Planning a trip to the UAE during the hottest month of the year? Hereโs exactly what to pack for Dubai in Augustโa chic-meets-conservative packing list thatโll keep you cool, covered, and confident while navigating desert heat, lavish malls, and world-class resorts.
Weather Overview ๐ก๏ธ
Dubai in August is intensely hot and humid, with daytime highs between 104ยฐFโ113ยฐF (40ยฐCโ45ยฐC) and warm nights in the upper 80s (30ยฐC). Outdoor activities are limited midday, but malls, hotels, and taxis are ice cold thanks to heavy A/C. Expect very little rain but major sun exposure.
What to Pack for Dubai in August ๐
Dress code: Cool, breathable, modestโand always polished
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Hereโs everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
Dubai is modern, glamorous, and conservative. While bikinis are fine at resorts and pools, modesty is expected in public: shoulders and knees covered, no sheer fabrics, and nothing too tight. Opt for loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics and be ready for quick outfit switches between pool, mall, mosque, and rooftop bar.
๐งณ Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
๐งณ Carry-on suitcase โ (1) Compact and organized for quick hotel check-ins
๐งณ Checked luggage โ (optional) If packing modest or evening outfits
๐ Day tote or crossbody โ Heat-friendly and modest
๐ Lightweight backpack โ Great for day trips or desert excursions
๐งผ Hanging toiletry bag โ Compact for hotel counters
๐ Document organizer โ Passport, visa, ID, SIM card storage
๐งบ Laundry bag โ Youโll sweat through clothes quickly
๐ง Quick-dry towel โ Optional, good for spa or desert safaris
๐ Luggage lock โ Extra security at hotels or shared spaces
๐๏ธ Foldable shopping bag โ For the souks or mall hauls
๐ค Neck pillow + ๐ถ๏ธ Sleep mask โ For flights and AC-blasted buses
๐ Clothes
๐ Loose maxi dresses (2โ3) โ Breezy and modest
๐ Linen or wide-leg pants (2โ3) โ Great for public places
๐ Short- or long-sleeve cotton tops (3โ4) โ No cleavage or shoulders
๐งฅ Light duster, kimono, or cardigan โ For layering indoors
๐ Kaftan or abaya (optional) โ Stylish and local-approved
๐ฉณ Modest shorts or capris (1โ2) โ Only for touristy areas
๐ง Lightweight scarf or shawl โ For mosque visits or extra coverage
๐ฉฑ Swimsuits (2โ3) โ Bikinis fine in resorts; consider 1 modest option
๐งฃ Swimsuit cover-ups (2) โ Wear to/from hotel pools or beaches
๐ง Activewear (1โ2 sets) โ For indoor gyms or desert yoga
๐ Sleepwear / loungewear (1โ2) โ Cool and cotton
๐ฉฒ Underwear (daily) + bras (3โ4) โ Breathable preferred
๐งฆ Socks (2โ3 pairs) โ A/C indoors can be chilly
๐ Skincare
๐งด Cleanser โ Gently remove sunscreen, sweat, and sand
๐ Face sunscreen (SPF 50+) โ Daily essential in Dubai
๐งด Body sunscreen (reef-safe) โ Especially for pool or desert
๐ง Moisturizer โ Hydration is key in A/C + heat
๐ Lip balm with SPF โ Desert lips dry fast
๐ฟ Aloe vera โ Cool down after sun exposure
๐ Facial mist โ Midday refresher
๐งผ Makeup remover โ Micellar or wipes for lazy nights
๐๏ธ Eye cream โ A/C dries out your eyes quickly
๐ Makeup
๐ง Tinted moisturizer or BB cream (with SPF) โ Lightweight base
๐ Lip gloss or balm โ Coral, nude, or peachy tones
๐๏ธ Waterproof mascara โ Humidity-proof
๐๏ธ Bronzer + highlighter โ Glow, not sweat
๐จ Warm-toned eyeshadow palette โ Sunset vibes
๐งด Setting spray โ Keeps your glam from melting
๐ช Travel makeup brushes / sponge โ Compact set
๐ Hair
๐ชฎ Comb or detangling brush โ Sweaty hair, don’t care
๐งด Leave-in conditioner โ Heat + dryness = damage
๐ฌ๏ธ Dry shampoo โ Between outings and A/C naps
๐งด Frizz-control serum โ Dubai humidity is no joke
๐ Hair ties, clips, or silk scrunchies โ Updos are life-saving
๐ฅ Mini styling tool (flat iron or curler) โ Optional for dinner looks
๐บ Heat protectant spray โ Essential for any styling
๐งด Shampoo + conditioner โ Hydrating formulas
๐ Shoes & Accessories
๐ฅฟ Dressy sandals โ For brunches, malls, and dinners
๐ Lightweight sneakers โ For desert safaris or walking tours
๐ฉด Flip-flops โ Hotel, beach, and pool areas
