Table of Contents

  • Introduction: Smart Packing for Gulf Life
  • Essential Documents to Bring
  • Clothing for the Gulf Climate
  • Electronics and Appliances
  • Personal and Health Items
  • What to Buy Locally
  • Items Prohibited or Restricted
  • Country-Specific Considerations
  • Shipping vs. Bringing in Luggage
  • Conclusion: Your Packing Checklist

Introduction: Smart Packing for Gulf Life

Moving to a GCC country for work is an exciting adventure, but packing for a new life in the Gulf requires careful consideration. The region's unique climate, cultural expectations, and availability of goods mean that what you pack matters significantly. This comprehensive guide helps you decide what to bring, what to leave behind, and what to purchase upon arrival in your new Gulf home.

Whether you're heading to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, or Oman, understanding local conditions will ensure you arrive prepared and avoid unnecessary expense or inconvenience.

Essential Documents to Bring

Critical Documents (Carry in Hand Luggage)

  • Passport: With at least 6 months validity beyond entry date
  • Work visa/entry permit: Printed copies
  • Employment contract: Signed original copy
  • Educational certificates: Attested originals
  • Marriage certificate: If applicable, attested
  • Birth certificates: For children, attested
  • Medical records: Recent health reports, vaccination records
  • Police clearance certificate: From home country
  • Passport photos: Multiple copies (white background)
  • Driver's license: Home country license and international driving permit

Copies and Backups

  • Digital scans of all documents stored in cloud
  • Multiple physical copies of key documents
  • Contact information for home country embassy
  • Emergency contacts list

Clothing for the Gulf Climate

Understanding the Weather

The Gulf has two main seasons:

  • Summer (May-September): Extremely hot (40-50°C), high humidity in coastal areas
  • Winter (November-March): Pleasant (20-30°C), perfect for outdoor activities

Professional Wardrobe

For Men:

  • Lightweight suits in breathable fabrics
  • Dress shirts (cotton or moisture-wicking)
  • Conservative ties
  • Dress shoes (leather tends to crack in heat—bring quality pairs)
  • Smart casual options for less formal offices

For Women:

  • Conservative business attire (covering shoulders and knees)
  • Loose-fitting professional dresses and skirts
  • Blazers and cardigans for air-conditioned offices
  • Closed-toe professional shoes
  • Scarves (useful for covering in conservative settings)

Casual Clothing

  • Lightweight fabrics: Cotton, linen, moisture-wicking materials
  • Loose fits: Tight clothing is uncomfortable and culturally inappropriate
  • Modest styles: Avoid very short shorts, sleeveless tops in public
  • Layers: Air conditioning indoors can be cold
  • Comfortable walking shoes: Malls are huge!

Special Considerations

  • For Saudi Arabia: Women should bring or buy an abaya (no longer mandatory for expats but useful in conservative areas)
  • Swimwear: For private pools and beaches; cover up when walking to/from
  • Sunglasses: Essential, UV-protective
  • Hat or cap: For sun protection

Electronics and Appliances

What to Bring

  • Laptop and tablet: Essential for work and staying connected
  • Smartphone: Unlocked for local SIM cards
  • Power adapters: GCC uses UK-style 3-pin plugs (Type G), 220-240V
  • External hard drives: For backing up important documents
  • E-reader: Great for English-language books

What to Buy Locally

  • Major appliances: Often cheaper in GCC, plus correct voltage
  • Air conditioning units: Apartments usually come equipped
  • Televisions: Good deals available locally
  • Kitchen appliances: Widely available at Carrefour, Sharaf DG, etc.

Voltage Considerations

If coming from countries with 110-120V (USA, Canada, Japan), your electronics may not work. Check each device—most modern laptops and phone chargers are dual voltage (100-240V), but appliances with motors (hairdryers, blenders) usually are not.

