0 of 0 items packed
Essential Documents
✓
Passport — 6+ months validity
✓
Visa confirmation or visa on arrival
✓
Flight & hotel confirmations
✓
Credit & debit cards
✓
UAE Dirhams — small amount
✓
International driving permit
✓
Digital copies on phone
Smart & Modest Clothing
✓
Lightweight cotton/linen tops
✓
Long-sleeved shirts for mosques & AC
✓
Maxi dresses/long skirts — covers knees
✓
Long pants/trousers — NOT shorts for public
✓
Light jacket/cardigan for AC & winter
✓
Scarf/pashmina for mosque visits
✓
Smart evening wear — Dubai nightlife is fancy
✓
Workout clothes
✓
Sleepwear & underwear
UAE-Specific Must-Haves
✓
Jet lag relief pills for 12+ hour flight
✓
High SPF sunscreen — SPF 50+ essential
✓
Quality polarized sunglasses
✓
Filtered water bottle
✓
Handheld fan — life-saver in heat
✓
Lightweight daypack
✓
Arabic phrase book
Tech & Electronics
✓
Type G adapter — UK-style 3-pin plugs
✓
Portable power bank
✓
Smartphone & charger
✓
Waterproof phone case for beach
✓
Camera or great phone camera
✓
Noise-cancelling headphones
✓
Local SIM card — get at airport
Health & Medical
✓
Prescription medications with doctor's note
✓
First aid kit basics
✓
Pain relief — paracetamol/ibuprofen
✓
Antihistamine for allergies
✓
Motion sickness tablets
✓
Hand sanitizer
✓
Hydration salts/electrolytes
✓
After-sun lotion
✓
Eye drops — desert can be dusty
Travel Comfort
✓
Travel pillow for long flights
✓
Packing cubes
✓
Healthy snacks — nuts, protein bars
✓
Books/e-reader
✓
Tissues & wet wipes
✓
Pen & travel journal
✓
Foldable shopping bag
✓
Laundry bag
Beach & Desert Adventures
✓
Swimwear — Western styles OK on beaches
✓
Beach cover-up for cafes/modesty
✓
Sun hat — wide-brim recommended
✓
Flip-flops/beach sandals
✓
Beach tote bag
✓
Quick-dry towel
✓
Lip balm with SPF
✓
Light scarf for desert sand protection
UAE Lifestyle Essentials
✓
Smart dress shoes — Dubai nightlife is upscale
✓
Comfortable walking shoes — lots of mall walking
✓
Conservative jewelry — leave expensive items home
✓
Makeup & toiletries — bring enough for first few days
✓
Moisturizer — desert air is very dry
✓
Tissues — AC can cause runny noses
✓
Emergency contacts list
Money-Saving Pro Tips
- Buy toiletries locally — major brands available but pricey
- Get local SIM at airport — international roaming is expensive
- Book attractions in advance — saves time and money
- Hotels add 22% in taxes plus Tourism Dirham fee (AED 7-20/night)
- Haggle in souks — initial prices are often 3-4x fair price
- Pack light, modest, and smart — you can buy almost anything in Dubai's malls