Essential Dubai Packing Guide: Everything You Need for Hassle-Free Vacation

Remember to bring everything you need for your trip by keeping our Dubai packing list handy!

Depending on how you plan to spend your time, we advise you to take into account the following:

• Several casual outfits for visiting popular sights, having a picnic, going to the cinema, café, exhibition, or just moving around the city.
• Pack appropriate sportswear if you plan to engage in active recreation, use the fitness centers frequently located in hotels, or play outdoor sports.
• If swimming in open water or at equipped pools and water parks is part of your plans, bring beach or pool attire.
• Dark sleep masks for sensitive sleepers, earplugs, and pajamas are recommended for deep sleep.
• Several smart casual/chic/evening outfits for hanging out at parties, nightclubs, or upscale restaurants.
• If your visit falls during Ramadan or you intend to visit mosques or other religious sites, pack modest outfits, such as an abaya, maxi dresses or skirts, long-sleeved shirts, and a scarf.

Some essential things to pack to Dubai are layers (like sweaters, jackets, jumpers, etc) as while it could be hot outside, the inside could be very chilly because of the ACs. Don`t forget about the travel adapter. And sunscreen is a must.

These are only a few things to think about while creating a packing list; our Dubai Packing Guide will dive further into more detail.

Understanding Dubai’s Climate and Culture

Weather Features in Dubai

The hot, dry weather in Dubai should be taken into consideration while planning your vacation, as summertime highs can reach over 40°C (104°F).

It’s important to prepare for the harsh weather and take precautions for your skin and general health when you’re outside if your trip falls during the sweltering summer months. Making the right clothing choices is also crucial.

An extensive summary of Dubai’s weather characteristics and advice for each month can be found below.

It is advised to wear dark sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen on a regular basis. No need to bring raincoats or umbrellas because rain rarely falls in Dubai!

Months	Average temperature, °C, max/min	Clothing tips
January	24° / 14°	Don’t forget warm clothes: loose-fitting trousers, jeans or chinos, sneakers/loafers/slip-on shoes, a shirt (can be insulated with fleece or wool), a soft jacket, a sweatshirt or other sweater with long sleeves
February	25° / 16°	Similar to January
March	29° / 18°	Warm jackets, thin sweaters or cardigans, long-sleeved shirts for chilly evenings, pants, comfortable closed shoes and sandals
April	33° / 21°	Light clothing made from natural fabrics (preferably shirts with long sleeves so as not to get burned), hats, swimwear, and comfortable shoes for different occasions
May	38° / 25°	Light clothing made from natural fabrics (preferably shirts with long sleeves so as not to get burned), hats, swimwear, and comfortable shoes for different occasions
June	40° / 28°	Light clothing made from natural fabrics (preferably shirts with long sleeves so as not to get burned), hats, swimwear, and comfortable shoes for different occasions
July	41° / 30°	Light clothing made from natural fabrics (preferably shirts with long sleeves so as not to get burned), hats, swimwear, and comfortable shoes for different occasions
August	41° / 31°	Light clothing made from natural fabrics (preferably shirts with long sleeves so as not to get burned), hats, swimwear, and comfortable shoes for different occasions
September	39° / 28°	Light clothing made from natural fabrics (preferably shirts with long sleeves so as not to get burned), hats, swimwear, and comfortable shoes for different occasions
October	35° / 24°	Light sweater, windbreaker, think about “layers” for the nighttime/cold indoors/safari outing
November	31° / 20°	Warm jackets, cardigans or sweaters, short and long-sleeve tops, pants
December	26° / 16°	Warm jackets, cardigans or sweaters, short and long-sleeve tops, pants

Give preference to white and light oclours when packing clothes.

Needs for Layers

Even though the outdoor temperature may be quite high, air conditioning is often used to keep inside venues like restaurants, malls, and museums cold.

It can also be unpredictable and sometimes chilly in desert areas, especially on winter nights.

Having an assortment of layers of clothing on hand can ensure that you’re prepared for any weather changes. Some examples of these layers include lightweight knit cardigans, shirts, sweatshirts, shawls or scarves, and long, flowy dresses that may be worn over “summer” attire.

