{"id":56548,"date":"2017-08-10T03:00:12","date_gmt":"2017-08-10T10:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/travelfashiongirl.com\/?p=56548"},"modified":"2020-06-25T08:42:52","modified_gmt":"2020-06-25T15:42:52","slug":"what-to-pack-for-the-arabian-gulf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelfashiongirl.com\/what-to-pack-for-the-arabian-gulf\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Pack for the Arabian Gulf According to a Local Expat"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Need tips on what to wear in a different location? For a full listing of all our destinations, please visit our\u00a0packing list<\/a>\u00a0page!<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Deciding what to wear in the Arabian Gulf can seem tricky, but we’ve got the scoop on clothing and other essentials. An expat shares her best tips on what to pack for the Arabian Gulf!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

What to Pack for The Arabian Gulf<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Written By:\u00a0Marie Hickman<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When thinking of a holiday in the Arabian Gulf, glitzy Dubai usually springs to mind. Arab women are some of the most glamorous dressers on the planet, but the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is a conservative place that tolerates public western dress to different degrees.<\/p>\n

The GCC is comprised of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia is the most restrictive of all; Dubai in the UAE is the most tolerant. Still, when you\u2019re not in a western-style hotel, club, or private setting, always opt for loose and flowing clothing.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Read our tips on how to dress for conservative countries<\/a>!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"what-to-pack-for-the-arabian-gulf\"<\/p>\n

Eyelet Tunic<\/a> | Cover-Up Tunic<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Be flexible.<\/strong> Depending on where you go and what you\u2019ve planned, you might find yourself in an elegant, strappy dress at a private party or sporting\u00a0a long-and-loose look in a shopping mall. You might be allowed to hit a private beach in a bikini<\/a>, but be ready to cover up.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no need to pack every tone on the scale; just focus on a few essentials and save room to bring home some beautiful treasures unique to the region.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"what-to-pack-for-the-Arabian-Gulf\"<\/p>\n

Dress<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Sandal<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A flowing midi dress will take you from day to night with modesty and panache.\u00a0Middle Eastern women love glamour, heels, and bling. You\u2019ll fit right in, unless you\u2019re hoofing it in the desert.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Want to pack something dressy? Here are the best options for cute and comfy heels<\/a>!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"what-to-pack-for-the-Arabian-Gulf\"<\/p>\n

Playsuit<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Sandal<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A chic, long-sleeved swimsuit coverup<\/a> can be worn in the shade at a resort or paired with yoga pants for public beaches.\u00a0A day at the camel races, marathon shopping, or beachfront strolls call for comfort plus style. A sandal-sneaker hybrid works perfectly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"what-to-pack-for-the-Arabian-Gulf\"<\/p>\n

Scarf<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A lightweight shawl will ward off chilly A\/C, desert breezes, and disapproving stares in conservative areas. Do leave room in your suitcase for the many beautiful wraps\u00a0you\u2019ll find locally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Here are some tips on how to stay cool in the heat<\/a>\u00a0when you need to cover up!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What to Pack for the Arabian Gulf: A Few Essentials<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"what-to-pack-for-the-Arabian-Gulf\"<\/p>\n

Sunglasses<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sunglasses<\/b> \u2013 They’re essential, as the sun can be blinding. Most locals wear them big, bold, and designer.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Find out\u00a0the benefits of polarized sunglasses<\/a>\u00a0and our favorite styles!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"what-to-pack-for-the-Arabian-Gulf\"<\/p>\n

Hat<\/a> | Sunscreen<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen<\/b> \u2013 A good sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat are needed in a region where the sun shines full and strong almost 365 days a year. You can buy SPF in any pharmacy\u2013there are some good European brands\u2013but you won\u2019t see too many hats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tampons<\/b> \u2013 These can be hard to find in some areas, and store shelves are wiped clean as soon as the word gets out. Be wise and BYO. Alternatively, bring a menstrual cup<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tissues<\/b> \u2013 Toilet paper is a Western custom. Most public places feature a kitchen sink sprayer for self-cleansing but they may or may not have TP. You may want to carry a small pack of tissues.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"what-to-pack-for-the-Arabian-Gulf\"<\/p>\n

