Packing List
By season. Modest clothing for mosques, beach gear, hiking shoes for wadis, SPF50+ sunscreen, UK-type power adapter, and check medication rules before flying.
Clothing: the two-wardrobe trick
Pack for two UAEs: the air-conditioned city and the outdoor Gulf. For the city — malls, restaurants, the metro — normal lightweight holiday clothing works: shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses, sandals. Add one modest outfit (long trousers or a long skirt plus a shawl covering shoulders) for mosques, old-town Sharjah and any government building. For the outdoors — desert, wadis, beaches — add swimwear, a rash guard for waterparks and snorkelling, closed hiking shoes with grip for wadi scrambling, and a hat you will actually wear.
Season flips the extras. November to March demands a warm layer for desert nights and breezy marina evenings — a fleece or light jacket, not just a hoodie. June to September demands the opposite: ultra-breathable fabrics, a second set of everything (you will sweat through the first by noon), and the strongest sun protection you own.
Health, tech and documents
Sun protection is non-negotiable: SPF50+ sunscreen (buy at home, it costs more here), quality sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF. Bring any prescription medication in original packaging with the prescription itself — the UAE enforces strict medication rules, and common drugs containing codeine or similar compounds need prior approval. A basic first-aid kit plus rehydration salts covers desert days and long theme-park queues.
Tech-wise: a UK type-G power adapter (three-pin, 220V), a high-capacity power bank for GPS-heavy days, and a waterproof phone pouch for kayaking, wadis and waterparks. Documents: passport with 6+ months validity, e-visa printout, travel insurance certificate, hotel confirmations, and an International Driving Permit if you plan to rent a car.
Do not forget
- Modest layer (shawl/scarf + long trousers) for mosques and Sharjah.
- Closed-toe hiking shoes if wadis or Hatta are on the plan — flip-flops injure people yearly.
- Reef-safe sunscreen if snorkelling on the east coast.
- Light jacket November–March; the desert gets properly cold after dark.
- Copies of passport, visa and insurance stored in your phone and email.
❓ Common questions
Can I buy everything there instead?
Yes — malls stock every toiletry and garment imaginable, often 24/7. Only prescriptions, specific sunscreens and proper hiking shoes are worth bringing.
Do I need a drone permit?
Flying a personal drone requires GCAA registration and airspace approvals that tourists rarely secure. Leave it home unless you have pre-arranged permits.
What about swimwear rules?
Bikinis and trunks are normal at beaches, pools and waterparks. Pack a cover-up for walking back through streets and malls.
Is tap water drinkable?
Technically safe, but nearly everyone drinks bottled or filtered water. No need to pack purification gear.
What luggage works best?
A medium suitcase plus a daypack beats a giant case: metro gates, abra boats and desert 4x4s all punish oversized luggage. Pack cubes keep hotel-hopping painless, and a foldable tote covers souk purchases.
Anything banned at customs I should know?
Beyond the obvious: CBD products, poppy seeds, and certain medications are prohibited or restricted. Declare cash over AED 100,000. When unsure, declare — the green channel is for the certain.
Still have questions about this?
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