Dubai guide
🇦🇪 Packing List
What to pack for Dubai
In January, Dubai is typically mild, light rain possible (15°C - 24°C). Pick the month you travel and the list changes with it.
Dubai essentials
- Modest outfits that cover shoulders and knees for town and religious sites
- Swimwear for the resort or beach only, cover up in town
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- Casual day outfits
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable closed walking shoes
- A light jacket for evenings
- Compact umbrella
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
- Layered outfits you can add or remove as the day warms
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Excellent food hygiene standards. Tap water is safe but bottled preferred.
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type G plugs (UK style, 3-pin), 220V.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Local know-how
- Don't drink alcohol in public (only licensed venues)
- Local SIM: Du or Etisalat. Buy at airport or any mall. Tourist SIMs available.
- Overpriced taxis - always use meter or Careem/Uber
- Peak season in January: keep bags zipped and don't flash jewellery
- January highlights: Dubai Shopping Festival; Dubai Marathon