Planning a trip to the UAE during the hottest month of the year? Here’s exactly what to pack for Dubai in August—a chic-meets-conservative packing list that’ll keep you cool, covered, and confident while navigating desert heat, lavish malls, and world-class resorts.
Weather Overview 🌡️
Dubai in August is intensely hot and humid, with daytime highs between 104°F–113°F (40°C–45°C) and warm nights in the upper 80s (30°C). 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 🎒
Dress code: Cool, breathable, modest—and always polished
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s 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.
🧳 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
🧳 Carry-on suitcase – (1) Compact and organized for quick hotel check-ins
🧳 Checked luggage – (optional) If packing modest or evening outfits
👜 Day tote or crossbody – Heat-friendly and modest
🎒 Lightweight backpack – Great for day trips or desert excursions
🧼 Hanging toiletry bag – Compact for hotel counters
📁 Document organizer – Passport, visa, ID, SIM card storage
🧺 Laundry bag – You’ll sweat through clothes quickly
💧 Quick-dry towel – Optional, good for spa or desert safaris
🔒 Luggage lock – Extra security at hotels or shared spaces
🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – For the souks or mall hauls
💤 Neck pillow + 🕶️ Sleep mask – For flights and AC-blasted buses
👗 Clothes
👘 Loose maxi dresses (2–3) – Breezy and modest
👖 Linen or wide-leg pants (2–3) – Great for public places
👕 Short- or long-sleeve cotton tops (3–4) – No cleavage or shoulders
🧥 Light duster, kimono, or cardigan – For layering indoors
👗 Kaftan or abaya (optional) – Stylish and local-approved
🩳 Modest shorts or capris (1–2) – Only for touristy areas
🧕 Lightweight scarf or shawl – For mosque visits or extra coverage
🩱 Swimsuits (2–3) – Bikinis fine in resorts; consider 1 modest option
🧣 Swimsuit cover-ups (2) – Wear to/from hotel pools or beaches
🧘 Activewear (1–2 sets) – For indoor gyms or desert yoga
🛌 Sleepwear / loungewear (1–2) – Cool and cotton
🩲 Underwear (daily) + bras (3–4) – Breathable preferred
🧦 Socks (2–3 pairs) – A/C indoors can be chilly
💆 Skincare
🧴 Cleanser – Gently remove sunscreen, sweat, and sand
🌞 Face sunscreen (SPF 50+) – Daily essential in Dubai
🧴 Body sunscreen (reef-safe) – Especially for pool or desert
💧 Moisturizer – Hydration is key in A/C + heat
💋 Lip balm with SPF – Desert lips dry fast
🌿 Aloe vera – Cool down after sun exposure
🌊 Facial mist – Midday refresher
🧼 Makeup remover – Micellar or wipes for lazy nights
👁️ Eye cream – A/C dries out your eyes quickly
💄 Makeup
💧 Tinted moisturizer or BB cream (with SPF) – Lightweight base
💄 Lip gloss or balm – Coral, nude, or peachy tones
👁️ Waterproof mascara – Humidity-proof
🖌️ Bronzer + highlighter – Glow, not sweat
🎨 Warm-toned eyeshadow palette – Sunset vibes
🧴 Setting spray – Keeps your glam from melting
🪞 Travel makeup brushes / sponge – Compact set
💇 Hair
🪮 Comb or detangling brush – Sweaty hair, don’t care
🧴 Leave-in conditioner – Heat + dryness = damage
🌬️ Dry shampoo – Between outings and A/C naps
🧴 Frizz-control serum – Dubai humidity is no joke
🎀 Hair ties, clips, or silk scrunchies – Updos are life-saving
🔥 Mini styling tool (flat iron or curler) – Optional for dinner looks
🌺 Heat protectant spray – Essential for any styling
🧴 Shampoo + conditioner – Hydrating formulas
👠 Shoes & Accessories
🥿 Dressy sandals – For brunches, malls, and dinners
👟 Lightweight sneakers – For desert safaris or walking tours
🩴 Flip-flops – Hotel, beach, and pool areas
🧢 Sun hat or wide-brimmed straw hat – Major sun protection
🕶️ Sunglasses (polarized) + case – Must-have
👜 Crossbody or small purse – Modest, secure, chic
🧕 Lightweight scarf – For mosque visits or AC layering
📿 Modest jewelry – Keep it luxe but not flashy
