There’s no city in the world like Dubai. Whether you’re heading here to see Burj Khalifa, for the famous New Year celebrations, or to check out the Museum of the Future – there’s lots to witness and experience in Dubai.
To help you plan, we’ve put together a list of what to pack for Dubai, which power adapter to bring, and FAQs to improve your Dubai getaway!
In Dubai, the power plug types are C, D, and G. Type C plugs are round with two small circular holes and are used in most countries in Europe as well as many countries in Africa. Type C plugs type also work with type E and type F.
Type D sockets and type G sockets have no alternative plugs, and both sockets have a triangle shape with three holes.
The standard voltage in Dubai is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. In contrast, the United States has a standard voltage range of 110-120 V and a standard frequency of 60 Hz.
Since the United States and the United Arab Emirates don’t have any overlap in plug sockets, you will need a power adapter. Dubai uses three power plug sockets: Type C, D, and G.
We recommend this universal adapter that works with the most common types in Dubai (C & G) and comes with a built-in fuse protector. You can reliably charge all of your devices, such as your cell phone, tablet, camera, laptop, etc.
This universal adapter works not only in Dubai and across the UAE but also in over 100+ countries around the world! So it will serve you well in all global travel. Backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, it’s the last universal adapter you’ll ever need.
In addition to your US-to-Dubai power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Dubai packing list for more inspiration and ideas.
Since the city lies in the Arabian Desert and temps can reach crazy highs like 109 °F (43°C) – you can expect some undeniably scorching heat! Bring these magical cooling towels to stay cool on warm afternoons, particularly in the summer months like July and August. This towel will drop up to 30-degrees cooler than the outside air temp, simply by adding water and wringing it out. Due to the’s proximity to the Persian Gulf, Dubai can also get quite humid. Overall, you’ll be thanking yourself for bringing these little gems!
If you’re coming from the East Coast, you’ll have a 9-hour time difference in Dubai, and if you’re coming from the West Coast, you’ll have a full 12-hour difference, which means that jet lag is inevitable, wherever you’re traveling from in North America. However, jet lag can be minimized with No-Jet-Lag’s homeopathic remedy, with herbs such as chamomile to help you sleep and allow your circadian rhythm to adjust.
Hackers are quite savvy in Dubai and the Cybersecurity Counsil says “the UAE has thwarted 71 million cyber attacks this year.” Protect your private data from hackers who want to profit off of your identity and help themselves to your credit card numbers or PayPal password. I learned this when my credit card number was stolen at an Airbnb that I thought was safe.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will keep your information secure while you’re exploring Dubai on a public network. Whether you’re at the airport, a coffee shop, or a hotel – having a VPN will help you maintain online privacy, block ads, and stream more quickly. Make sure to purchase ahead of your trip, as VPNs are sometimes restricted in the UAE and it can also help you to obtain discounted flight rates since they can’t track your IP address. You’re welcome!
Battery banks can be lifesavers while you’re traveling. Whether you’re spending all day at Global Village, out on the trail, or going from store to store in Dubai Mall, a compact charger ensures you aren’t scrambling to find an outlet or have your phone battery die when you’re more remote. This lipstick-sized charger will charge multiple devices at the same time so you can stay on-the-go.
A neck wallet not only keeps you organized, but also helps keep your passport and credit cards secure from pickpockets and e-theft with an RFID blocker. This is valuable for a tech-savvy place like Dubai where thieves could be attempting to scan your credit cards as they walk past you at crowded, tourist-prone attractions. If you’re someone who is constantly wondering where you left your sunglasses (they are on top of your head) or just want the relief of knowing your valuable documents are attached to you, a neck wallet is a must!
In life and in travel, anything can happen. Keep in mind that your domestic provider does not follow you outside of the country, so you will need travel insurance to cover you against lost luggage, flight changes, theft, rental issues, evacuations, or if are looking for medical coverage during your travel abroad in Dubai. This is not a cheap country and paying out-of-pocket would be expensive and unnecessary.
