The UAE is a small but beautiful country known for the skyscrapers of Dubai and the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. While Dubai is an exciting city and Burj Khalifa has can’t-miss views, there’s a lot more to see and experience while in the United Arab Emirates.
To help you plan, we’ve put together a list of our recommended UAE power adapter, some essential packing items that you’ll be grateful to have, plus frequently asked questions when traveling to the United Arab Emirates.
In the United Arab Emirates, 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 also work with plugs E and F.
Type D and G sockets have no alternative plugs and have more of a triangle shape with three holes. In the UAE, I most often found type G sockets.
The standard voltage in the UAE is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. The US has a standard voltage range of 110-120 V and a standard frequency of 60 Hz.
As you’re planning and packing for your trip to the United Arab Emirates, you’re probably wondering, “What plug do I need in the UAE?”. Since the US has no overlap in plug sockets with the UAE, you’ll need a power adapter. The UAE uses three power plug sockets: Type C, D, and G.
We recommend a Universal Adapter that will work with the two most common plug types found in the UAE, reliably charging all of your devices, such as your cell phone, tablet, camera, laptop, etc.
This Universal Adapter also has a lifetime replacement guarantee and built-in device protection in the case of a power surge. It works not only in the UAE but is also compatible with over 100 other countries worldwide.
In addition to your US-to-UAE 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.
In the age of hackers and security concerns, an RFID-lined neck wallet keeps you organized and shields your credit cards and passport from both e-theft and potential pickpockets. A neck wallet is also helpful if you’ll be on the trail and need a durable way to store important documents. Not to mention the long travel days when jet lag sets in, you’ll be thanking your lucky stars for an organization system that holds your essential documents.
There’s nothing that disrupts a peaceful hike in the desert like a low-battery alert on your phone. Thankfully, you’re prepared with a compact and lightweight battery bank! Depending on your phone model, this lipstick-sized battery bank will give you one to two charges, making sure you can stay focused on the adventures ahead. It’s about the size of a lipstick tube yet can power multiple devices simultaneously.
You’d be surprised how many people have access to monitor your online activity. Your internet provider, creepy neighbors and onlookers, government entities, and of course, hackers!
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps protect your online privacy even if you’re on public Wi-Fi networks that are vulnerable to hackers (like at the airport, hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and anywhere you join a free network). NordVPN is well-known as one of the best VPN options for its unlimited bandwidth and streaming speed. They also help mitigate online censorship since you have access to 6,000+ servers in over 60 countries – no Netflix bans or PayPal security hurdles here! It’s the best VPN that I’ve personally tested, both while traveling abroad and at home in Hawaii.
While some jet lag is inevitable, being as proactive as possible in adjusting to a new time zone will help alleviate the worst of jet lag’s effects. No-Jet-Lag’s homeopathic remedy includes herbs such as chamomile to help you sleep on the flight and daisy to help prevent blood clots and physical soreness from sitting so long.
Record-breaking heat waves in the UAE can hit peak temps of a sweltering 52ºC (126ºF)! Those figures are nothing to scoff at and you should be wise about preparing for the heat, especially if visiting in the summer months of June to August. We always pack this cooling towel when we visit warm climates. Simply add water and wring it out, the microfiber cloth will drop to nearly 30-degrees colder than the outside temp! It’s kind of magical, chemical-free, and can be used again and again throughout the day. It’s a game-changer and necessity for this location, not a luxury.
I wouldn’t travel to the United Arab Emirates without travel insurance, particularly since most domestic providers only cover you domestically. Anything can happen while you’re abroad, and you don’t need to pay out of pocket in a decently expensive part of the world.
With Faye travel insurance, you can quickly and easily find coverage, make claims, and get reimbursed – right from your phone. Whether you’re looking for medical coverage, reimbursement in the case of lost luggage, or a contingency plan after getting a virus while abroad, Faye has you covered with excellent plans and awesome add-ons like ‘trip cancellation for any reason!’
