Asia & Pacific · Best Nov–Mar
Dubai and Abu Dhabi packing list for families
Dubai and Abu Dhabi swing between scorching sun outside and chilly air-conditioning inside. A few modest pieces and smart layers will take your family from the beach to the mosque to the dunes.
Photo by David Rodrigo on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Dubai & Abu Dhabi
- Indoor spaces are kept very cold, so I always carry a light cardigan for each child, even when it is 100°F outside.
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has a strict dress code. Women and girls need long sleeves, long pants or skirts, and a head covering, so pack these in your day bag.
- Even in winter the sun is strong. Plan beach and pool time for mornings and late afternoons, and save the middle of the day for indoor attractions.
Best timeNov–Mar
PlugsType G, bring an adapter
MoneyUAE dirham
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Dubai & Abu Dhabi
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing6
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light cardiganKristina's pickMalls and attractions are heavily air-conditioned.
Lightweight scarfNeeded as a head covering at the Grand Mosque.
Shoes2
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Closed-toe sneakersDesert sand gets very hot in sandals.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones5
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Little things13
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Cooling towelHelps on hot outdoor days.
Documents & tech5
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType G, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Dubai & Abu Dhabi weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 75°F 24°C | Warm, sunny, and comfortable, with cooler evenings | Dubai Shopping Festival brings events, fireworks, and sales Outdoor season, when Global Village and desert camps are open |
| February | 77°F 25°C | Warm, sunny, and comfortable, with cooler evenings | Outdoor season, when Global Village and desert camps are open |
| March | 82°F 28°C | Warm, sunny, and comfortable, with cooler evenings | Outdoor season, when Global Village and desert camps are open |
| April | 90°F 32°C | Hot days and warm nights; beach mornings are still pleasant | Outdoor season, when Global Village and desert camps are open |
| May | 98°F 37°C | Hot days and warm nights; beach mornings are still pleasant | |
| June | 102°F 39°C | Extreme heat and humidity, best spent indoors or in the water | Summer kids' deals at indoor parks and hotels |
| July | 104°F 40°C | Extreme heat and humidity, best spent indoors or in the water | Summer kids' deals at indoor parks and hotels |
| August | 104°F 40°C | Extreme heat and humidity, best spent indoors or in the water | Summer kids' deals at indoor parks and hotels |
| September | 101°F 38°C | Extreme heat and humidity, best spent indoors or in the water | |
| October | 95°F 35°C | Still hot, but cooling down toward the end of the month | Outdoor season, when Global Village and desert camps are open |
| November | 86°F 30°C | Warm, sunny, and comfortable, with cooler evenings | Outdoor season, when Global Village and desert camps are open Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, when hotels book up early |
| December | 78°F 26°C | Warm, sunny, and comfortable, with cooler evenings | Dubai Shopping Festival brings events, fireworks, and sales Outdoor season, when Global Village and desert camps are open Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, when hotels book up early |
Questions families ask
Dubai & Abu Dhabi with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Dubai & Abu Dhabi with kids?
The best time is Nov–Mar. Extreme heat and humidity, best spent indoors or in the water
What's the weather like in Dubai & Abu Dhabi?
Typical daytime highs range from about 75°F (24°C) in January to about 104°F (40°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Dubai & Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Dubai & Abu Dhabi?
Type G, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Dubai & Abu Dhabi with kids?
Indoor spaces are kept very cold, so I always carry a light cardigan for each child, even when it is 100°F outside.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.