How to Pack for Dubai – Pack right for your Dubai trip!

Dubai has dessert weather, so have to expect a hot and humid environment. During the summer temperatures can reach over 100 Fahrenheit. Between May and October, the weather is at its hottest, and driest. People rarely venture out during these months, and you will find most sites deserted during the daytime. However, evenings can be slightly chilly. All shopping malls and buildings are fully airconditioned and can be very cold. So, a light jacket will always come in handy.

Winters can be somewhat chilly, during the day as the temperatures drop to around 70 degrees and at night to about 50 degrees. A little rain can be expected during evenings from December to March.

First and foremost, get all your essential papers in order. These can include passports, visas, tickets, hotel bookings, health insurance, vaccine requirements etc. Make hard copies of each of your documents, and back up the originals in soft format. You can e-mail them to yourself to access them in case of an emergency. Make sure your Debit/Credit cards are enabled for international transactions as well.

As a tourist, it is important to dress conservatively while in Dubai. Although Dubai is more cosmopolitan and modern than most other cities in the Middle East, Muslim values are strongly enforced here as well. Women in particular need to dress modestly. When selecting clothes, pick clothes which are lightweight, loose and flowy. The hot climate all so requires one to wear clothes that are comfortable and allows your skin to breathe. Pick soft natural fabrics such as cotton. Avoid any garment that is tight, sleeveless, falls below the knees, and with plunging necklines. Arms and legs should be covered well. A headscarf will also be useful if you are visiting a place of religious worship. Long dresses, skirts below the knees, kaftans, loose shirts, t-shirts, short-sleeved tops, harem pants and lines trousers are a good bet. A few nice dresses should suffice when going out for dinner at restaurants in Dubai. When it comes to footwear, opt for light sandals and good walkable shoes, especially if you intend on visiting the desert.

While in your hotel, of course, one can wear clothes more freely. Hotels such as Avani Deira Dubai Hotel are among the choices to consider when looking out for accommodation options. On private beaches, such as in resorts and hotels tourists can wear swimsuits and bikinis. However, if visiting public beaches, locals dress modestly such a piece and sarong for added coverage.

If travelling during the winter, the nights can get chilly. So, pack a few sweaters and a lightweight jacket.

Pack sufficient sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, scarves and bandanas. A reusable water bottle, a small backpack or a crossbody bag when visiting sites. Plenty of moisturizers, like the climate, can be very harsh on the skin. Make sure all medicines have their prescriptions, if not get a doctor’s authorization which clearly states the brand and its use. Dubai has strict laws when it comes to trafficking drugs. A small first aid kit, with standard medication with their labels.

Phone and charger. Your favourite camera. An extra pair of batteries, a universal travel adapter, laptop/iPad and chargers, and electronic wallet.