☂️ UV umbrella – Optional but handy during extreme sun
🧾 Documents & Essentials
🛂 Passport + copies – UAE entry requirement
📑 UAE visa (if needed) – Many countries get visa on arrival
📱 Digital + printed hotel + tour confirmations
💳 Credit + debit cards – Most places are cashless
💵 Emergency cash – Dirhams (AED) for tipping or taxis
📋 Travel insurance info – Recommended
🖊️ Pen + notebook – For customs, journaling, or Arabic phrases
📶 Local SIM or eSIM – Etisalat or Du
🔌 Universal adapter (Type G – UK plug) – 230V voltage
🧴 Tissues / wet wipes – Many public toilets have bidets but no paper
🩹 First Aid
🩹 Bandaids – Blisters from new sandals
💊 Pain relievers – For sun fatigue or headaches
🧴 Antiseptic wipes – For quick freshen-ups
🧻 Blister pads – Especially for walking in malls or souks
🧷 Tweezers + nail kit – Grooming or splinters
🌡️ Small thermometer – Optional
🦟 Bug spray – For desert excursions or sunset beach spots
💊 Health & Hygiene
💊 Prescription meds – In original packaging + RX note
😷 Hand sanitizer – For souks, public areas
🧴 Disinfecting wipes – Clean hotel remotes, airplane trays
🚺 Feminine hygiene products – Your preferred brand may not be available
💤 Sleep aid or melatonin – Jet lag is real
🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste
🧼 Soap / shower gel
🧴 Deodorant – Bring strong, heatproof options
🪒 Razor + cream
🧴 Body lotion – The A/C dries skin quickly
🌸 Light perfume or body mist – Floral or musky scents are popular
💧 Eye drops – From dry heat or long flights
📱 Tech & Electronics
📱 Phone + charger – Don’t forget your Type G adapter
📷 Camera or phone lens kit – City views, desert dunes = Insta goals
🔋 Power bank – Critical for all-day touring
🎧 Noise-canceling headphones – For flights and hotel downtime
📱 SIM card or eSIM – Buy at airport or mall kiosk
💻 Tablet or Kindle – Poolside reads or entertainment
📡 Google Translate + RTA Dubai apps – For transport and directions
🎧 Entertainment
📚 Book / Kindle – Hotel pool, desert camp, or airport lounges
🎶 Arabic or travel playlists – For cultural immersion
🎬 Downloaded Netflix shows – Internet isn’t always perfect
🗞️ Magazines – Fashion, travel, or local culture
📓 Travel journal – Dubai is memory-worthy
🃏 Travel game or card deck – Good for group desert safaris
🎒 Extras
🥤 Reusable water bottle – Hydration = survival
🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – For Dubai Mall or souk treasures
🍫 Energy bars / snacks – Desert safaris or long metro rides
🧴 Travel laundry detergent – For quick sink washes
🧵 Sewing kit – Modesty malfunctions happen
🧼 Lint roller – For fancy dinners or business meetings
🚨 Safety whistle – Optional, just in case
🌬️ Portable fan – A literal lifesaver
✈️ Travel Tips
✔️ Stay hydrated—dehydration happens fast
✔️ Always carry a scarf/shawl in your day bag
✔️ Avoid public affection—it’s legally restricted
✔️ Check dress codes before entering mosques, clubs, or resorts
✔️ No chewing gum in public transit—it’s banned
✔️ Malls are freezing cold; always carry a layer
🛂 Visa Tips
✔️ U.S., EU, UK, AUS, CAN: Visa on arrival (30–90 days)
✔️ Passport must be valid for 6+ months
✔️ Bring a printed return flight and hotel confirmation
✔️ Medications must comply with UAE customs—check restricted meds list
✔️ Be respectful of Islamic customs, especially on religious sites
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
✔️ Passport + visa
✔️ Modest, breathable clothing
✔️ Swimsuits + cover-ups
✔️ Sunscreen + hat + sunglasses
✔️ Crossbody bag or tote
✔️ Phone + charger + UAE SIM
✔️ Power adapter (Type G)
✔️ Reusable water bottle
👍 Good-to-Have Items
🌈 Electrolyte powders
🧴 Cooling body spray
🛏️ Sleep mask
🎧 Noise-cancelling headphones
🌬️ Personal fan
👜 Extra scarf for layering
📷 GoPro for desert shots
📱 Portable hotspot
