Dubai is one of the most delightfully surprising destinations in the world, we all know about its mesmerising skyline, the lavish lifestyle residents and tourists get to experience there, and a fascinating culture. It doesn’t matter if you are traveling to Dubai for leisure or work, you need to be prepared and we are talking beyond booking your flight and hotel rooms. This article by Dxboffplan is about what goes on to your suitcase as packing the right items makes all the difference between a smooth, unforgettable trip and a rather stressful experience.
In this guide, you will find what the Essential Items for a Trip to Dubai are, how to deal with money when in Dubai, and what kind of clothes to wear in different areas. Let’s dive in.
For going to Dubai, you need to pack:
Prepare all essential documents well in advance before entering Dubai to save last-minute confusion. We also suggest keeping digital copies of all essential documents accessible through email or cloud storage.
Since the UAE requires a passport valid for more than 7 months to process your visa application, if it is close to expiration or heavily stamped, it is wise to know How to Renew or Extend a Tourist Visa in Dubai.
Travellers often wonder what kind of currency to bring to Dubai. As the official currency in the UAE is the dirham (AED), you’ll need dirhams for transportation, shopping, and other things. When changing your money to dirhams, the currency AED will be tagged on banknotes. You can handle dirham notes that come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 AED and also 1 dirham, 25 and 50 fils coins. On your flights, according to UAE laws, you are allowed to carry between 500 to 1000 euros in cash but it’s best to have dirhams in your pocket for the trip.
As we just explained, it is wise to carry some cash for tips and taxis but credit cards are also widely in use, and you can comfortably pay restaurant bills or do your shopping at the Top Shopping Centres in Dubai using international cards such as Visa or MasterCard.
Other things you need to take proper care of before going to Dubai is saving the contact numbers of police, ambulance, and fire. Please save these numbers immediately after buying and activating a SIM card on your arrival in Dubai:
These numbers can prove invaluable in an emergency, especially when you are traveling with children, as you will be in a position to contact the right authorities in case something comes up and you have to seek their help during your stay.
This simple precaution taken can make all the difference on your trip, knowing help could just be a call away should the need arise.
Generally, the climate in Dubai is hot and humid so we recommend wearing cotton and light clothing. Your cloth must also allow for comfortable movement and proper ventilation.
As you set up your luggage, let your outfits be in line with high-temperature characteristics of Dubai. That obviously includes a hat and sunglasses.
Also, pack fashionable and decent clothes to dine in luxury restaurants or visit posh shopping malls. Transparent or short clothes for women are not appreciated, especially in those luxurious areas that are often visited by Dubai’s rich and conservative families. So, long dresses, light t-shirts, and long trousers will be a good option. A scarf or shawl is another essential item for women in Dubai tours. Here’s a closer look:
The places of worship, like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, may require women to cover themselves wholly, including their hair. It is recommended that men not wear shorts at such a place either. Ensuring that your clothes are in compliance will help you be in a respectful communion with the locals and enjoy Dubai’s varied attractions. To avoid any of those accidental goof-ups, it’s best if you go ahead and give 25 Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting Dubai a quick read.
Taking your Swimwear and Sunscreen to Dubai seems essential the closer you get to some of the best beaches in Dubai. Plus, the dressing codes become looser while you are here. Sunscreen has to be put on after each and every swim, and after four to five hours.
During a desert safari in Dubai, it is wise to wear long pants or hiking trousers to avoid insect bites. Plus, it gets chilly at night in the desert so longer and more protective pants are going to be your best best friend.
The last thing you will need on a desert adventure is proper shoes. These come highly recommended for safeguarding your foot from the blistering sands and any animal bites in this Arabian Desert.
Dubai is quite famous for its hot and dry climate and you’ll be in trouble without moisturizers and sunscreen. The sunscreen must have at least SPF 30 and you need to apply it to your forehead, around the eyes, on the cheeks and neck.
