Dubai, the liveliest city in the whole UAE, and when you visit these luxury pearls, it’s merely not possible to stick to your own plans. In short, you have to flow with the exciting plans of the city.
After booking an entrance ticket to the Burj Khalifa, you might find yourself enjoying a desert safari, a cruise dinner, and shopping in the souks during your Dubai vacation.
This guide does not provide a comprehensive list of things one may need while traveling around Dubai. Instead, it contains a list of items that can be very helpful when visiting Dubai as a tourist.
Modest Clothing
The general attitude towards tourists' clothing in Dubai is much more liberal than what one might expect, however, decency in public places, shopping centers, markets, and on the street is still required.
In other words, it is recommended that the arms and knees be covered during the daytime in Dubai.It means that your clothing should consist of midi dresses, wide-leg pants, linen shirts, and maxi skirts.
Moreover, they will not only help you to feel comfortable in high temperatures, but also you will not have to change your clothes to go somewhere else after being at the market.
Breathing fabrics like cotton, linen, and chambray are a must for the hottest months, as the temperature exceeds 40°C in Dubai.
In case you visit Dubai between November and April, you just need to add a light layer to your clothes.
Also, it is advisable to pack some "smart" clothes since many restaurants and bars of Dubai are characterized by the dress code.
Scarf or Shawl
A huge scarf may very well be the best thing about all the things I've mentioned here. It serves its purpose when you have to cover your head before entering the mosque, which is a requirement for women, and it acts as an additional covering once the aggressive coolness from Dubai’s AC gets too much inside the malls.
The ACs in Dubai are really powerful, and it always surprises first-timers the way the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors can shock you. Keeping a light scarf in your backpack solves that right away, and it adds zero weight to your baggage.
Make sure to pack at least two scarfs, one for normal use and another for heritage sites or places of religious importance.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Walking around Dubai is much more than what its pictures portray. Moving from one attraction to another, walking through malls, which are basically little towns, taking the walkways in JBR, or walking the narrow streets of Al Fahidi, by the second day your legs will know it all.
Comfortable sneakers or padded sandals would be preferable footwear choices. Although heels can be worn on outings during the evening, you should reserve them only for special dinners or lounges rather than a whole day of visiting places.
During any activities in the desert, closed-toe shoes or strapped sandals would be better than anything strapless, as sand gets into everything. Having clean-looking shoes is also crucial while going to fancy places.
Sunglasses
It’s mandatory in Dubai, really. The sun is always blazing here, and the reflections from the buildings, water, and sand are particularly harsh.
It’s not just about being comfortable; there are some serious medical considerations when it comes to UV protection if you spend long hours outside.
If you plan to hang out by the water or venture into the desert, it’s money well spent on polarized lenses. But besides the functional aspect, Dubai is unbelievably beautiful, and your sunglasses make great photographs.
Sunscreen
High SPF, and lots of it. The UV index in Dubai frequently spikes to an extreme degree, even in winter months, and with a high concentration of sunshine and reflective surfaces, you'll be getting it from several directions all at once.
SPF 50 is the bare minimum that's worthwhile. Put it on before you step outside from your hotel, apply it every couple of hours, and don't forget to use it even if it's not sunny because the rays get through.
Your face, neck, hands, and any exposed skin must be liberally applied with sunscreen. It's readily available in Dubai at the pharmacy and supermarket, although if you buy it from abroad, it's rather pricey.
Crossbody Bag
Dubai is very safe to travel, however, a crossbody bag remains the most practical option in a city where constant changing venue takes place throughout the day.
Your arms remain free, the bag is kept against your body at all times, and suits perfectly the smart casual clothing that is appropriate for most of your Dubai adventures.
Make sure you have a bag with a zipper, sufficient capacity for your necessities including a phone, money, sunscreen, scarf, and straps long enough to keep your arms free when necessary.
Do not consider large tote bags that quickly get heavy during your entire day's adventure.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated in Dubai is not an activity to be taken lightly. The extreme heat in summer drains your body energy more quickly than you would have thought, and in case you’re moving around between sites or visiting the market, thirst will get you easily.
You will end up purchasing several bottles of water during the day, costing you money as well as adding to plastic pollution.
Insulated water bottles are capable of keeping water cool for many hours, which makes a big difference when the temperature outside is 42°C.
Water refill stations exist in malls and popular destinations across Dubai, and also, tap water is safe for consumption. Take an insulated water bottle that holds at least 750ml of liquid.
Power Bank
A day in Dubai cannot be complete without making extensive use of your phone to navigate around, take pictures, get bookings confirmed, use the Uber app, translate languages, etc.
Your phone battery may not last the entire day if you do not have some kind of power source with you.
A capacity of 10,000mAh should suffice for most people, allowing you to charge your phone two or three times at least. Remember to charge your power bank at night and carry it in your crossbody bag.
Universal Travel Adapter (Type G)
Type G outlets can be found in Dubai, which is also known as the same three-square-pin plug type used in the UK.
You cannot use American, European, or Asian plugs directly, as they do not match the sockets.
In general, a universal adapter will suffice when traveling to Dubai and other countries. It should have the Type G socket adapter among its set of sockets. If you are traveling with a companion, pack at least one adapter per person.
Conclusion
It is necessary for someone to arrive in Dubai with preparations made. Dubai works swiftly; it has extreme climatic conditions, and one can experience everything from going to the beach club to a mosque to a fancy restaurant within a single day.
This list does not contain additional items; instead, they are the real requirements that make moving around Dubai comfortable and pleasant.
Also Read: What Women Should Avoid Wearing in Dubai