Modesty Comes First

Given respect for the Muslim customs and cultural standards of the area, it’s essential to follow the practice of dressing modestly. When visiting government facilities, mosques, or during Ramadan, don’t forget to cover your shoulders, knees, and ankles (if you’re at a religious site, especially). Ladies should also wear a headscarf that completely hides their hair at the mosques.

Packing for the Heat

Breathable Clothing Fabrics

Choosing clothes from your current wardrobe or investing in natural textiles like cotton and linen is a good idea if your trip to Dubai falls during the warmer months.

To be comfortable and have flexibility of movement in the scorching Dubai weather, choose a flattering airflow cut for the apparel.

Sun Protection Essentials

Heart problems and chronic conditions like the herpes virus might be worsened by prolonged sun exposure. It’s important to bring headwear like Panama hats, caps, or scarves to shield sensitive areas like the ears, neck, and face from direct sunlight.

Additionally, using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is crucial for protecting the skin and hair. Sunscreen comes in various forms such as creams, lotions, oils, and sprays.

When choosing sunglasses, look for UV 400 labeling to block up to 99% of UV light.

Note! If you have vision problems, you might think about getting special photochromic glasses. These glasses can change how much light they transmit. They can stay light indoors or at night, but when they come into direct sunshine, they darken to block the harmful rays. As an alternative, you might decide to use sunglasses and contact lenses for better UV protection and vision support.

Respectful Attire for Cultural Sites

When you visit mosques or traditional markets (souks), it’s important to show respect for the local customs by making sure your shoulders and knees are covered.

Mosques that are accessible to the public require women to cover their heads with scarves.

To adhere to these rules, wearing long skirts, maxi dresses, light-weight pants and shirts with long sleeves is a smart choice. Some locations could provide guests with scarves to wear as an expression of respect.

Essential Beach and Pool Gear

Bring the following items to guarantee a relaxing and enjoyable beach- or poolside activities:

• Decent swimwear is suitable for public beaches and pools, steer clear of too-revealing styles.
• Long shirts made of breathable, thin fabrics, tunics, pareos, or long shawls are examples of beach cover-ups that should be worn while strolling modestly.
• Quick-drying towels with a plush and dense pile can help you save money when renting them out at water parks and beach clubs.
• Pool- and beachside sandals for comfort. It’s better to choose flip-flops that are easy to put on and take off, Crocs that will protect your feet from sunburn, or aqua shoes that you don’t even need to take off when swimming.
• A sizable mat for sitting on the beach that can also be used as a picnic blankets (optional).

Think about packing snorkels and dive masks for the kids, arm guards, or inflatable swimming rings or balls. Though they are all optional too.

Don’t Forget These Extras

Make sure the technical equipment you plan to bring is working properly a few days before your trip. Make sure the power supply and chargers are operational, change the batteries as needed, and think about getting high-capacity memory cards. It’s also recommended to bring along a universal travel adapter for your electronics.

Make sure you bring a lightweight scarf or sweater for chilly nights or air-conditioned spaces.

Because visiting the city requires a lot of walking, it’s best to pack your most comfortable and hiking-tested (but not worn-out) shoes. To enhance comfort on long walks, think about putting on anatomical insoles.

Think about bringing reusable water bottles that can be pre-filled at hotels or water stations to help lessen the need for frequent purchases of plastic water bottles.

Activities and Optional Items

When heading out to a fine-dining restaurant (and Dubai has plenty of them), males should bring appropriate clothing, like a formal suit or tuxedo, long-sleeve shirt, classic-style pants, and closed shoes or loafers. Ladies ought to wear a classy/elegant suit, a blouse paired with a skirt made of sophisticated fabric, or a cocktail dress with flat or high-heeled shoes.

Don’t forget to add accessories that showcase your unique style, such as watches, necklaces, bow ties, bracelets, clutches, earrings, cuffs, brooches, and ties. Accessories are crucial for completing your evening look.