With increases in lost and delayed luggage, there’s no better time to ensure you have TSA-approved luggage locks on your packing list. Personally, I’ve had a suitcase that was carry-on approved on one flight that needed to be checked on a later flight with a different airline, and while my checked bag had a lock on it, I wished I had purchased these luggage locks for my smaller bag.
If you’re a woman planning on visiting the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi (or any of the other mosques in the UAE), you’ll want to take a pashmina scarf to cover your hair. While there are plenty of places to find scarves around the UAE, it’s good to plan ahead and remain respectful of the local culture. This scarf is also perfect for when it gets chilly in the winter evenings!
This hanging toiletry bag will take your travel experience from a chaotic mess to zero stress! Instead of sprawling products all over the place, it organizes your toiletries so the countertops don’t have to suffer. With everything at eye-level, you can easily find your skincare, haircare, dental care, and personal hygiene items. My wife uses a compartment for makeup and it has elastic bands to hold products and brushes in place.
We also love that this brand, Eco Sun, is giving back to underserved communities and striving for everyone to have access to education. As a sustainable, woman-owned company based in Hawaii – the products are built to last and intended to serve a larger purpose. They even come with a lifetime happiness guarantee, so you have no risks in trying it out!
Rainy days are rare in the UAE, but hot summer days are plenty. A travel-sized umbrella can easily double as a sun shade and ensures you’re prepared for anything. If you’re hiking in the mountains, you’re also more likely to experience rain. I traveled to the UAE in January, and there was one beautiful, rare rainy day.
There are stunning, quiet, and private beaches you can stumble upon in the UAE. Instead of bringing a bulky hotel towel or lugging something from point A to B, just use this microfiber travel towel. It’s made for on-the-go and is super absorbent with material that dries 10x faster than cotton. It comes with a convenient carrying case and is perfect for beach days or pool parties!
If you haven’t discovered the bliss of packing cubes, you’re in for a treat! These organizers help you maintain your sanity when living in new places. With labels on each cube, you can create a system for your shirts, pants, pajamas, socks, essentials, and more – never having to dig again to find that long-lost sock! This set even comes with bonus laundry bags and you can opt for the 3-pack if you’re packing for a shorter trip.
This is the best waterproof phone pouch we’ve come across! It allows you to film underwater videos (with sound!) and ensures your device is protected from any moisture, sand, or debris. Many of the local activities will involve boating in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. You’ll be thankful to have it for pool days or trips to Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi!
You do NOT want to be that person with a bag that’s exploded open onto the baggage claim – literally displaying all of your dirty laundry to the public. Suitcases are always harder to zip shut on the return trip (after you’ve done some shopping) than when you first left for vacation. Secure your bags with these TSA-approved luggage straps. They are adjustable and will take the pressure off of your zippers since they can endure up to 700-pounds of force tension. Plus, it’s easier to find your luggage in a sea of standard black bags if it has a colorful belt on!
In addition to the cooling towel, bring reinforcements for the subtropical desert climate – like this handheld fan! It’s petite but powerful, giving you a much-needed gust of wind when there is no breeze in sight. It will keep you so much more comofrtable when you walk to excrusions, explore the sights, or ride in vehicles that lack air conditioning.
100% of the UAE’s population has access to electricity, according to the World Bank’s 2020 report. It’s rare for the United Arab Emirates to have power outages. The voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz.
The UAE has set the goal of generating 50% of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2050, with most of this coming from solar energy. While this is ambitious, given that the vast majority of its energy currently comes from gas and oil, one of the most intriguing applications of the small percentage (so far) of solar energy is the architecture of its green buildings. From The Pineapple Buildings to the Lattice-Domed Parliament Building, no one does future-forward and beautiful solar-powered energy like the UAE.
In the UAE, the standard voltage is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. You need a voltage converter for large appliances like hair dryers in the United Arab Emirates if you are traveling from the United States of America to the UAE since the US has a standard voltage of 120 V and a frequency of 60 Hz.
