What Should You Pack for United Arab Emirates?
The UAE has a hot, desert climate, so light, breathable clothing is essential. For daytime, pack short sleeve shirts and lightweight pants or skirts, but bring a light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned malls and restaurants. For women, modest clothing is required in religious sites, so pack long skirts, dresses, and scarves to cover shoulders and knees. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking in cities, while sandals are great for beach days. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection from the intense sun.
Make sure you’re prepared to: Visit the Burj Khalifa, explore the deserts, and relax on the beaches of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
What to Wear in United Arab Emirates
The dress code in the UAE is generally casual but modest, especially for women in public areas. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, tourists can wear lighter clothing such as shorts, dresses, and sleeveless tops in most areas. However, when visiting mosques or more conservative areas, women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should wear long pants. At the beach or resort, swimsuits are fine, but always cover up when leaving the pool or beach area. For evenings out, a dress or jumpsuit is perfect for women, while men can opt for smart casual attire like polo shirts and chinos.
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Spring
65 – 85°F
(18 – 29°C
)
Summer
85 – 110°F
(29 – 43°C
)
Fall
75 – 95°F
(24 – 35°C
)
Winter
55 – 75°F
(13 – 24°C
)
Spring: Warm with cool evenings, dry
Summer: Very hot, dry, and sunny
Fall: Hot, dry, with pleasant evenings
Winter: Mild and dry
Spring
0.5 inches of rain
Summer
0 inches of rain
Fall
0.2 inches of rain
Winter
1 inch of rain
Tops & Layers
1. Short Sleeve Shirts: Perfect for warm days spent exploring the city or lounging by the beach.
2. Long Sleeve Shirts: Great for modesty when visiting religious sites like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
3. Sweater: Useful for cool evenings or heavily air-conditioned malls and restaurants.
4. Casual Jacket: A light jacket is great for cooler evenings in winter or during desert excursions.
5. Fleece Jacket: If you’re visiting the UAE during the winter, a fleece jacket will keep you warm on chilly desert nights.
Bottoms & Dresses
1. Pants: Lightweight pants are great for walking around the cities or visiting cultural sites.
2. Leggings: Ideal for layering under longer tops or skirts for modesty and comfort.
3. Dresses: Pack a light, modest dress for visiting religious sites or for evenings out in the city.
4. Shorts: Great for lounging at the beach or exploring outdoor areas in the heat.
5. Skirt: A long skirt is perfect for staying cool while being respectful of the local culture.
6. Jumpsuit: A stylish jumpsuit works well for evenings out in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
7. Tights: Consider packing tights for cooler evenings in the winter months or for additional modesty.
Shoes & Accessories
1. Shoes: Comfortable shoes are key for exploring the city or visiting malls and attractions.
2. Sandals: Perfect for beach days or casual strolls along the waterfront.
3. Swimsuit: A must for enjoying the UAE’s luxurious beaches and hotel pools.
4. Sunglasses: Essential for shielding your eyes from the intense desert sun.
5. Hat: A wide-brimmed hat is perfect for protecting your face during desert excursions or beach days.
6. Scarf: A light scarf is useful for modesty when visiting mosques or covering up from the sun.
Luggage & Packs
1. Carry-On: Ideal for packing light if you’re traveling between cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
2. Daypack: Great for carrying essentials while exploring the city or going on a desert safari.
3. Purse: A small crossbody purse is perfect for keeping things light while shopping or sightseeing in the city.
Travel Essentials
- Reusable Water Bottle: A must-have for travel days and while exploring for the day.
- Packing Cubes: Helpful for staying organized rather than ending up with a heap of clothes in your luggage.
- Luggage Tags: Even if you’re not checking luggage, still good to have in case you misplace your bags.
- Luggage Locks: Can be handy even if you’re not checking luggage, making your backpack more pickpocket-proof.
- Sleep Mask: An eye mask is a game changer for helping you get quality sleep each night.
- White Noise Machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get more consistent sleep.
- Ear Plugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry Case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and not getting them all tangled.
- Dry Bag: An item to bring if you plan to do a lot of water activities or boat trips.
