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What to Pack for a Short Trip to Dubai? A View Of The Dubai

What to Pack for a Short Trip to Dubai?

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Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Robeena Brown

27 November 2024 | 12 min

Dubai is a favorite destination for many people, offering different luxuries for different types of travelers.  The first thing to do when you want to travel to this world class city is securing a visa. To avoid waiting for long or if you need to travel urgently, you may opt for an express tourist visa to Dubai.

Dubai is a perfect blend of both modern and traditional culture, and with a great sunny weather. This may pose a challenge for many people who are going for a short trip there, because they are confused on what to pack and what to leave behind. 

We have therefore created this helpful guide to help you pack efficiently if you are travelling to Dubai for a short trip.

Essential Documents to Pack for Dubai trip

The most crucial and important things to pack are your travel documents. First ensure you have your passport and that is valid for at least 6 months.

If you need a pre-paid visa to enter Dubai, ensure that you apply for the visa in time. If you were sent the e-visa through your WhatsApp or email, it is advisable to print a copy of it and keep it together with your passport.
Make sure you get a travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies during your trip.

Print copies of your flight tickets, accommodations and other reservations that you may have made in Dubai.
When you confirm all your travel documents, pack them in your carryon bag where it will be easy to access them when asked for them at the airport.  

What to Pack for Summer and Winter?

Dubai weather is hot in most part of the year and if you are travelling during summer get light clothes that are breathable. It gets humid during summer which can be uncomfortable. 

We advise men to pack simple jeans or short and light t-shirts while women can get summer dresses.

If you are travelling during winter which is usually from November to March, you ensure you pack light jackets or a blazer since it gets a bit chilly in the evening. 

Keep in mind that Dubai is a culturally and religious sensitive City so ensure you carry some clothes that are covering shoulders and kneels especially if you plan to visit the cultural and religious places.

What is the Right footwear to Pack?

When visiting Dubai for a short trip pack comfortable shoes or sandals to wear while exploring the city. You will be walking a lot especially in malls or if you take walking tours, so it is important to carry comfy footwear. 

If you intend to visit beaches pack some sandals or flip flop. For the evening dinners at the high end restaurants they have recommended dressings and therefore you can pack official shoes.

What you should pack for visiting Religious Sites?

The mosques in Dubai are beautiful due to their outstanding architectural work and also for their unique cultural experience. If you are planning to visit a mosque during your tour as a lady, ensure that you pack headscarf to cover your hair.

Both men and women should dress appropriately with clothes that cover from the shoulders down to their ankles while visiting the mosque.

Essentials You Need

Dubai is very sunny during the day and you need to protect yourself from the direct sunlight as it might damage your skin. It is advisable to carry sunglasses to protect your eyes, and sunscreen to protect your skin.  

Also get a cap or a wide brimmed hat for outdoor activities such as visiting the desert. You should also carry a reusable water bottle to carry water and remain hydrated always. Most places offer water refilling so all you need is a bottle to walk around with.
 

Electronics to Pack

To always remain connected and for easy navigation ensure that you carry your phone charger and other essential electronics.

Dubai uses type G plug sockets and therefore is its advisable to carry the right travel adapter that will work for your electronics.

If you have a power bank, carry it as it may come through making sure you are always connected even when you are not close to a charging spot.

To capture memories of your trip to Dubai, you can carry a camera. If you don’t have one, you can still use your smartphone to take pictures while in Dubai.

Medication

If you are on medication, ensure that you pack enough that will sustain you throughout your trip. Make sure you carry a copy of the original packaging just in case they are lost or finished to make it easier to get a new prescription in Dubai. 

Some of the Over the counter medications such as painkillers and other drugs might be restricted in Dubai. You should therefore check on the rules and regulations for traveling with medications before pack.

Take the necessary precautions indicated such as how to pack the medication and the maximum prescriptions allowed when travelling. 

What to Pack for Different Activities?

Desert Activities

Deserts activities vary and they are all fun and thrilling. It is therefore important to carry comfortable clothing when going for a desert adventure. Avoid open shoes and instead pack comfortable trainers and light clothing such as shorts, or trousers depending on the season. 

The Arabian desert can get cold sometimes during the night, so you should carry light jackets or shawls if you plan to engage in night desert activities like overnight camping and stargazing. 

Beach Activities

If you love swimming and you intend to swim during your stay in Dubai, ensure that you carry a small beach bag as you pack. In that bag, you should pack a towel, sunscreen and other essentials you will need. 

Carry your swimwear cover up for use when basking by the beach or poolside. If you plan to engage in watersports, pack the right gear for the sports. 

Water sports equipment may be available for rental on site so all you need to pack is the gears for personal use such as clothing. 

Other Essentials

For more comfort during the long flights you can pack your travel pillow to support your neck when taking a nap. Pack a reusable shopping bag for carrying anything you buy during your travel.

If you love keeping memories in writing, get a pen and a notebook to note down the important travel details and experiences during your trip.
 

Where to Shop for Essentials in Dubai?

If you have forgot to pack the essentials or you are avoiding to have a huge luggage, you can opt to buy the essentials in Dubai when you arrive. Dubai being a shopping paradise with all the luxury brands, offers you a variety of options to shop from.

The best place to shop for some essential are the malls since they everything under one roof. You are likely to find everything you need within one location.

If you plan to shop and get some items from Dubai to carry back home it is advisable to bring extra empty suitcase. You can also shop for the suitcase in Dubai too from the various shopping malls in the city.

The most popular place to shop in Dubai is the Dubai Mall where you find all types of clothing and for all budgets.