Pack smart for the Middle East's heat, culture, and dress codes. Covers modest clothing, sun protection, and gear for both desert excursions and urban exploration.
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Clothing & Modesty
Loose-fitting long pants or maxi skirts (3-4 pairs)
Linen or linen-blend fabrics in light colors reflect heat and dry quickly. Avoid tight-fitting styles — relaxed cuts allow airflow and meet local dress expectations in mosques and souks.
Lightweight long-sleeve shirts that cover shoulders (4-5)
Moisture-wicking polyester or rayon blends under 150 GSM weight work best. Opt for button-front styles you can layer or roll up when in less conservative settings.
Large scarf or shawl for covering hair at religious sites
A cotton or viscose scarf of at least 70x200 cm doubles as a head covering, shoulder wrap, and sand shield. Pack two — one light for daytime heat, one darker for evening.
Modest swimwear or cover-up for hotel pools
Light cardigan or linen blazer for air-conditioned spaces
Malls and restaurants often blast AC to 18C (64F). A thin knit layer that folds small prevents the constant hot-cold shock throughout your day.
Desert UV index regularly hits 11+ from March to October. Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 90 minutes. Mineral zinc-based formulas resist sweat better than chemical ones.
Wide-brim hat with chin strap
A brim of at least 7.5 cm (3 inches) shades your face, ears, and neck. The chin strap is critical — desert wind gusts can reach 40 km/h and will steal an unsecured hat instantly.
Polarized UV400 sunglasses
Sand and white stone buildings reflect intense glare. Polarized lenses cut reflected light by up to 98%, reducing eye fatigue during full-day sightseeing.
Reusable insulated water bottle (750ml minimum)
Electrolyte packets (10-15 for a week-long trip)
In 40C+ heat you can lose 1-2 liters of sweat per hour. Plain water alone will not replace sodium and potassium — dissolve one packet per 500ml throughout the day.
Electronics & Documents
Universal power adapter (Type G for UAE, Type C for Jordan)
Most Middle Eastern countries use 220-240V outlets. A single universal adapter with USB-C ports handles all of them. Verify your phone charger is rated 100-240V on the label.
Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh)
GPS navigation and photo-heavy days drain phones fast. A 10,000 mAh bank provides roughly 2.5 full charges for a modern smartphone and fits in a front pocket.
Printed copies of hotel reservations and visa documents
eSIM or local SIM card for data connectivity
Download an eSIM before departure — activation takes under 5 minutes. A 7-day 5GB plan typically costs $8-15 and avoids the hassle of finding a SIM vendor at the airport.
Footwear & Accessories
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with arch support
Ancient sites like Petra and Luxor involve 15,000-20,000 steps on uneven stone. Break in shoes for at least two weeks before your trip to prevent blisters on rocky terrain.
Slip-on sandals for mosques and indoor spaces
You remove shoes dozens of times at mosques, homes, and some restaurants. Slip-ons save 30 seconds each time. Choose a pair with a back strap for light walking too.
Crossbody anti-theft daypack
A slim 10-15L bag with RFID-blocking pockets and lockable zippers works for both crowded bazaars and day hikes. Front-carry style in busy markets keeps your belongings visible.
Packing cubes to organize modest outfit layers
Ziplock bags for sand protection of electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I avoid overpacking?
Lay out everything you think you need, then remove 30% of it. Pack items that mix and match into multiple outfits using neutral colors that work with everything. Laundry services exist almost everywhere; plan to wash clothes every 4-5 days rather than packing a fresh outfit for each day.
Should I use packing cubes?
Packing cubes compress clothing by 20-30% and keep your bag organized throughout the trip. Color-coding cubes by clothing type (tops, bottoms, underwear) eliminates rummaging through the entire bag for one item. Compression cubes with dual zippers squeeze the most air out and are worth the $5-10 premium over standard cubes.
What size luggage should I bring?
A carry-on bag (22x14x9 inches) handles trips up to 10 days if you pack strategically and plan to do laundry. Checking a bag adds 30-45 minutes per flight in wait time and carries a 1-3% chance of loss or delay. For trips under a week, a 40-liter backpack offers more mobility than a rolling suitcase on cobblestones, stairs, and public transit.
What items do travelers forget most often?
Phone chargers, adapters, prescription medications, and sunscreen are the top four forgotten items. Create a packing checklist on your phone and check items off as they go into the bag, not before. Pack a universal power adapter if traveling internationally; outlet shapes differ across regions and buying one at the airport costs 3-4x the online price.
How do I pack toiletries efficiently?
Transfer products into reusable silicone travel bottles (GoToob, 3 oz size) rather than packing full-size containers. Solid alternatives like shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets eliminate liquid restrictions entirely for carry-on travel. Hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap; skip packing these unless you have specific brand requirements.