What to Pack for Your Move to Dubai

Moving abroad is such an exciting experience. Don’t let all the admin scare you! As you prepare for your upcoming move to Dubai, packing is one of the most important tasks and there are more than a few things that you need to remember to do before leaving the UK.

Deciding what to bring overseas with you and what to leave behind can be overwhelming. The desert climate and cosmopolitan lifestyle of Dubai means you'll need to pack some specific items to make your move go smoothly. Follow this packing guide from the experts at easyStorage to ensure you don't forget any essentials.

Be sure to thoroughly research Dubai before your move. Our expert advice guides can provide valuable insights from others who have already made the move.

In addition, you can access reliable information about the UAE by just signing up to Matutto.

So, let’s get into it, what do you need?

Dubai has a hot, dry climate so lightweight, breathable fabrics are a must. Cotton, linen and rayon clothing are ideal. Pack plenty of shorts, short-sleeved shirts, skirts and lightweight dresses. A few long-sleeved shirts and pants are handy for the cooler winter months. Be sure to bring a sun hat and sunglasses for protection against the intense sunshine.

Make sure to bring summer clothes that are also modest for locations that have a dress-code. For women, this normally includes dresses below the knee and covering your shoulders.

If you’re planning on hitting any clubs you should also bring any nice outfits you’d wear for a night out. Women may need high-heels and men should pack collared shirts, pants and shoes that aren’t sportswear for nights out.

Pack comfortable walking shoes as you’ll do a lot of walking around the city and desert. Bring a nice pair of sandals and water shoes for the beach.

Bring all your usual toiletries and cosmetics from home. While most American and European brands are available in Dubai, they can be quite expensive. Stock up on sunscreen, aftersun lotion and any speciality hair or skin products.

You can use most electronics in Dubai, with just an adapter for the plugs which have three large round pins, like in the UK. Don’t forget to pack chargers for all your devices!

If you’re a tech-geek, pack your essential accessories like portable chargers, memory cards, e-readers and extra headphones. A good set of compact speakers can turn your new room into a home.

Make copies of important documents like your passport, drivers licence, birth certificate, insurance policies and banking information. Pack the copies separately from the originals to avoid losing them.

Make sure you have your visas in order and have a digital copy of all your important paperwork on your phone as a backup.

Pack any small household items that will make your temporary accommodations feel more like a home. Photos, small decorations and sentimental items can help create homey touches.

Bedsheets, towels and travel soaps can help, but you could also buy all of this when you arrive in Dubai if you don’t have suitcase space available.

Dubai is a cashless city. You can pay for everything with a card, so you don’t need to worry about bringing AED in cash with you. However, it may be useful to have AED in digital currency on an e-wallet like Revolut or Monzo.

Make sure to inform your local bank and credit card company you are moving to prevent any service disruptions or issues.

Once in Dubai, you can open a local bank account. Sign up to Matutto to learn more about this.

Pack your essential belongings in suitcases with durable wheels. Make sure you’re not exceeding the weight and size of your luggage, according to the airline you’re flying with. You may want to purchase additional luggage if you want to take a lot of things with you.

It’s best to keep valuables like cash, laptop and important documents in a carry-on bag. Please note there are some items you can’t bring to the UAE. To learn more about prohibited items in the country, Sign up to Matutto.

You can also decide to ship larger, non-essential items through a freight company. The Matutto team can help you out with sorting this out.

If you are unsure how long you will be moving overseas and staying in Dubai, knowing you will be making plenty of trips back to the UK or are only planning to be there short term then you may want to think about storage. Self storage in the UK can provide a flexible solution for any items that won't fit in your rented apartment or hotel room in Dubai.

easyStorage has state-of-the-art storage facilities located throughout the UK to meet your storage needs before moving overseas. You can conveniently access your belongings right up until your move date. easyStorage offers packing services and a mobile service that picks up the belongings from your door if you wish. With tailored storage solutions, easyStorage takes the hassle out of an international move. Storing extra furniture, out-of-season clothing and cherished memorabilia allows you to settle into your new Dubai life smoothly. easyStorage provides peace of mind that your belongings are safe in the UK until you're ready for them.

With code MATUTTO25 you can get an extra £25 off when you book with easyStorage!

That is all - The essentials on this list will start off your Dubai experience on the right foot. With proper preparation, your move abroad can be smooth, stress-free and exciting! Happy moving.