Additionally, makeup for nighttime events and photo sessions won’t be unnecessary. Your cosmetic bag should contain mascara, eye shadow, lipstick, and light concealer. We do not advise using foundation because it will float in the heat and clog your pores.

Longing to party at Dubai’s nightclubs? You should know that the premium ones usually have a dress code that’s kind of smart casual or smart chic. So, it’s a good idea to check out the rules of the club you want to visit before you go there.

It’s essential to dress comfortably for desert safaris, such as in T-shirts, long shorts, and capri pants. You should also wear closed-toe shoes, a hat, and a bandana or keffiyeh. Bring along a light sweater (if you intend to stay in the winter nighttime) and a backpack for carrying supplies like water.

Packing when Traveling with Kids

Documents

The most important things to focus on are the required documentation: the kid’s birth certificate (particularly if the parents have different last names), an international passport for each parent and child, a visa (if it’s needed), and the travel package including travel/medical insurance.

Clothes and Accessories

Children should have enough clothes for their vacation, ideally at least two sets for each day. If the child is over three, they may need less. Here are some items to consider:

• Underwear: one or two sets per day.
• T-shirts, tank tops, and shorts for boys and girls.
• Dresses, tunics, and skirts for girls.
• A jacket or windbreaker with a hood, long-sleeved shirts, and trousers and/or jeans, especially useful for evening outings, particularly in winter.
• Swimsuit.
• Sandals for the beach or pool and lightweight sneakers or moccasins for city strolls and excursions.
• Lightweight suit with long sleeves.
• Sun hat for protection.
• Sunglasses.

First Aid Kit

When traveling to Dubai, it’s essential to pack a variety of medications, including:

• Sunburn remedies.
• Treatment for intestinal disorders.
• Fever-reducing medication.
• Allergy medication.
• Motion sickness remedies.
• Cough and sore throat relief.

For infants under three years old, it’s important to have medications in a suspension form.

Additionally, don’t forget to include pain relievers, antiseptics, bactericidal plasters, and bandages in your travel kit.

If any family member has chronic medical conditions, ensure the first aid kit includes the necessary medications, along with a doctor’s prescription.

Explore family-friendly activities in Dubai.

Optional Items

If you’re traveling with a baby, here is a list of things you must pack to the UAE to avoid wasting your first few hours there looking for stores:

• Diapers: Approximately five diapers a day is a good amount to bring, depending on your baby’s demands. A small pack should be included in your carry-on luggage.
• Swim diapers: A must while visiting water parks or swimming pools.
• Changing pad: A portable diaper changing pad for convenience.
• Wet wipes: Pack a sufficient amount in your checked luggage and carry-on bag.
• Toiletries: Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush and baby cream.
• Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen and after-sun cream.
• Insect repellent or fumigator.
• Grooming essentials: Comb and scissors (according to customs regulations, pack scissors in checked luggage).
• Children’s eating utensils: Plate, spoon, and bottle.
• Baby carrier: Kangaroo or sling for easy transportation.
• Potty: Consider a collapsible travel potty or a child’s toilet seat.
• Stroller: A collapsible stroller for the infants.
• Snorkeling gear: Mask and snorkel.

Items that You Can Not Bring to Dubai

The goods listed below are not allowed to be transported to the UAE:

1. Explosives, ammunition, and weapons.
2. Narcotic and psychotropic substances: the United Arab Emirates has one of the world’s longest lists of substances that are illegal.
3. Compounds that are poisonous, ozone-depleting, and radioactive.

Other certain categories of goods:

1. Products that go against Islamic morality include sex toys and publications that contradict Islamic principles of faith, including books, newspapers, and periodicals.
2. Counterfeit goods, such as fake coins, banknotes, and paperwork.
3. Meat, dairy products, and home-cooked food.
4. Ivory and rhinoceros horn.
5. Gambling items such as playing cards and dice.

Note! Although the transportation of drones is not officially illegal, in 2021 the authorities introduced restrictive measures: it’s necessary to get the permits by relevant authorities and register the drone.

