Trip to Dubai and the UAE

The list adapts to you

When you add it, the checklist asks a couple of questions and keeps only the items that fit your situation.

• Traveling with kids? NoYes

What's inside

1. Check your passport validity

   The UAE requires at least 6 months of passport validity from the date of entry.

2. Check visa rules

   Many nationalities get visa-free entry or visa on arrival. Rules change — double-check for your passport before booking.

3. Check your meds against UAE rules

   The UAE bans or controls medicines that are ordinary elsewhere: codeine painkillers, tramadol, some sedatives and sleep aids. Check the MOHAP list in advance and carry an English prescription for anything prescribed.

4. Buy travel medical insurance

   UAE healthcare is excellent and very expensive: an uninsured visit runs hundreds of dollars.

5. Sort out money: cards plus some cash

   Cards are accepted almost everywhere; keep some dirhams for taxis, tips and the souks.

6. Make copies of your documents

   Photos of passport, insurance and bookings to cloud storage; paper copies separate from originals.

7. Pack a first aid kit within import rules

   Basics: fever reducer, codeine-free painkiller, plasters, rehydration salts — the heat dehydrates fast. Keep everything in original packaging.

8. Buy SPF 50 and after-sun

   The sun is harsh year-round, especially on beaches and in the desert.

9. Pack clothes covering shoulders and knees

   For malls, government buildings and Sharjah dress modestly; hotel beaches and pools are as relaxed as anywhere. Swimwear stays at the beach.

10. A layer against icy air conditioning

    Malls, metro and restaurants run arctic-grade AC — up to a 20-degree contrast with the street.

11. Plan your days around the season

    June–September hits +45°C: daytime life moves indoors, streets work before 10 a.m. and after sunset. November–March is perfect weather for everything.

12. Get a type G (UK) plug adapter

    The UAE uses British type G sockets. One adapter plus a power strip from home covers the whole family.

13. Set up an eSIM or tourist SIM

    An eSIM usually beats airport counters. Note: WhatsApp and FaceTime calls are blocked in the UAE; texts work fine.

14. Get a Nol card for the metro

    The metro is spotless and cheap. Women's and Gold cars are marked — men can't ride the women's car (fine). No eating or gum on board.

15. Install Careem or the RTA taxi app

    Taxis are affordable and metered; Careem is the local Uber.

16. Know the alcohol rules

    Drink only in licensed bars and hotel restaurants. Public drunkenness is an offense, and Sharjah is completely dry.

17. Know the local conduct rules

    Rude gestures and swearing (even in chats), public displays of affection — all punishable. Not a scare story: cases really do get filed.

18. Don't photograph people without consent

    Photographing people (especially women) without consent is illegal. Government buildings, ports and military sites are off-limits too.

19. Leave the drone at home

    Unregistered drones are banned — they get confiscated right at the airport.

20. Check if your trip overlaps Ramadan

    During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public by day is out; restaurants screen off and hours shift. Evenings bring festive iftars.

21. Book attraction tickets online

    Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, waterparks — online is cheaper and queue-free. Burj Khalifa sunset slots sell out days ahead.

22. Book a desert safari with a rated operator

    Dune bashing is seriously motion-sickness-inducing — bring tablets. Pick operators by reviews, not by the beach tout's price.

23. Kids' documents Yes

    Each child needs their own passport. Bring the birth certificate if surnames differ, and check one-parent travel rules.

24. Kids' first aid kit Yes

    Child-dose fever reducer, thermometer, rehydration salts — kids dehydrate first in this heat. Original packaging for everything.

25. UV swim shirt and a water bottle for the kid Yes

    A UPF swim shirt and sun hat for beach and waterparks. Carry water always: thirst arrives late here, dehydration early.

26. Plan the kids' program ahead Yes

    Dubai Mall aquarium, KidZania, waterparks, OliOli and Green Planet — tickets are cheaper online. Strollers work great: the city is flat and ramped.

27. Check in online for your flight

    Opens 24–48 hours before departure. Free seats together go fastest right at opening.