Furthermore, humidity makes it challenging during warmer months so go ahead and take deodorant and disinfectants with all the other necessary toiletries with you.
More items to include would be moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen for protection from the sun and the dry air; nail clippers, small mirrors, and grooming tools to maintain your family’s appearance during the trip. You can also bring along insect bite relief spray because bugs can be a problem sometimes and when outdoors, visiting different attractions. Bring soap, shampoo, and other personal care items to keep everyone in your family clean and comfortable during the stay. These things will make sure that everything goes well and turns out pleasant during the trip to Dubai with your kids.
Bringing gadgets like your phone, camera, or laptop can make your trip to Dubai even more enjoyable. To keep everything running smoothly, pack all the necessary chargers and a reliable power bank. Don’t forget a UAE-compatible adapter with a three-pin plug for your devices. It’s also smart to bring extra charging cables, so you’re covered if one gets lost or stops working.
It’s a great experience to travel with kids in Dubai, but one has to be so prepared for that. First, pack lightweight clothes that your children will wear in this warm climate of Dubai, but hats and sunscreen should not be forgotten for sun protection. Take some snacks with you and water bottles for hydration, together with all the required medications. Moreover, entertainment is important, so books, toys, and electronic devices will help to distract children in case of a long wait in a queue or long travel. Also, a stroller or carrier will save your child from exhaustion by walking on busy streets and moving along attractions. Lastly, take a first-aid kit for minor emergencies. With this essential item for a trip to Dubai, you are all set for a smooth and enjoyable family trip to Dubai.
Packing smart and staying organized can make traveling much easier. Carry your traveling items in lightweight and sturdy suitcases with comfortable handles. Packing cubes or organizing bags can also help in sorting your clothes and toiletries out. You’ll find them easier this way as well. It’s also smart to keep a few essentials in your carry on bag, just in case your luggage is delayed on it way to you or lost.
Lastly, while there are many items you should bring for your Dubai tour, there are also some things to avoid packing.
Items such as tissues and hair dryers are provided in all hotels, so there’s no need to bring them. Carrying illegal drugs, chemical substances, obscene books or articles, statues or paintings that go against UAE religious beliefs, weapons, radar jammers, chemical and organic fertilizers, fireworks, laser pens, and dangerous animal species may be subject to severe penalties, including deportation and imprisonment. Laws regarding some medications and narcotics are particularly strict in the UAE, so make sure to acquaint yourself with the list of banned drugs. If you must have some sort of medication daily then bring the valid prescription and ask your physician to write that in clear English too.
A smooth journey starts much before one stands at the door of the airplane. It begins with the pretty neat planning and packing of Essential Items for a Trip to Dubai.
Everything-from necessary documents which have to be there, and the right and appropriate dressing sense, matching the culture and society-contributes to a smooth journey for travelers. Having a solid checklist when it comes to packing is a lifesaver, so you’ll be sure you haven’t left anything important behind.
As you prepare for your visit to Dubai, remember that being fully prepared will not only make you feel comfortable but also gives you room to enjoy every bit of Dubai’s magic and charm. And if you like the lifestyle in Dubai, why not check out the current Dubai property prices as well-who knows, the next trip may be about searching for your dream home in this fabulous city.
You need a passport with at least 7 months of validity, a travel visa, insurance covering your trip, and an identification document to travel to Dubai. You may also need a valid license in case you drive.
Dubai's weather is warm. It is better to bring light clothing and respect the conservative nature of the town and make sure that they are modest. Women would be welcomed wearing long trousers for visiting religious places and bringing scarves or shawls.
Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are accepted in Dubai for almost every purchase. However, it is handy to have some cash on hand for taxies and tips.
Dubai has tight control over what it allows into its borders. Avoid bringing drugs, certain medications, pornographic material, weapons, or anything that may be viewed as being against Islamic principles. Check the UAE's customs guidelines before packing to ensure you're in compliance with all local laws.
