Dubai Packing List-Things to Carry While Traveling to Dubai

Habibi, come to Dubai, and you will never want to go back!

Are you planning to travel to Dubai as a tourist or to look for better work opportunities? Whatever your reason for traveling to Dubai is, I am sure you are excited and can’t wait for the day when you will board the plane and witness the grandeur of Dubai. However, did you decide what to pack for Dubai? Sometimes, the excitement of traveling to Dubai is so much that people forget to put together a comprehensive Dubai packing list. To make things easy for you, in this blog, we are sharing a checklist of what to pack for Dubai. 

Dubai is indeed one of the most magnificent places in the world. However, at the same time, it is ranked among the most expensive places in the world to live. So, it is better to carry all the essential things with you to save yourself money, time, and of course, hassle. Even if you are relocating to Dubai permanently, it is advisable to carry things that would last you for a couple of months so that you can get yourself accustomed to the new place and settle down easily. 

Dubai Packing List

1. Soft Breathable Clothes

I know you are thinking who forgets to pack clothes while traveling? So why is this even a part of the Dubai packing list? This is true that the first thing we all pack while traveling is clothes. However, sometimes, due to elation, we carry so many fancy clothes that are not suitable according to the climate and culture of the place we are traveling to. Since UAE is a desert region, the weather remains hot for most of the year. The temperature rises up to 50°C during summers. Therefore, carrying too fancy clothes with not-so-weather-friendly fabric is not a good idea, especially if you are going to travel a lot during the daytime. Keeping in mind the places you will visit during your stay in Dubai, carry clothes that are not only trendy but also soft and breathable. Good quality and lightweight cotton wear should be one of the essentials in your packing list for Dubai.  It will make you feel comfortable when staying outdoors for long hours.

2. Long-Sleeved Warm Clothes

This seems quite contradictory to the previous point, doesn’t it? How is this a part of things to carry while traveling to Dubai? The reason for mentioning this point is that if you are traveling to Dubai during winter or your stay will be long enough to experience winters, you may need an extra layer to keep yourself warm and comfortable. Unlike many other countries, winters are not very chilly and harsh in Dubai. In winter, the temperature averages around 25°C during the daytime. However, the nights are relatively humid and pleasantly cold. You won’t need thick winter coats or jackets, but a warm, long-sleeved sweatshirt or a shawl as an added layer will be enough to make you feel comfortable.  

3. Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen 

Your Dubai packing list is incomplete without good sunscreen or sunblock. I can literally write an entire book about the benefits of sunscreen while deciding on what to pack for Dubai. Whether you are traveling to Dubai for a short vacation or planning to stay there for a long time, it is likely that you will spend lots of hours outdoors during the daytime. Even if you stay indoors, UVA and UVB rays are so strong that they can affect your skin negatively. Protecting your skin against the harmful rays of the sun is important regardless of where you live or travel, but it is even more essential when you live in a hot climate like that of the UAE. I cannot stress enough how important it is to wear sunscreen or sunblock to keep your skin protected. Carry a good stock of sunscreen or sunblock that suits your skin. 

4. Comfortable Footwear 

If you are planning to use affordable public transport in Dubai like Dubai Metro or busses, you will likely walk a lot to reach your desired Metro station or bus stop. Though this sounds exhausting, it is not, trust me. Walking around different places in Dubai is one of the best experiences you will ever have. This is indeed a great way to explore Dubai’s radiance and cultural diversity. However, this can be actually quite taxing if the shoes you are wearing are not comfortable. So adding a few pairs of comfortable sneakers, sandals, and flip-flops to your Dubai packing list is going to make this journey very enjoyable. Even if you need to attend a business meeting, a formal event, or a casual party, that requires you to wear formal shoes or heels, you can carry them in your bag and wear them once you reach your destination. 

5. Personal Care Products 

Packing up for traveling is indeed an overwhelming task. Sometimes, we tend to forget those things which we use on a daily basis. While personal care is vital in everyday life, it becomes even more important when you are traveling because you are more exposed to sunlight, dust, and other weather conditions. Therefore, make a list of all your personal care and hygiene products such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, perfume, shampoo, shower gel, skincare essentials, sanitary napkins, etc., and keep them separately in a toiletry bag.  

6. First-Aid Kit

Healthcare and medicines are very expensive in Dubai if you don’t have health insurance. So if you are traveling to Dubai for a vacation or to find a job, you won’t be having any health insurance. Therefore, it is better not to forget your first-aid kit while creating your Dubai packing list. Your kit should contain all the essentials you and your family might need during your stay.  Some of the most important things are:

• Adhesive bandages in various sizes
• Pain killers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Pain relief spray, cream, or balm 
• Antiseptic wipes or solution
• Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
• Any prescription medications you take regularly
• Insect repellent and anti-itch cream
• Motion sickness medication
• Herbal tea 

7. Necessary Documents 

Apart from your passport and printed copy of your ticket and visa, you may require other documents depending on the purpose of traveling to Dubai. For example, if you are moving to Dubai to look for a job, you should carry all your educational documents attested by relevant bodies as required by the UAE law.

8. Books 

If you are a reader and love reading books in paperback or hardcover, you should carry a couple of books with you because books are overpriced in Dubai. There are lots of serene locations where you can just sit and experience the joy of reading.  

Dubai Packing List - Final Words

We all feel like packing up almost everything when deciding on things to carry while traveling to Dubai. But of course, it’s not possible due to the weight limit for luggage. Therefore, it is necessary to be mindful while packing your things. Only keep those things that are essential and you will actually be needing during your stay. Start making a checklist at least a month in advance so that you do not forget anything.