- Water Shoes: Same as above. Great to bring if you plan to do water activities or boat trips.
- Travel Umbrella: Only if you’re going somewhere where it’s going to be wet and rainy (but not too windy).
- Deck of Cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable Charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal Travel Adapter: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim: I’ve used Airalo in four different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad.
- Phone: Currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone Splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband on long flights.
- GoPro: A great camera for underwater photography or adventure activities.
- Memory Card for GoPro: This is the one I use for my GoPro, high-quality and reliable.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Even with my GoPro, I end up using this all the time since phone quality photos are so good now.
- Kindle: I love traveling with my Kindle and being able to read multiple books on a trip without the extra weight.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for long plane rides if I want to get any sleep. I also bring Airpods for local bus trips or on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Air Tags: Great if you’re checking luggage in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above.
- Toiletry Bag: Great for going through security, and they make it easier to find what I want to use.
- Reusable Containers for Toiletries: I use reusable containers so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products.
- Electric Toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Floss: Any floss will do.
- Natural Deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers.
- Conditioner: Same as above. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided.
- Panty Liners: For when you want some extra protection. Also great for sweaty travel days to keep you more dry.
- Tampons: I like that these are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses and travel with.
- Tide to Go Pen: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Travel Laundry Detergent: These are useful because you can use them for hand washing or as washer detergent.
- Travel Clothesline: Handy when you need to wash your clothes but realize most of the world doesn’t use dryers.
- Hairbrush: I don’t use a travel-size version because it’s not worth it for me. I’d rather have a full-size brush.
- Hair Ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- After Sun Lotion: Great to have if you’re traveling during the hotter months and expect to get a lot of sun.
- Face Sunscreen: I’ve tried many sunscreen brands, and this is the best face sunscreen I’ve found.
- Body Sunscreen: Reef-safe, easy to spread, and smells good.
- Face Cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Overnight Face Mask: I use this in daily life as well, but during travel it’s especially good because it’s so hydrating.
- Lip Balm: I’ve been a Burts Bees stan for over a decade, and I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- Travel Razor: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week.
- Razor Replacements: I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating Face Sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after long plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Travel Mirror: This is a luxury item, but it’s surprising how often I use it when there’s only one bathroom.
- Dry Bar Blow Dryer Brush: Another luxury item. It’s bulky to bring (and I don’t always bring it), but it’s a versatile tool for looking more put together in non-humid destinations.
- Heat Protectant Spray: For the Dry Bar Brush.
- Bug Spray: The most effective spray I’ve found that doesn’t use DEET.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially if you’re prone to it like me.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different than you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another thing to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other Travel Medications: Make sure to research what else you might need to bring for the destination.
- Electrolyte Powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a long flight.
- Band-Aids: Useful for minor cuts and blisters.
- Anti-Septic Wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Unisom SleepMelts: Obviously optional, but these are the only way I’m able to sleep on planes.
- Melatonin: Helps with sleep, especially if you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Passport
- Travel Visas (if needed)
- Travel Documents, Tickets, Boarding Passes & Booking Confirmations
- Driver’s License / International Driving Permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of Passport (hidden in your pack)
- Emergency Cash – I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Travel Insurance – Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies.
What to Know Before You Pack
- Modesty: Women should pack clothing that covers their shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites.
- Sun Protection: The sun is strong, so always wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Lightweight Fabrics: Opt for breathable, lightweight fabrics to stay cool in the hot desert climate.
United Arab Emirates Travel FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT UNITED ARAB EMIRATES?
November through March is the best time to visit the UAE, as the temperatures are cooler, making it perfect for outdoor activities. January’s also great because it offers mild weather and is the peak season for exploring Dubai and Abu Dhabi without the extreme heat.
WHAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS ARE THERE IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES?
Dubai Shopping Festival (December-January): A massive event featuring discounts, fireworks, and entertainment—great for shoppers and families.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (November): A Formula 1 race held on Yas Island, attracting fans from around the world—ideal for sports enthusiasts.
Dubai Food Festival (February-March): Celebrates Dubai’s diverse culinary scene with food stalls, pop-ups, and fine dining events—perfect for food lovers.
