WHAT TO PACK FOR DUBAI - Arzo Travels

DUBAI PACKING LIST – THINGS TO BRING TO DUBAI

Are you planning your Dubai itinerary and wondering about what to pack for Dubai? Then this post is for you.

Dubai has nice beaches, interesting indoor places (well, many malls), gorgeous hotels, and many more great places to visit. And since Dubai is also a shopping paradise, I have noticed that Dubai is quite expensive. So I normally do my shopping in Germany and buy everything I need to avoid unnecessary shopping in Dubai. I definitely recommend the same to you – thus, a complete packing list for a trip to Dubai.

So I have listed all the items that are essential to me (and you), and you´ll find a packing list with things you will need in Dubai:

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WHAT TO PACK FOR DUBAI – THINGS TO BRING TO DUBAI

Let´s start with the luggage to take to Dubai.

Luggage to Take For a Dubai Trip

How to Choose the Perfect Luggage for Dubai

Suitcase: Though it depends, on where exactly and for how long you travel, I recommend taking a good, light, and quality suitcase with you where all your clothes and most of your toiletries fit in. Make sure it has four wheels to navigate you through.

Four-wheel luggage can be easily maneuvered in any direction, making it easier to navigate through crowded airports or busy streets. You can roll the luggage beside you, push it in front of you, or even pull it behind you. But also, The four wheels on spinner luggage offer more stability and balance than traditional two-wheel luggage.

This means that the luggage won’t tip over as easily, even when you’re walking on uneven surfaces or pulling it at an angle.

Carry-On: These days, I normally only have my carry-on and do not bring any suitcase with me. Packing light is something I try following more and a good carry-on is one of the most essential travel pieces I own.

Again, make sure it is a practical four-wheel luggage, which is convenient for travel – offering better maneuverability, stability, weight distribution, and versatility than traditional two-wheel luggage.

Check out this beautiful carry-on that I have been using for a few months now and has been a loyal companion. Whether I fly to Dubai or road trip Switzerland, a carry-on is just super handy, lightweight, and classic – making it my favorite luggage when I travel for longer than a few days.

Laundry bags for travel are bags designed to help you keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean clothes while you are on the go. They are an essential item if you want to keep your luggage organized and avoid mixing their clean and dirty clothes. They are great if you travel for longer.

Packing Cubes are must-items when it comes to traveling. Packing cubes are small, lightweight containers designed to help you organize and compartmentalize your luggage when traveling. They are typically made of fabric or mesh and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different types of luggage.

They are convenient, and they also come in cool colors. It seems there are two camps – you either hate them or love them! I love and highly recommend them.

Crossbody bags: I love cross-body bags for the simple reason of hands-free convenience – meaning, I can take all the pictures I want while I do not have to worry about my bag.

Also, crossbody bags are typically worn close to the body. While Dubai is overall safe, it is also good to have your valuables close to you – especially in crowded areas.

Backpack: Alternatively, you might want to carry a handy backpack with you. Like the crossbody bag, it leaves your hands free to carry other items – especially your camera to take pictures of the beautiful surroundings.

Passport holder: A passport holder is a good way, to protect one of the most valuable items you need for your trip. It can help keep your passport and other travel documents organized and in one place as many passport holders also include additional slots or pockets for credit cards, cash, and other important documents and they can help protect your passport from damage.

Light bag: A light bag, can be a convenient option for carrying items to the beach, you should also take a light and (ideally foldable) beach bag or a cotton bag instead.

Beauty Products and Toiletries to Pack For Dubai

If I travel for 10 days or shorter, I take travel-sized toiletries that I refill with my natural and organic beauty products from home (shampoo, conditioner, hair masks, cleaning water, and cleansing milk). If I travel for longer, I take the original sizes.

Here are more products that I need in Dubai (at any time of the year). Of course, this totally depends on whether you use a lot of make-up or none at all (I don’t use a lot but need some other products to feel great).

Forget all the different small bags for shampoo etc. – get them all packed in a Toiletry Kit. This is what I normally pack.

A TSA-Approved Clear Travel Toiletry Bag.
Sunscreen – super important for Dubai to protect your skin.
Travel bottles to refill – I refill them with my own organic products that I normally use since I usually do not use shampoo & conditioner provided by hotels.
Electric Hair Removal Epilator (razor etc.) if I travel for longer,
Face cream – I use one, which I also use as a hand cream, so I do not have to take another cream.
Refillable Travel Size Perfume Bottle
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Mouthwash
Dental floss
Only use it when traveling: dry shampoo – (check size, and choose the small travel size)
Tissues
Deodorant
Refreshing towelettes
Magnifying make-up mirror
Nail polish
Nail polish remover or Nail polish remover pads
Tangle Teezer (my favorite brush for longer hair) – or if you have less space, take a comb.
Hair ties
A small cosmetic bag with the following items:
Mascara, rouge, eyebrow powder (Taming & Shaping Kit For Brows), tweezer, eyelash curler, eyeliner, make-up brushes, glass nail file, cotton swabs

Here are a few more items that I personally hardly use but which might be important to you, so I added them here:

hair spray, hand cream, foundation, powder, lipstick, sanitizer

What Clothes to Pack For Dubai

It can get really, really, really hot in Dubai. Especially in summer – but even winter in Dubai is sometimes warmer than summers in Germany.

