Trip to Dubai and the UAE
Pack for the UAE without surprises: medication rules, local laws, sockets, metro and the heat. Tell us if kids are coming and the list adapts.

[ ] Check your passport validity
    The UAE requires at least 6 months of passport validity from the date of entry.
[ ] Check visa rules
    Many nationalities get visa-free entry or visa on arrival. Rules change — double-check for your passport before booking.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Buy travel medical insurance
    UAE healthcare is excellent and very expensive: an uninsured visit runs hundreds of dollars.
[ ] Sort out money: cards plus some cash
    Cards are accepted almost everywhere; keep some dirhams for taxis, tips and the souks.
[ ] Make copies of your documents
    Photos of passport, insurance and bookings to cloud storage; paper copies separate from originals.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Buy SPF 50 and after-sun
    The sun is harsh year-round, especially on beaches and in the desert.
[ ] 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.
[ ] A layer against icy air conditioning
    Malls, metro and restaurants run arctic-grade AC — up to a 20-degree contrast with the street.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Install Careem or the RTA taxi app
    Taxis are affordable and metered; Careem is the local Uber.
[ ] Know the alcohol rules
    Drink only in licensed bars and hotel restaurants. Public drunkenness is an offense, and Sharjah is completely dry.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Don't photograph people without consent
    Photographing people (especially women) without consent is illegal. Government buildings, ports and military sites are off-limits too.
[ ] Leave the drone at home
    Unregistered drones are banned — they get confiscated right at the airport.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Kids' documents
    Each child needs their own passport. Bring the birth certificate if surnames differ, and check one-parent travel rules.
[ ] Kids' first aid kit
    Child-dose fever reducer, thermometer, rehydration salts — kids dehydrate first in this heat. Original packaging for everything.
[ ] UV swim shirt and a water bottle for the kid
    A UPF swim shirt and sun hat for beach and waterparks. Carry water always: thirst arrives late here, dehydration early.
[ ] Plan the kids' program ahead
    Dubai Mall aquarium, KidZania, waterparks, OliOli and Green Planet — tickets are cheaper online. Strollers work great: the city is flat and ramped.
[ ] Check in online for your flight
    Opens 24–48 hours before departure. Free seats together go fastest right at opening.

Checklist from Unload: https://unloads.me/c/dubai