Our Packing List for Your Dubai Trip: 7 Days in the United Arab Emirates
Dubai, a city of iconic skyscrapers, luxury shopping, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage, offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. To make the most of your 7-day trip to this dazzling destination, packing smart is key.
Here’s our comprehensive packing list to help you prepare for your trip to Dubai.
1. Essential Travel Documents for Dubai
Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Check this early to avoid last-minute renewals
Visa: Many countries, including Germany, offer visa-free travel for up to 90 days in Dubai. Check your country’s requirements
Flight Tickets: Keep both printed and digital copies of your flight details handy for smooth airport procedures
Hotel Reservations: Bring printed confirmations of your accommodations, including contact details for any assistance during your trip
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive insurance that covers medical emergencies and travel disruptions is highly recommended
Copies of Documents: Store scanned copies of your documents in the cloud or on your phone, and keep printed versions in a waterproof pouch.
2. Clothing: What to Pack for Dubai
Dubai’s climate is generally warm, but cultural norms and air-conditioned spaces call for a mix of attire.
Lightweight Clothing: Pack breathable cotton shirts, tank tops, shorts, and skirts for outdoor activities. Consider UV-protective shirts for extra sun protection (e.g., for women/men)
Evening Wear: Dubai's nightlife and upscale restaurants often call for elegant outfits. Include dresses, shirts, or smart trousers in your suitcase
Swimwear: Bikinis and swim trunks are fine for hotels, but at public beaches, opt for more conservative swimwear
Layered Clothing: Air conditioning can be chilly. Bring a light jacket, cardigan, or scarf for indoor areas
Cultural Attire: For visits to mosques or traditional markets, pack long trousers or skirts and tops that cover your shoulders and knees. A scarf for women may be required in some mosques
Comfortable Shoes: Include sandals, sneakers, and flip-flops for city walks, beaches, or desert safaris
Sportswear: If you plan to work out or hike, pack activewear and sturdy sports shoes
3. Travel Pharmacy and Toiletries
We always prioritize lightweight, travel-sized hygiene products with minimal packaging. We also decant our favorite shampoo, shower gel, and heat protection into travel-sized containers, as they’re not always available in small sizes.
Sunscreen: A high SPF sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from Dubai’s intense sun. Choose a waterproof option to stay protected while swimming
Skincare products: Moisturizer, after-sun lotion, and lip balm are essential for keeping your skin hydrated in the dry desert air
Hair care products: Shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil for dry hair. The heat and chlorinated pools can dry out your hair, so extra care is needed
Body care products: Shower gel, razor, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Don’t forget your daily essentials and pack them in travel-sized containers to save space
Medications: Bring any necessary personal medications along with a small travel pharmacy, including painkillers, stomach remedies, and band-aids. We always keep these items organized in a separate toiletry bag for easy access
4. Electronics
Smartphone and charger: Essential for communication and navigation. Download important apps in advance, such as maps, translation tools, and local transport apps. You can also get a local SIM card at the airport
Camera: Capture Dubai’s breathtaking sights with a good camera. Don’t forget extra memory cards and batteries. Note: Drones are not allowed for tourists in Dubai
Power bank: A portable charger is a lifesaver for long excursions, keeping your phone and other devices powered throughout the day
Adapter: Bring a plug adapter for the UAE. Check voltage compatibility for your devices
Tablet or e-reader: Perfect for entertainment on long flights or relaxing evenings. Download books, movies, and music in advance for offline use
Other Useful Items
Travel guide: A comprehensive guidebook for Dubai can help you discover attractions, restaurants, and activities
Water bottle: A reusable bottle is a must to stay hydrated in the heat. Dubai has water dispensers around the city where you can refill your bottle
Bag or backpack: A light, comfortable bag or small backpack is ideal for carrying essentials during day trips
Sunglasses and hat: Protect yourself from the sun with a good pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for added coverage
Small purse or wallet: For cash, credit cards, and small essentials. Opt for a secure bag you can wear close to your body
6. Finances and Credit Cards
Cash: Carry some local currency (AED) for smaller expenses. Exchange money in advance or at the airport for convenience upon arrival
Credit cards: Bring internationally accepted credit cards for larger purchases and dining. Notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid issues while using your card. We recommend this credit card, which also lets you earn points for future trips
Emergency cash: Always carry a small reserve of cash for unexpected situations
7. Aktivitäten-spezifische Gegenstände
Desert safari: Light clothing, sun protection, and possibly a scarf to shield against the sand. A camera and GoPro are ideal for capturing the stunning dunes and sunset.
Beach day: Pack a beach towel, flip-flops, and a waterproof phone case
Shopping: Comfortable shoes and a list of souks and malls you want to visit. A reusable shopping bag is also handy
Cultural visits: Modest clothing and a large scarf (especially for women visiting mosques). Research the rules and customs beforehand to ensure respectful behavior
8. Additional Tips
Layering clothes: Temperatures vary greatly between the hot outdoors and chilly indoor spaces, so dressing in layers is a good idea
Hygiene items in travel sizes: Liquids in carry-on luggage must be under 100ml per container and stored in a transparent bag
Local apps: Download useful apps like RTA Dubai (public transport), Careem (taxi service), and The Entertainer (discounts). These can save you time and money
With our Dubai packing list, you’ll be perfectly prepared for your 7-day adventure. Enjoy the unique blend of modernity and tradition, fascinating culture, and awe-inspiring architecture this city has to offer.
Need more help planning your trip? Check out these articles
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