Antibacterial Wipes<\/a> |\u00a0Handzies Wipes<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Antibacterial wipes<\/b> \u2013 GCC countries have an exciting mix of local and expatriate cultures with hygiene standards that might differ from what you\u2019re used to. Keep wet wipes handy.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There are lots of handy travel wipes<\/a> to keep your hands, face, and even teeth feeling fresh!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"what-to-pack-for-the-Arabian-Gulf\"<\/p>\n

Bra<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Underwear<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Extra underwear and bras<\/b> \u2013 If you go in the summer, expect to sweat. A lot. Some areas get a bit humid, while others are like Death Valley. The good news is that unless it\u2019s dusty outside, your hand-washables will dry in a flash on the balcony. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not sure what styles or fabrics to pack? Find out the best travel underwear<\/a>!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

What to Pack for the Arabian Gulf: Everyday Sightseeing<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"what-to-pack-for-the-Arabian-Gulf\"<\/p>\n

Cardigan<\/a> | Kimono<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Layering is a must year-round. Summertime temperatures exceed 130\u00b0F in the summer and low 90s at night, but air conditioning can be chilly. <\/span><\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s the modesty issue. In the winter, the mercury can dip into the low 40\u00b0s F, so wear that heavy jacket on the plane. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What you wear is determined by district. When you\u2019re going out for a typical tourist day at the <\/span>souqs<\/span><\/i>, camel races, or museums, think casual but refined. There’s a strong European influence, so style is kicked up a notch.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

See our favorite layering clothes for travel<\/a> here!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"what-to-pack-for-the-Arabian-Gulf\"<\/p>\n

Blouse<\/a> |\u00a0Skirt<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tunics<\/a>, oxford shirts, and three-quarter length tops are a perfect go-to look. Pair them with looser pants, below-the-knee skirts, or maxis. Add a pretty neck scarf if you wish.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"what-to-pack-for-the-Arabian-Gulf\"<\/p>\n

Top<\/a> |\u00a0Scarf<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In westernized and resort areas, you can get away with knee-length skirts and short sleeves, but do keep a shawl or cardigan at the ready.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What to Pack for the Arabian Gulf: Big Nights Out<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"what-to-pack-for-the-Arabian-Gulf\"<\/p>\n

Cocktail<\/a> | Midi<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain, you\u2019ll find a range of clubs, pubs, and hotel bars. This is one time you can feel free to dress as sexy as you please: cleavage, minis, backless dresses. Just be aware you\u2019ll get some (appreciative) stares from local men.<\/p>\n

Kuwait is a dry country and has no bars. The only place to let your inner fashionista loose\u00a0is at a private party. <\/span><\/p>\n

In all of these countries, you\u2019re expected to cover shoulders, cleavage, and upper thighs while in public.<\/strong> You don\u2019t need a headscarf or an <\/span>abaya<\/span><\/i> unless that\u2019s your religious custom, you’re touring a national mosque, or you\u2019re in Saudi Arabia. However, they do come in handy for an impromptu trip to a <\/span>baqala,<\/span><\/i> or convenience store.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

See recommendations for great options for versatile\u00a0travel dresses<\/a>!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leave This at Home<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Along with knowing what to pack for the Arabian Gulf, you should also know what not<\/em> to pack.\u00a0Don’t plan on wearing a thong bikini unless you\u2019re at someone\u2019s high-walled, private villa; in fact, you might have to wear a tunic and yoga pants at public beaches and water parks. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Shorts on a woman are not customary outside of a few Dubai beaches. If you bring shorts<\/a>, make sure they are knee-length.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leave Room in Your Suitcase<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

You can\u2019t leave this exotic location without buying something special. Skip the high-end malls; they’re exactly like every other mall everywhere else, and often carry higher price tags. <\/span><\/p>\n

Scout out consignment stores if you need a luxury fix–the designer discards from an oil-rich household can be pretty amazing! But for a real deal, head to the traditional marketplaces. <\/span><\/p>\n

Borrowing from a range of regional cultures, the goods found in the GCC are unique and usually quite affordable. Be cautioned: you\u2019ll find a lot of unabashed fakes; their sale is barely regulated in this region.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n