You’ve packing for Dubai and wondering, what are the electrical outlets in Dubai like?
Relax! This article will tell you everything you need to know about power sockets and the power supply in Dubai!
Covering everything from the plug type used, the best travel adapters and some handy tips for making life easier when you have multiple electronic devices. So make sure to read till the end.
Plus we’ll answer “Can I easily charge my devices in the hotel?” and which hotels we recommend that have international multi-functional sockets, so you might not need to pack anything at all except your devices.
You’ll be all powered up and ready to explore Dubai.
Dubai uses the type G plug
The type G plug has three square pins set in a triangular shape, making it instantly recognisable. It is the most common type of plug used in most countries in the Middle East, including Dubai. This plug is used across the whole of the United Arab Emirates. So don’t worry you won’t need to change if you visit Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah. Some hotels in Dubai have universal plug sockets which allow for multiple plug types to be used.
Most electronics and appliances available in the UK use this same type of plug. So if you’re coming from the UK, yay you won’t need to bring an adapter but if you have items from other countries you are visiting or moving from, you may need an adapter before plugging them into a type G outlet.
I have been told that you can find other style plugs in Dubai but I’ve personally never come across these after nearly a decade in the region.
Other countries that use the G type
- Bahrain
- Hong Kong
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- United Kingdom
- Yemen
Dubai voltage
The electrical outlets in Dubai generally operate at a standard voltage of 220V with a frequency of 50Hz.
If coming from a country, such as UK, Australia or most of Europe with a range of 220V-240V then your electronics should be fine to be used in the UAE. However if you’re coming from a low voltage country. Then you’ll need to check the label of your adapter, most mobile (cell phone) chargers and laptop chargers are able to deal with varying voltages however it’s best to double check just in case.
If you find your electronic device isn’t able to use different voltages then you will need a travel adapter that includes a transformer. Most travel plugs will be thicker if they have this and will say on the label like this travel adapter from Home Depot
Cell phone charging & your devices on the go
If you plan on charging your phone or laptop while out and about in Dubai, it’s important to note that not all public outlets accept international plugs. Most public places will be a g type socket. However places like Dubai airport if using one of their charging stations will have universal sockets and USB sockets.
In malls, there are commonly charging lockers available which provide a cable and there can even be power banks available in malls where you use your ID to “rent” the power bank for free. Hotels also have power banks or charging lockers for phones often for free.
I’ve put my phone at the front desk at Jumeirah Group Hotels and used the power banks of Address Hotels. I’ve also used the ID method and rented a power bank at Mall of Emirates many times! Though it does depend on availability and if devices are working. Staff are usually very helpful and if not available, will commonly take your phone and charge it for you. Plus since Dubai is so safe, there’s no worry about leaving your phone with a member of staff.
It is best to take a charging cable with you, as I find not every place will have an iPhone cable handy. It seems most staff are on android from my experience. I’ve spent all day out and needed to charge my phone many times!
Hotels that use universal plug sockets
Oh no, you’ve forgotten your adapter! But not to worry, some hotels have universal chargers like this below. Aloft is one such chain of hotels that I find typically has universal sockets but you also need to make sure your device can handle 220 volts!
Insider tip – Another super cool trick I learnt is that if your hotel doesn’t have USB charge sockets try checking the sides of the flat-screen TV! There’s usually a USB socket there. The charging is a little slow but works for those times you’ve accidentally forgotten to pack your plug!
Conclusion
Whether you’re travelling to Dubai for business or pleasure, it pays to know ahead of time which plugs work best with the electrical outlets there. The type G plug is the most common plug used throughout the UAE and is likely what you will find in most outlets throughout Dubai as well. If you plan on charging your devices on the go while sightseeing around town, remember that not all public outlets will accept international plugs but many malls and hotels offer either charging stations or power banks that will charge almost any USB powered device! With these tips in mind, all that’s left is for you to enjoy your trip or carry on sorting out your move! Welcome to Dubai!
Check out some of my other helpful articles about Dubai here
- The best way to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai; whether you want the cheapest or fastest
- How do I get a sim card in Dubai? Which provider is the best?
- What should I wear as a woman in Dubai? Dubai’s dress code from an expat living in Dubai
- Can I drink the tap water in Dubai? Will it make me ill?
- What are the Dubai alcohol rules I should know about and where is alcohol illegal in Dubai
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