Personally, I didn’t take my hair dryer or straightener since I knew that these devices don’t always work well with voltage converters. It’s ideal to leave those at home and borrow a hair dryer (if possible) – use your hotel’s or purchase an inexpensive one for your trip.
The best time to travel to the UAE will partly depend on your itinerary and when you’re able to travel, but generally, avoiding the scorching summers is recommended. Winter weather is pleasant, allowing for comfortable hiking weather, and there’s nothing like New Year’s Eve in Dubai! Note that travel prices will be highest at this time, so using airline miles or planning a slightly extended trip to avoid peak prices and working remotely if possible is ideal.
The desert climate of the UAE is very hot in the summer and mildly cool in the winter. Summers range from 101℉ to 108℉ during the day, at times reaching up to 120℉. You do not want to be outside in the heat of the day. Generally, November to March has fairly comfortable (highs less than 90℉) temperatures.
Winter weather is comfortable, with highs ranging from 76℉ to 80℉ from December to February and an average low of 52℉ at night. Average yearly precipitation is less than 4 inches, with rainy days most probable in the winter (Dec-Feb).
Personally, I would recommend starting with the two largest cities: Abu Dhabi and Dubai. From there, I’d recommend heading over toward Sharjah and Ras Al-Khaimah for mountain hikes.
Close to Abu Dhabi, you’ll find museums such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, nature preserves such as Jubail Mangrove Park (also known as Eastern Mangrove National Park), and plenty of pristine beaches, especially in Saadiyat Island. In Abu Dhabi, you can visit the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or enjoy roller coasters at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
If you’re looking for views in Dubai, you don’t want to miss Burj Khalifa or the nearby Sky Views Observatory. There’s an option to purchase a combo ticket for both, which I think is one of the best deals. We saw Burj Khalifa at sunset/at night and visited the observatory the next day. Whatever option you’re looking at, make sure to plan ahead because tickets will sell quickly, especially if you’re traveling during peak tourist season.
Dubai can get expensive—Global Village is beautifully decorated during the holidays, inexpensive, and essentially a big Souk or market with more than 70 countries and cultures represented.
Plan to wear comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking a lot), but Global Village is the place to find different kinds of Lebanese Za’atar, Persian tea, and Palestinian coffee cups and enjoy traditional musical performances. Note that prices are more or less set, so while you might bargain in a traditional Souk, the quoted prices are pretty close to going rates.
While Arabic is the official language of the UAE, about 75% of the UAE’s population are expatriates, and a lot of people speak English or their native language. With that said, it’s always a good idea to pick up at least a few phrases in the most common language(s) of the country you’re visiting.
If you’re looking to hike in the mountains, you’ll find a lot of incredible hikes north and east of Dubai. For an easy and beautiful desert hike, you can start with the Eye of Meleha and walk/hike over to Camel Rock. Both are more trekking up sand dunes than long hikes. There’s also an archeological museum nearby if that’s your vibe.
If you’re hoping to get some solid elevation change and more miles in, you might check out Jebel Jais in Ras al-Khaimah. You’ll find both short (4 miles) and longer (9 to 12 mile) hikes. For a mid-length hike with a nearby Wadi, Shawka Dam Mountain Trail (6.4 miles) is a fun challenge with a steep staircase incline at the beginning and a rewarding mountain range view. It just depends on what you’re looking for.
Make sure to check ahead of time if you need a car with four-wheel drive for the hike you’re hoping to get to, as some of these involve a little off-roading to get to.
Fun fact: the name Abu Dhabi means ‘Land of the Gazelle’ in Arabic. If you’re in Abu Dhabi, you’re likely to see Arabian Sand Gazelles, and if you’re hiking, you might also see donkeys. The UAE is also considered a birdwatcher’s paradise with more than 100 bird species. If you make your way toward any nature preserves (such as Jubail Mangrove Park), you’ll likely spot some cool wildlife.
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