Packing for the Middle East

The Middle East has specific cultural norms and weather conditions that require thoughtful packing. This guide covers essentials for trips to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries.

Clothing

For All Travelers

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics โ€” Cotton and linen are ideal for the heat.
  • Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts โ€” Useful for sun protection and required in some cultural sites.
  • Modest clothing โ€” Shoulders and knees should be covered in public spaces, malls, and restaurants.
  • Swimwear โ€” For hotel pools and beaches only, not for walking around.
  • A light jacket or sweater โ€” Indoor spaces (malls, cinemas, restaurants) can be very cold due to air conditioning. Desert nights can also be cool in winter.

For Women

  • Loose, flowing clothing โ€” Long skirts, maxi dresses, and wide-leg trousers.
  • Scarves โ€” Useful for covering hair in mosques and conservative areas.
  • Abaya โ€” Recommended in Saudi Arabia. Can be purchased locally.
  • Cardigans or pashminas โ€” For covering shoulders when needed.

For Men

  • Long trousers โ€” Required in some restaurants and cultural sites.
  • Collared shirts โ€” More versatile than t-shirts for dining out.
  • Shorts โ€” Acceptable in tourist areas in the UAE but should be knee-length.

Footwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes โ€” Essential for sightseeing.
  • Sandals or flip-flops โ€” For the beach and pool.
  • Closed-toe shoes โ€” Required for some restaurants and attractions.

Season-Specific Packing

Winter (November to March)

  • Daytime: T-shirts, light trousers, dresses
  • Evening: Light jacket or sweater (temperatures can drop to 15ยฐC)
  • Desert: Warmer layer for evening desert safaris

Summer (June to September)

  • Very lightweight, loose clothing
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • High SPF sunscreen
  • Refillable water bottle

Essential Items

  • Sunscreen โ€” SPF 30+ minimum. The sun is intense year-round.
  • Sunglasses โ€” UV protection is essential.
  • Hat โ€” Wide-brimmed for maximum sun protection.
  • Reusable water bottle โ€” Stay hydrated, especially in summer.
  • Hand sanitizer โ€” Useful in markets and public spaces.
  • Modest swimwear โ€” One-piece swimsuits or rash guards are more appropriate in public areas.
  • Power adapter โ€” The UAE uses Type G plugs (UK-style). Saudi Arabia also uses Type G.

Cultural Considerations

  • Mosques: Require modest dress โ€” long sleeves, long trousers/skirts, and head covering for women. Some mosques provide robes for visitors.
  • Ramadan: During the holy month, dress extra modestly. Eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is not allowed.
  • Public displays of affection: Not appropriate in any Middle Eastern country.
  • Photography: Avoid photographing people without permission, especially women. Be discreet at religious sites.

Destination-Specific Notes

UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

Saudi Arabia

Qatar, Oman, Bahrain

  • Similar to the UAE โ€” modest dress expected, but tourist areas are more relaxed.

For more travel tips, see our how to plan a trip guide. Browse Dubai hotels and Abu Dhabi hotels on Gateera.