Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates? If you're planning to go to Abu Dhabi, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Based on the climate and weather in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the best time to go is December. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Abu Dhabi, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates by month

January

January for Abu Dhabi very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Arab Emirates has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

February

February here dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Arab Emirates has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

March

March here dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Arab Emirates has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April for Abu Dhabi very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Arab Emirates has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

May

Traveling to Abu Dhabi in May, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Arab Emirates has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

June

Traveling to Abu Dhabi in June, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Arab Emirates has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to find the right kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

July

July in this region very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Arab Emirates has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to find the right kind. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

If you go to Abu Dhabi in August, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Arab Emirates has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

September

If you are traveling to Abu Dhabi in September, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Arab Emirates has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you choose the correct type. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

October

October in this region very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Arab Emirates has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you get the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

November

November here very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Arab Emirates has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

December

December in Abu Dhabi very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Arab Emirates has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Abu Dhabi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to pick the correct type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is undoubtedly an attractive tourist destination. With its modern yet traditional culture, the city has a lot to offer visitors from all over the world. Here are the top tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi that you should not miss.

1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the UAE, and one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. It is named after the late ruler of UAE and is known for its impressive architecture and design. Visitors can admire the intricate Islamic calligraphy, crystal chandeliers, and the largest handmade carpet in the world at the mosque.

2. Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel that symbolises the pinnacle of Emirati hospitality. The hotel’s striking exterior, with its domes and golden hues, is just an appetiser for what’s inside. The hotel has over 390 rooms and suites, a private beach, a marina, and two spectacular swimming pools. The hotel’s expansive grounds also feature landscaped gardens, fountains, and a state-of-the-art spa.

3. Yas Island

The man-made Yas Island is a world-class entertainment destination that is home to numerous attractions for all ages. The island features Ferrari World, the world’s only Ferrari-branded park, which hosts the world’s fastest roller coaster. Yas Island also has Yas Waterworld, the island’s premier water park, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, which is perfect for families with children.

4. Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island is a cultural oasis in Abu Dhabi that houses some of the city’s most impressive cultural institutions, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The island also features a stunning white-sand beach that stretches for several kilometres. Visitors can enjoy watersports, a round of golf, or simply relax on the beach.

5. Qasr Al Hosn

Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi and has a fascinating history behind it. The palace served as the residence of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family and was later converted into a museum that showcases the city’s rich heritage. Visitors can explore the palace’s different sections (including the fortified walls and massive gate) and learn about the history of the UAE.

Abu Dhabi has numerous other tourist attractions that are worth visiting, including the Corniche, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, and the Al Ain Oasis. With its rich culture, world-class entertainment, and stunning architecture, Abu Dhabi offers visitors an unforgettable experience. It’s a must-see destination for anyone planning a trip to the UAE.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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