So my main advice is to wear bright and light clothes mostly made of cotton in the summer months. It can get chilly in the evenings (at least in winter), so some warmer jackets should be on your list. But before I say too much, better check my list.

Hats: A hat is more than just an accessory in Dubai, so my must-have item for Dubai is a stylish hat.
Sunglasses: Another must-have item in sunny Dubai is sunglasses – the most important thing is the quality. Sunglasses are an investment in healthy eyes.
Handbags: What I really liked in Dubai is that you will see all kinds of people with different styles. I did not feel uncomfortable wearing more expensive but also more affordable clothes and handbags. So wear whatever you want and can afford.
Maxi Dresses – Dubai is made to wear maxi dresses, most of the time, it is hot (warm) enough, and it is also great for more conservative areas in Dubai.
Linen Trousers: Though I love maxi dresses, the best thing to wear when it is hot is probably linen trousers. Combined with a cool tank top and nice flat sandals, it can be super chic.
Skirts: You can wear short skirts in most places. Some shopping malls actually have dress codes and do not allow too short skirts or shorts (though many do not follow the rules). Some long skirts should be on your list.
Tops: The more, the merrier – my rule for hot destinations. I love skirts/trousers which I can wear with tops that are easy to change and are made from cotton are other light materials.
Blouses: Some cute blouses should be on your list (for the evening, some places that do not allow naked arms, or for the winter).
Shorts: Shorts are okay for most places – I love them, especially for the beaches.
Cardigans and jackets: It can actually get chilly in Dubai – not only but also after the sun sets. Though this might not be the case in summer, it definitely is for “winter.” So definitely take at least 1 or 2 cardigans or jackets.
Footwear: Since it is almost always hot, I am always happy to wear new flat sandals, flip flops, and ballerinas.

What to Pack for the Beach in Dubai

Swimming Suits: It is totally fine to wear bikinis in Dubai (topless is not allowed), but I would not necessarily recommend wearing the smallest bikini.
I love kaftans and think it is best to wear them from the beach back to the hotel room etc. Luckily, they look super cool these days. Beach Bag: Dubai is super safe, and I assume you could leave your expensive designer bag at the beach – however, I recommend one of the cool beach bags, which are light, affordable, and stylish.
Flip Flops are my must-have for beach days.
You probably do not need a towel if you have a great hotel with a private beach section. If this is not the case. it should also be on your list. If you do not have any beach towels yet.
Do you prefer lying at the beach all day, or do you like to be more active? If you like beach sports, bring your beach ball or a floating unicorn. Unfortunately, this is not part of most hotels’ essentials yet, so you need to get them yourself.
A reading book / Kindle is also a great idea for a day at the beach.

P.S. If you do not stay at a hotel with a great private beach, you can still get access to Dubai’s wonderful beaches.

Going Out in Dubai – What to Take

I am not much of a clubber (anymore), but I love dining in beautiful restaurants – Dubai is the place to dress up. You can never be too dressed up – well, that is partly true for Dubai.

So, high heels, and dresses are surely the right way to dress in Dubai and thus the perfect items to pack.

Tech Stuff to Take to Dubai

I have my laptop with me whenever I fly.
Since I can download from Netflix (and thus watch my shows offline), I have found one good argument for bringing my tablet with me whenever I travel.
My phone- without doubt one of my most useful and important (travel) item
Camera – Dubai has so many great spots that need to be photographed.
I have to admit that I still don’t have a Kindle, so a “real” book is often an essential
A day at the beach or pool would not be perfect without my iPod
Power Charger- how long does your phone battery last? Not long? neither does mine, so this is an essential
Check if you need an International Travel Power Adapter

What Not to Pack for Dubai

Dubai – or the UAE – in general, has some pretty strict rules. I would be super careful with what I bring to the country. Make sure you only bring medication that is allowed and no drugs, porn, etc.

I do not think I have had my bag checked carefully in Dubai – when entering – but you never know, and you do not want to risk starting your Dubai trip in a bad way. For a more detailed list of “things not to do in Dubai,” check out this post.

Final Thoughts on the Dubai Packing List

Hopefully, this quick packing guide for Dubai has helped you plan your trip, and you now know what to pack. As a regular visitor, I have written quite a few posts on Dubai.

Check out my post about the best tours to take in Dubai or
if you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, find out where to stay.

Safe travels!