Visiting Dubai without a cell phone or digital camera seems like a crazy idea. That can’t possibly happen, can it? There are so many incredible sights to see in this city, and it would be a shame if you couldn’t record any of them.
Indeed, it appears hard to travel without our cell phone or tablet, especially given how “attached” we have become to them. However, we may be unable to charge or use our electronics if their plugs are incompatible with the power outlets at our final destination. In this piece, we’ll talk about the plug type in Dubai and the potential necessity for various adapters and converters.
Where can I find the power socket for an electrical outlet in Dubai?
When we stay in a hotel in a foreign country, one of the first things we check for is an available power outlet to recharge our electronic devices. If the plugs and sockets supplied are incompatible with those in your home country, you will certainly take note.
In Dubai, as well as the rest of the United Arab Emirates, the standard power plug is a Type G plug, which has three prongs and fits into a socket with three pins in a triangular configuration. The “UK plug” moniker refers to the fact that this particular style of plug was developed in Britain.
You can see a Type G plug or socket, like this one:
Some “older hotels” in Dubai may use plugs and sockets of a different type than Type G. Type C plugs are popular in various parts of Europe and Asia, whereas Type D sockets are widely used in places like India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and even some parts of Africa. However, the Type G plug and socket is now widely used throughout the UAE.
Electrical outlets in Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates normally provide 220V to 240V at a frequency of 50Hz.
Exactly what Type of Plug Adapter Do I Need for Dubai?
If you’re packing your electronics for a trip to Dubai but don’t have a Type G plug, you’ll need to bring an adaptor. To use your electronics using Type G power outlets, you’ll need this adapter.
An illustration of a Type G adaptor plug:
Photo by: internationalconfig.com
Do I Need an Adapter for Dubai?
No, a power adaptor is not required in Dubai if you are visiting from a country which uses the Type G plugs and sockets. However, if you’re from a nation that uses a different type of plug, you might want to pack a travel adaptor. If not, your electronic devices may stop charging or functioning altogether!
What Kind of Voltage Converter Do I Need for Dubai?
distinct countries have distinct “standard” voltages. As an example, in North America and South America, the standard voltage is between 100 and 120 volts. Standard voltage in most nations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia is between 220 and 240 volts.
Voltage in Dubai often ranges between 220 and 240 volts, as was mentioned earlier. There is no need to bring a voltage converter to Dubai if the voltage in your native country is identical to the voltage in Dubai. However, you’ll need to bring a voltage converter to the UAE if the voltage is different from where you’re from.
You should also take into account the average frequency. In Dubai, 50 Hz is the norm. Again, you might need to bring a voltage converter to the emirate if the frequency in your native country is different.
A Voltage Converter vs. a Travel Adapter
What is the difference between the travel adapters and voltage converters that we’ve discussed so far? A travel adaptor is a tool that lets you charge your electronic equipment from a foreign power outlet. To be clear, the travel adapter does not do any sort of voltage conversion.
In contrast, a voltage converter is a tool that may alter the electrical current or “voltage” from one level to another. If you are visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from a country where the normal voltage is 110V to 120V, you may need a converter.
How About Dual-Voltage Gadgets?
Dual voltage appliances are something you might be familiar with. If your electronics are dual voltage, you won’t need to bring a voltage converter with you to Dubai, as they may be used in outlets of any frequency and voltage.
How can you determine if your gadget supports both 110 and 220 volts? If you want to know the fine print, just check your device. If you notice “INPUT: 100-240V” and “50/60Hz,” then you know that it is compatible with electrical outlets around the world.
Even if your device’s plug fits into the socket, you may still require a travel adapter even if you don’t need a voltage converter.
What Stores in Dubai Carry Electrical Materials?
A voltage converter or travel adapter, both of which you could forget at home, can be purchased with relative ease in Dubai. Stores offering adapters can be found at the airport, albeit they may be more expensive than elsewhere.
You can buy travel adapters and other necessities outside of the airport at almost any department store, grocery store, or even a pharmacy. You won’t have any trouble locating one of these in any part of Dubai.
Dubai Power Outlets Explained on Video
Check out this video posted by user “Curious Pavel” on YouTube to learn more about the plug and socket used in Dubai. The vlogger discusses the plugs and sockets he encountered during his time in Dubai.
Frequently Interrogated Questions
While you wait, check out these frequently asked questions regarding electrical outlets, plugs and adapters in Dubai:
What voltage is utilised in Dubai’s electrical outlets?
The Type G plug and socket combination is widely used throughout Dubai. The “UK plug” is a common name for this type of plug because it was developed in the UK.
How do I know what kind of adaptor I need?
If your device isn’t designed to plug into a Type G socket, you’ll need to bring a Type G travel adaptor with you to Dubai.
Will a voltage converter be necessary? 3.
Yes, you will need a voltage converter if the voltage in your country is different from the voltage in Dubai (220V to 240V). No voltage converter is required, however, if the voltage is the same or if your device is dual voltage (100-240V).
Is the plug in Dubai the same size as the one in the UK?
The plug in Dubai is a Type G, the same as the one in the UK. If you have a plug like this, you won’t need a converter.
Is the plug in Dubai the same size as the one in the US?
The plug in Dubai is not the same as the one used in the USA. Plugs and sockets in the United States are typically either Type A or Type B.
6. Where can I go to get electrical parts?
Adapters, converters, and other electrical accessories can be found for sale at the majority of Dubai’s supermarkets, convenience stores, and department stores. Also, they probably hang out at the airport.
When I stay at a hotel, do I expect to find a USB port?
USB power outlets may or may not be available in all Dubai hotels. You might want to pack a Type G travel adapter with USB ports if your gadget charges via a USB cable. In any case, inquire at your hotel of choice to ensure that you have all you need.
Is a power strip required?
It is possible that a power strip is not necessary for a solo or two-person excursion. However, a Type G power strip is an absolute must-have if you are travelling with a family or a large group. This allows you to connect and charge multiple devices at once.
To which other countries do Type G plugs also export?
Type G plugs and sockets are widely used around the world, not just in the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Included among these are a wide variety of countries.
Summary
Make sure you have everything you need, including electronics, packed before heading to Dubai. If you travel all the way to Dubai, the last thing you want to do is discover that you can’t charge your electronic devices.
The travel adapter is necessary for this purpose. You should get one before you leave, but if you forget, you can find one in any shop in Dubai. Now that your phone or camera is completely charged, you can capture as many memories as possible during your trip.
On the other hand, if you are not just a visitor to Dubai but a permanent resident, you will likely be on the hunt for a place to call home. If that’s the case, then you should definitely read this post about becoming connected to the Dubai power grid and water system.
