Dubai travel & shopping
Dubai Power Plugs, Adapters and Charging Essentials
Know which sockets and voltage to expect in Dubai, how to choose a travel adapter and how to keep devices charged through long sightseeing days.
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Planning note
Few things are more annoying than arriving with a dead phone and a plug that does not fit. Here is how electricity works for visitors in the United Arab Emirates and what to bring.
Practical guide
Sockets and voltage
The United Arab Emirates uses the British-style Type G socket, with three rectangular pins, at about 230 volts and 50 hertz. Many hotels also provide sockets that accept several plug types, but you should not rely on that.
If your devices come from a country with a different plug shape, you need an adapter. If they come from a country with a different voltage, check the label on each charger.
Check your chargers
Most modern phone, tablet and laptop chargers are dual voltage and accept roughly 100 to 240 volts. The label will say something like "Input: 100-240V". If it does, you only need a plug adapter.
Devices with heating elements, such as hair dryers and curling irons, are often single voltage. Check the label carefully or use the hairdryer provided by your hotel instead of risking damage.
Choosing a travel adapter
A simple Type G adapter is enough if you only need one plug. A universal adapter with several USB ports is handy for families who charge multiple devices at once. Look for a model with built-in safety features and a stated power rating that suits your devices.
Avoid very cheap, unbranded adapters with no safety markings. A loose or overheating adapter is not worth the saving.
Power banks and long days
Photos, maps, ride-hailing apps and digital tickets drain batteries quickly. A power bank lets you keep going between charging points. Airlines usually require power banks to travel in your carry-on bag rather than in checked luggage, and they limit capacity, so check your airline's rules before you pack.
Heat shortens battery life and can make phones shut down, so keep devices out of direct sun and out of a parked car.
A short charging checklist
Pack a Type G adapter or universal adapter, one short charging cable per device, a multi-port USB charger, a power bank in your cabin bag and a pouch to keep it all together. Take a photo of the labels on your chargers so you can double-check voltage if you are unsure.