๐งข Sun hat or wide-brimmed straw hat โ Major sun protection
๐ถ๏ธ Sunglasses (polarized) + case โ Must-have
๐ Crossbody or small purse โ Modest, secure, chic
๐ง Lightweight scarf โ For mosque visits or AC layering
๐ฟ Modest jewelry โ Keep it luxe but not flashy
โ๏ธ UV umbrella โ Optional but handy during extreme sun
๐งพ Documents & Essentials
๐ Passport + copies โ UAE entry requirement
๐ UAE visa (if needed) โ Many countries get visa on arrival
๐ฑ Digital + printed hotel + tour confirmations
๐ณ Credit + debit cards โ Most places are cashless
๐ต Emergency cash โ Dirhams (AED) for tipping or taxis
๐ Travel insurance info โ Recommended
๐๏ธ Pen + notebook โ For customs, journaling, or Arabic phrases
๐ถ Local SIM or eSIM โ Etisalat or Du
๐ Universal adapter (Type G โ UK plug) โ 230V voltage
๐งด Tissues / wet wipes โ Many public toilets have bidets but no paper
๐ฉน First Aid
๐ฉน Bandaids โ Blisters from new sandals
๐ Pain relievers โ For sun fatigue or headaches
๐งด Antiseptic wipes โ For quick freshen-ups
๐งป Blister pads โ Especially for walking in malls or souks
๐งท Tweezers + nail kit โ Grooming or splinters
๐ก๏ธ Small thermometer โ Optional
๐ฆ Bug spray โ For desert excursions or sunset beach spots
๐ Health & Hygiene
๐ Prescription meds โ In original packaging + RX note
๐ท Hand sanitizer โ For souks, public areas
๐งด Disinfecting wipes โ Clean hotel remotes, airplane trays
๐บ Feminine hygiene products โ Your preferred brand may not be available
๐ค Sleep aid or melatonin โ Jet lag is real
๐ชฅ Toothbrush + toothpaste
๐งผ Soap / shower gel
๐งด Deodorant โ Bring strong, heatproof options
๐ช Razor + cream
๐งด Body lotion โ The A/C dries skin quickly
๐ธ Light perfume or body mist โ Floral or musky scents are popular
๐ง Eye drops โ From dry heat or long flights
๐ฑ Tech & Electronics
๐ฑ Phone + charger โ Donโt forget your Type G adapter
๐ท Camera or phone lens kit โ City views, desert dunes = Insta goals
๐ Power bank โ Critical for all-day touring
๐ง Noise-canceling headphones โ For flights and hotel downtime
๐ฑ SIM card or eSIM โ Buy at airport or mall kiosk
๐ป Tablet or Kindle โ Poolside reads or entertainment
๐ก Google Translate + RTA Dubai apps โ For transport and directions
๐ง Entertainment
๐ Book / Kindle โ Hotel pool, desert camp, or airport lounges
๐ถ Arabic or travel playlists โ For cultural immersion
๐ฌ Downloaded Netflix shows โ Internet isnโt always perfect
๐๏ธ Magazines โ Fashion, travel, or local culture
๐ Travel journal โ Dubai is memory-worthy
๐ Travel game or card deck โ Good for group desert safaris
๐ Extras
๐ฅค Reusable water bottle โ Hydration = survival
๐๏ธ Foldable shopping bag โ For Dubai Mall or souk treasures
๐ซ Energy bars / snacks โ Desert safaris or long metro rides
๐งด Travel laundry detergent โ For quick sink washes
๐งต Sewing kit โ Modesty malfunctions happen
๐งผ Lint roller โ For fancy dinners or business meetings
๐จ Safety whistle โ Optional, just in case
๐ฌ๏ธ Portable fan โ A literal lifesaver
โ๏ธ Travel Tips
โ๏ธ Stay hydratedโdehydration happens fast
โ๏ธ Always carry a scarf/shawl in your day bag
โ๏ธ Avoid public affectionโitโs legally restricted
โ๏ธ Check dress codes before entering mosques, clubs, or resorts
โ๏ธ No chewing gum in public transitโitโs banned
โ๏ธ Malls are freezing cold; always carry a layer
๐ Visa Tips
โ๏ธ U.S., EU, UK, AUS, CAN: Visa on arrival (30โ90 days)
โ๏ธ Passport must be valid for 6+ months
โ๏ธ Bring a printed return flight and hotel confirmation
โ๏ธ Medications must comply with UAE customsโcheck restricted meds list
โ๏ธ Be respectful of Islamic customs, especially on religious sites
โ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
โ๏ธ Passport + visa
โ๏ธ Modest, breathable clothing
โ๏ธ Swimsuits + cover-ups
โ๏ธ Sunscreen + hat + sunglasses
โ๏ธ Crossbody bag or tote
โ๏ธ Phone + charger + UAE SIM
โ๏ธ Power adapter (Type G)
โ๏ธ Reusable water bottle
๐ Good-to-Have Items
๐ Electrolyte powders
๐งด Cooling body spray
๐๏ธ Sleep mask
๐ง Noise-cancelling headphones
๐ฌ๏ธ Personal fan
๐ Extra scarf for layering
๐ท GoPro for desert shots
๐ฑ Portable hotspot