Ramadan (varies): A holy month observed across the UAE, with daytime fasting and special evening meals—good for cultural travelers to experience local traditions.
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES?
The UAE is known for its modern cities and desert landscapes. Start with Dubai, where you can visit the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and explore the Dubai Mall. One of my favorite experiences is visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, a stunning architectural masterpiece. Don’t miss the desert safaris, where you can go dune bashing or experience traditional Bedouin culture. For beach lovers, the UAE offers luxurious resorts and pristine beaches along the Persian Gulf.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO VISIT UNITED ARAB EMIRATES?
You’ll need about 7-10 days to fully explore the highlights of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the desert. A 5-day trip can give you a good overview of the cities and a taste of the desert experiences.
Suggested Itineraries:
2 Days: Day 1: Explore Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, visit the Dubai Mall, and take a boat ride on the Dubai Marina. Day 2: Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and enjoy dinner along the Corniche.
5 Days: Copy the 2-day itinerary. For Day 3, explore the Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis, and relax at JBR Beach. Day 4: Go on a desert safari with dune bashing and camel rides. Day 5: Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden and enjoy an evening dinner cruise along the Dubai Creek.
1 Week: Copy the 5-day itinerary. For Day 6, take a day trip to Al Ain to explore the oasis and ancient forts. Day 7: Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi and enjoy the beaches on Saadiyat Island.
10 Days: Copy the 1-week itinerary. For Day 8, explore the souks of Dubai and take a boat ride on the Dubai Creek. Day 9: Visit Yas Island for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track, Yas Waterworld, or Ferrari World. Day 10: Return to Dubai for a final day of shopping or relaxing at one of the luxury beach resorts.
2 Weeks: Copy the 10-day itinerary. For Day 11, visit the Hajar Mountains and explore the natural beauty of the UAE’s rugged landscape. Day 12: Spend the day in Sharjah, known for its cultural attractions and museums. Day 13: Take a boat tour to the Musandam Peninsula, known for its stunning fjords and marine life. Day 14: Return to Dubai and enjoy a relaxing day before your departure.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR 2 DAYS, 5 DAYS, 1 WEEK, 10 DAYS, AND 2 WEEKS IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES?
2 Days
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Sweater
- 1 Dress
- 1 Swimsuit
- 1 Pair of Walking Shoes
5 Days
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 2 Dresses
- 1 Swimsuit
- 1 Pair of Walking Shoes
1 Week
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 2 Dresses
- 1 Swimsuit
- 1 Pair of Walking Shoes
10 Days
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Fleece Jacket
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 3 Dresses
- 1 Swimsuit
- 1 Pair of Walking Shoes
2 Weeks
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Fleece Jacket
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 3 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 4 Dresses
- 2 Swimsuits
- 1 Pair of Walking Shoes
WHAT SHOULD I NOT PACK FOR UNITED ARAB EMIRATES?
Revealing clothing: Modesty is important, so avoid packing shorts or tank tops for public areas.
Heavy winter coats: The weather is warm even in winter, so light layers work best.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ?
Airfare: $800-$1,500 depending on the season. Prices are generally higher during the winter months (peak season).
Accommodation: $100-$400 per night, with higher prices in Dubai’s luxury resorts.
Transportation: $20-$50 per day for taxis, metro, or car rentals. Public transport is affordable and efficient.
Meals: $30-$100 per day, depending on whether you dine at casual eateries or high-end restaurants.
Activities: $50-$150 for tours, entrance fees, and desert safaris. Prices vary depending on the activity and location.
IS THERE A TIPPING CULTURE IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES? WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 10% tip is common if it isn’t already added to the bill. For taxis, rounding up the fare is fine, and for hotel staff, tipping $1-$2 per bag is appropriate.
WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL TIPS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT UNITED ARAB EMIRATES BEFORE I VISIT?
- Modesty: In public spaces and religious sites, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees.
- Public Behavior: Public displays of affection should be avoided, especially in conservative areas.
- Climate: The UAE is very hot, so always carry water and sunscreen when outdoors.
- Currency: The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED), and credit cards are widely accepted in cities.