The provider that’s really blown us away is Faye. They go the extra mile to offer efficient and thorough coverage with human support 24/7. Everything is handled on their digital app, and ensuring your trip is probably one of the cheapest parts. And definitely one of the most important.
There’s a reason why a lot of newer suitcases come with locks – with delayed and lost luggage becoming more of an issue for travelers, it’s best to have peace of mind and keep your valuables secure. These TSA-approved luggage locks have a four-number lock that gives you 10,000 possible combinations, which is 10x the security of three-number locks. Compact and easy to use, you can store them for that later flight, too!
If you’re a woman hoping to visit The Grand Mosque in Dubai, you’ll want to bring a scarf with you to cover your hair. Make sure to also bring long, loose pants (or an abaya if you have one). While you can always find hair coverings in malls and markets, having one scarf on hand is perfect in cooler winter weather as well as for wrapping fragile items in your luggage. Keep in mind that Dubai is predominantly an Islamic society and the culture has a sense of modesty that should be respected by visitors.
Dubai generally treats its guests to luxury bathrooms, but you never know when you’ll lack countertop space or built-in storage. Rather than throwing products all over the counter and living in absolute clutter, it’s way easier to hang everything vertically with this hanging toiletry bag!
It’s a godsend for helping you to maintain your routine and keep order in your accommodation. The elastic bands hold bottles and makeup brushes in place to prevent spills and stains, while the external pockets give you easy access to things you may need on busy travel days. It’s also stain-resistant, leakproof, and very lightweight. We’re positively IN LOVE with it and enjoy supporting a mission-driven small business, too.
You will find so many uses for a compact travel towel! This microfiber option is our favorite since it dries 10x faster than cotton and is super absorbent. It takes up virtually zero space in your suitcase and can be used as a beach towel, a hotel towel if they’re not provided (or up to your standards), a packing cushion, a seat cover on public transit, and more.
As you hit Al Mamzar Beach Park or Al Sufouh Beach, ensure your device is wrapped up securely in a waterproof case. This pouch keeps everything 100% moisture-free and allows you to film some epic underwater videos to share on social media. For pool days, boating excursions, jet-skiing, flyboarding, wakeboarding, parasailing, kit surfing, snorkeling, and every other EPIC aquatic activity offered in this robust destination – it is an essential item for your packing list.
Packing cubes have become my travel staple, a top item that I’d never travel without again. Whether you need to keep your clothes organized or quickly need to move items between suitcases at the airport, knowing exactly where every item you packed helps keep travel as stress-free as possible. You can label every cube with reusable cards (pants, shirts, socks, essentials, etc.) so things don’t go missing on a regular basis. We also appreciate the two bonus laundry bags that are a thoughtful touch and the option to get a 3-pack before upgrading to the full set.
While a larger backpack might be a good idea for longer hikes or for a larger carry-on, I personally found a 9L daypack the perfect size for the hikes I did outside of Dubai as well as for my personal items when flying. While traveling, I could fit my (small) laptop, DSLR camera, liquids, a change of clothes, and a small water bottle! It is lightweight with tons of compartments.
After getting food poisoning while abroad, we don’t travel without these activated charcoal supplements. From gourmet meals to ice in your soda, anything can make you sick as you adjust to the local fare and tap system. This is why traveler’s diarrhea is a common risk for all wanderlusters. But keeping these pills on hand will detoxify harmful pathogens and prevent them from absorbing into your stomach, which will get you back on your feet much faster!
Spare yourself the all-too-common moment for travelers when they realize that their suitcase will NOT zip shut… likely because of all the shopping done on vacation! Bring this backup “just in case” bag to serve as extra storage space, should you need it. Luggage is always tighter on the trip home, but you don’t have to risk your suitcase exploding open on the baggage claim carousel, airing all of your dirty laundry for people to see. Put anything that’s not fitting into this bonus bag that counts as your personal item for the return flight. It will also help you to avoid carry-on fees!
