’s most modern architecture. A city of golden sands, shopping malls as large as small towns, and skyscrapers that touch the clouds. If you’re planning a holiday to this amazing emirate, then you need to know what to pack to fully enjoy your stay. And we have a list for you of what to pack for your Dubai holiday.
Summary for those who Don’t Have Time to Read the Full Article
- Pack light, breathable clothing made of cotton, nanomaterials, or linen, and don’t forget layers for air-conditioned spaces.
- Sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and a hat are a must all year round.
- Dress modestly: shoulders and knees should be covered in public places.
- Take a Type G adapter for charging electronics and a power bank for long trips.
- Don’t forget a travel first-aid kit with medications for diarrhea, allergies, and basic supplies.
- Also, don’t forget travel insurance, for example, SafetyWing.
You might also be interested in: What to See in Dubai and Where to Stay
What to Pack for a Holiday in Dubai
If you’re going on holiday to the Emirates, then we have a list for you of what to pack for your Dubai holiday.
You might also be interested in: How to Pack a Carry-On Bag
Clothing Adapted to Climate and Culture
Dubai will surprise you with its contrasts; while it can be up to 45 degrees Celsius outside, air conditioning often runs at full blast in shopping malls and hotels. Therefore, it’s important to think about layering clothes. For a base, choose light, breathable fabrics like cotton, nanofiber, or linen, which will keep you comfortable during hot days. Light colors also reflect sunlight better than dark ones.
Don’t forget that Dubai is part of a Muslim country, which means adhering to certain dress codes. In public places, your clothing should cover your shoulders and knees. Pack long-sleeved blouses, midi skirts, or long trousers. Gentlemen should opt for trousers or shorts reaching at least to the knees. Smart casual attire, sometimes even a suit or evening dress, is suitable for elegant restaurants and hotels.
For the winter months, when temperatures drop to a pleasant 15 to 25 degrees, pack a light sweater or jacket for evenings. Winters in Dubai are ideal for exploring the city and outdoor activities, but evenings can be surprisingly cool.
TIP: For ladies, we recommend ultralight and multifunctional Travel dresses.
Sun Protection as a Priority
The sun in Dubai is intense all year round. Sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30, ideally 50, is an absolute necessity. Don’t forget after-sun lotion, which will soothe your skin after a long day in the sun. Quality sunglasses with a UV filter will protect your eyes, and a wide-brimmed hat or a light scarf will provide shade and can also be used when visiting mosques.
Footwear for Every Occasion
Dubai offers an incredible variety of activities, from strolling through luxurious shopping malls to desert adventures. Therefore, you need different types of footwear. Comfortable sneakers are essential for long walks around the city and sightseeing. Elegant sandals are suitable for restaurants and evening strolls along the promenade.
For the beach and pool, flip-flops or water-resistant sandals are ideal. If you’re planning a desert trip or hiking, pack sturdy closed-toe shoes that will protect you from sand and rocks. Don’t forget that in some traditional places, shoes are taken off, so choose footwear that can be easily put on and taken off.
Electronics and Practical Accessories
Dubai uses Type G sockets (three-pin British), so a universal adapter is a necessity. A power bank is useful for long trips when you’ll often be photographing the city’s iconic landmarks. A waterproof phone case will be appreciated on the beach or during water sports.
A quality camera or at least a phone with a good camera will help you capture breathtaking sunsets over the desert, light shows at Burj Khalifa, or colorful souks in the old city.
Travel First-Aid Kit and Health Supplies
Medical care in Dubai is of a high standard, but it can be quite expensive. A basic first-aid kit should contain medications for headaches, diarrhea, allergies, and basic bandages and plasters. Don’t forget any medications you take regularly, and keep them in their original packaging with a prescription.
Hydration solutions and electrolytes may be useful for maintaining proper hydration in the hot climate.
Swimwear and Beach Essentials
Dubai offers beautiful beaches and luxurious hotel pools. Different types of swimwear allow you to choose according to activity and location. Quick-drying towels are practical and take up less space in your luggage. UV clothing provides additional protection during long exposure to the sun.
Don’t forget a cover-up for your swimwear for transitions from the beach to hotel areas. On some public beaches, stricter dress codes may apply, so check the rules of the specific place beforehand.
Clothing for Various Activities
Dubai offers activities for everyone. For a desert safari, pack light but long clothing that will protect you from sand and sun. Evening safaris can be cooler, so a light jacket is also useful. Quick-drying shorts and a UV-protected T-shirt are ideal for water sports.
For visits to luxurious restaurants and nightclubs, pack elegantly. Dubai is known for its fashion scene, so don’t be afraid to show off your best outfit. Men should have a collared shirt and long trousers available, women elegant dresses or suits.
Practical Packing Tips
Use packing cubes for better luggage organization. Pack at least two extra outfits, in case of unexpected opportunities or an extended stay. Keep important documents and medications in your carry-on luggage.
Don’t forget that some medications may be prohibited in the UAE, so check the current rules before you travel. You can bring a limited amount of alcohol, but buying it locally is only possible in specialized shops or licensed restaurants.
If cosmetics take up most of the space in your luggage, get waterless travel packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to dress conservatively even on hotel beaches?
On private hotel beaches and by pools, dress codes are more lenient. Bikinis and regular swimwear are fine. However, once you leave the hotel area, you should dress more modestly with covered shoulders and knees.
What sunscreen should I take for the desert climate?
A cream with at least SPF 30, ideally SPF 50, is recommended. Choose water-resistant variants and don’t forget to reapply the cream regularly. In Dubai, the sun shines intensely even in winter months, so protection is necessary all year round.
Can I buy everything I forget at home in Dubai?
Dubai offers excellent shopping opportunities, and most things can be bought locally, often at better prices than at home. Luxury shopping malls like Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates have everything from cosmetics to branded clothing.
Do I need special footwear for the desert?
For tourist trips to the desert, closed sports shoes are sufficient. For longer treks or more adventurous activities, pack sturdier footwear. Insulated soles will protect against hot sand during the summer months.
How to pack medications for a trip to the UAE?
Keep all medications in their original packaging with prescriptions. Some common medications may be controlled or prohibited in the UAE, so check the current rules on the embassy’s website. You can supplement your basic first-aid kit locally at pharmacies.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