Please visit this website for a complete list of goods that are forbidden from being imported. You can also use the MOHAP application or the MOHAP UAE website to confirm if a certain medication is allowed for import.

Restrictions [Things to consider]:

• Gifts whose value does not exceed AED 3000.
• A total number of 400 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco (minced or pressed for pipes) or minced/pressed tobacco for smoking, tumbâk (pure tobacco) or hookah molasses.
• Alcoholic beverages not exceeding 4 litres or 2 cartons of beer, each consisting of 24 cans not exceeding 355 ml for each can.
• Arriving/departing passengers aged 18 years and above must declare to Customs any cash or cheques, promissory notes, payment orders, precious metals or stones in their possession with value exceeding AED 60,000 or equivalent in foreign currencies. For passengers under the age of 18 the amount in their possession will be added to the permitted limit of their parent/guardian or accompanier.

Read our blog post about the best souvenirs of Dubai.

Travel Essentials Checklist

• Documents and their copies.
• Tickets (in paper or electronic form).
• Travel and medical insurance.
• Money (cash and acceptable credit/debit cards such as Visa and MasterCard).
• Clothes.
• Mobile phone.
• Other gadgets and chargers.
• First Aid Kit.

Packing Tips for Carry-on Luggage

It is important that you carefully go over all of your travel essentials, including your passport, visa, birth certificate for your child, and tickets (electronic or paper).

Having an international veterinary certificate is particularly crucial if you intend to travel with a pet.

It is advised that you place these documents in an easily accessible bag and arrange them in a single folder the day before you go. Before leaving the home, it’s a good idea to check the contents of the bag again.

The following things are allowed in the cabin as carry-ons:

• Liquids and gels, including creams, pastes, and perfumes, in containers that are 100 ml or less. These need to be put in a clear plastic bag secured with a zipper. Since the container volume is taken into account during inspection, big bottles of shampoo cannot be carried on – even if you have the liquids only for 1-2 washings.

Alcohol and perfume purchased duty-free are exempt from the 100 ml limit, however the original package must remain closed until the traveler departs the airport.

• Do you often get headaches before a flight? Bring solid-form tablets, preferably in their original packaging, for these and other conditions. Vital prescription medications may be kept in any kind of form or container as long as it is in their original packaging and come with a prescription document from a doctor.
• If they fit within the size and weight restrictions of carry-on luggage, small household appliances, communication, and photography equipment, such as travel adapters/converters, mobile phones, laptops, headphones, cameras, video cameras, and hair styling tools, are allowed in the aircraft cabin.

Make sure you have communication in case of unforeseen delays by remembering to pack chargers or a power bank.

• Non-perishable food, especially in convenient packaging, is ideal for on-the-go snacks. Examples of such food include bananas, apples, sandwiches, nuts, dried fruits, cookies, buns, bars, muesli, chocolate, and hard cheese. You can bring in as much baby food – even liquid – as you need for the flight.
• It’s a good idea to pack a sleep mask, travel pillow, some kid-friendly activities or games, and a jacket for those who are easily chilled on lengthy or overnight trips.

Conclusion: Pack Smart and Enjoy Your Dubai Adventure!

Here are the key points to keep in mind for packing for your trip to Dubai:

• Think about what you want to do when you visit Dubai for vacation and pack accordingly: check what you need for a sports or safari wardrobe, buy a dress or cocktail for dinners at chic restaurants, or find an abaya that fits the regulations and looks great in pictures at the stunning white Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
• Be prepared for the heat and bring layers for cooler evenings and heavily air-conditioned spaces.
• Bring your pool/beach gear and accessories to save money, including towels, cover-ups, sandals, and modest swimsuits.
• Respect cultural customs and dress codes, especially in conservative areas, traditional markets, and mosques.
• Check out our time- and money-saving tips in the “Don’t Forget These Extras” section.
• If traveling with children, pack essential items, documents, medications, and sun protection for them. You know your child best, so pack accordingly.

We wish you a pleasant journey and be sure to keep our Dubai packing list handy!

Check out our ultimate guide to all the unique things you can experience in UAE.