100% of Dubai’s population has access to electricity, according to the World Bank’s 2020 report. It’s rare for Dubai to have power outages. The voltage in Dubai is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz.
While the UAE’s total energy consumption per capita is very high (the 11th worldwide in 2021), the UAE has also made some traction on sustainability – according to new reports by Core Savills, Dubai ranks third on the list of cities with the most ‘green’ buildings.
Burj Khalifa isn’t just the tallest building in the world. It’s also one of the greenest. The world’s most sustainable building, The Change Initiative (TCI), is also found in Dubai. Dubai even has its own Sustainable City. For every stat on the UAE’s energy usage, there’s another on its innovative, sustainable, and futuristic approach. It’s a give-and-take, and Dubai is certainly an exciting (and buzzing) place to be.
In Dubai, the standard voltage is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. You’ll need a voltage converter for certain devices in the UAE if you are traveling from the US since the US has a standard voltage of 120 V and a frequency of 60 Hz.
While devices such as laptops and phones have dual voltage and do not require a voltage converter, you’ll need a voltage converter for items such as hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. Personally, I don’t bring these items and instead, check ahead of time to see if my accommodations provide one.
While it depends on your itinerary, November to March has cooler temperatures that make outdoor activities more comfortable and doable. It’s also peak travel season, so keep that in mind. Flight costs are lower from April through October if you can stand the heat.
Dubai has a desert climate and is very hot in the summer and cool in the winter. From May to September, the average high is over 100℉, with August being the hottest month.
If you’re looking for average high temperatures below 81℉, the cool season in Dubai lasts from December to March, with the coolest temperatures in January, with an average low of 58℉ and an average high of 75℉
Ras al-Khaimah is a little over an hour north of Dubai, and boasts Jebel Jais, which at 1,934 masl is the highest mountain peak in the UAE. You can find hikes of almost any level of difficulty, whether you’re looking for a short day hike or to backpack.
If you travel about an hour east of Dubai towards Sharjah, you’ll find Eye of Maleha, a rock formation in Mleiha Desert. You can enjoy the sand dunes and climb up to the rock (as well as the nearby Camel Rock), watch the sunset, and visit the nearby archeological center.. While you won’t need four-wheel drive to get close to the Eye of Maleha, it does get rocky, and your best bet is to park nearby and walk over toward the sandy dune.
Dubai is a bustling city, boasting Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, as well as an innovative and futuristic feel like no other (there’s even a Museum of the Future!).
If you have the opportunity, Burj Khalifa’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are like no other, and it’s an incredible experience seeing them in person. There is also the beautiful Dubai Fountain, accessible from Dubai Mall. While you can go downstairs and see Dubai Fountain from the ground, the fountain view is best (IMO) from Dubai Mall’s restaurants and also stunning from Burj Khalifa.
Global Village is a huge souk or market with 90 cultures represented, marketed as a world without borders. It is also decked out with lights if you’re there during the holiday season. If you’re looking for za’atar, you’ll find multiple varieties, including pomegranate za’atar in the Lebanese souk. If you head over to Palestine, you’ll find traditional coffee and tea cups and other beautiful ceramics. In Morocco, you can find a teapot to go with those tea cups. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re likely to find it at Global Village.
Dubai can get pretty expensive, especially if you’re traveling during peak tourist season. NYE reservations are expensive everywhere, whether you’re hoping to view Burj Khalifa’s fireworks from one of Dubai Mall’s restaurants or a nearby park or beach.
If you can find a hotel room with views of the fireworks ahead of time, that might be less expensive than a NYE restaurant reservation (a starting price is usually 1,000 UAE Dirham, roughly $270 USD). Make sure to plan ahead to see what’s within your budget if you’re traveling Nov-March.
){kind=link}