Personal and Health Items

Medications

  • Prescription medications: Bring 3-month supply with prescription letter
  • Over-the-counter medicines: Common ones available locally
  • Check restrictions: Some medications (containing codeine, certain anxiety medications) are controlled or banned
  • Doctor's letter: Explaining any controlled medications

Personal Care

  • High-SPF sunscreen: Available locally but may be expensive
  • Specific brand preferences: Your favorite products may not be available
  • Contact lenses and glasses: Bring backup pairs; opticians available locally
  • Skincare for dry climate: Moisturizers essential

Health Preparation

  • Complete any recommended vaccinations
  • Dental checkup before departing
  • Eye examination if needed
  • Copy of medical records and prescriptions

What to Buy Locally

GCC countries have excellent shopping, often at competitive prices:

Furniture and Home Items

  • IKEA, Home Centre, and local stores offer good options
  • Many apartments come furnished
  • Second-hand markets (Dubizzle, Facebook Marketplace) offer deals

Groceries and Household

  • International and local supermarkets well-stocked
  • Lulu, Carrefour, Spinneys carry familiar brands
  • International foods available at premium

Electronics

  • Good prices in Dubai (Dubai Shopping Festival)
  • Latest models often available before other markets
  • Warranties valid locally

Items Prohibited or Restricted

Strictly Prohibited

  • Drugs and narcotics: Zero tolerance, severe penalties
  • Pornographic material: Including magazines, DVDs, digital content
  • Religious material for proselytizing: Especially non-Islamic
  • Items offensive to Islamic values: Be cautious
  • Weapons: Including replicas

Restricted Items

  • Alcohol: Prohibited in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait; restricted in other GCC countries
  • Pork products: Prohibited import; available in some countries at licensed stores
  • Certain medications: Check approved lists before bringing
  • Drones: Require special permits in most GCC countries
  • Satellite equipment: Restricted

Books and Media

  • Content may be inspected at customs
  • Political or religious content may be confiscated
  • Digital content generally not inspected but technically subject to laws

Country-Specific Considerations

United Arab Emirates

  • Most liberal in terms of dress and lifestyle products
  • Excellent shopping—can buy almost anything locally
  • Alcohol available at licensed stores with permit

Saudi Arabia

  • More conservative dress expectations
  • No alcohol permitted
  • Entertainment options expanding rapidly
  • Consider bringing hobby items and entertainment

Qatar

  • Good shopping options post-World Cup development
  • Modest dress expected in public
  • Alcohol available at licensed venues

Kuwait

  • No alcohol permitted
  • Conservative dress expected
  • Good shopping available

Bahrain

  • Most relaxed GCC country for lifestyle
  • Alcohol available
  • Smaller market—some specialty items may need importing

Oman

  • Modest dress expected
  • Alcohol at licensed venues
  • Outdoor activity gear useful (hiking, camping popular)

Shipping vs. Bringing in Luggage

What to Ship

  • Sentimental items you can't replace
  • Books and media (limited availability of English titles)
  • Specialty hobby equipment
  • Children's favorite toys and comfort items
  • Quality kitchen items you prefer

Shipping Considerations

  • Sea freight: 4-8 weeks, more affordable for large shipments
  • Air freight: 1-2 weeks, expensive
  • Employer coverage: Check if relocation package includes shipping
  • Customs duties: Personal effects usually duty-free with proper documentation

What to Carry in Luggage

  • Immediate essentials for first 2-4 weeks
  • Work clothes for starting job
  • Critical documents (always hand luggage)
  • Medications
  • Electronics
  • Sentimental items (jewelry, photos)

Conclusion: Your Packing Checklist

Moving to the Gulf requires thoughtful preparation, but the excellent shopping and infrastructure in GCC countries mean you don't need to bring everything. Focus on essentials, documents, and items that are difficult to find locally or have sentimental value.

Essential Packing Summary:

  • All documents properly attested and backed up
  • Climate-appropriate, culturally suitable wardrobe
  • Personal electronics with correct adapters
  • 3-month supply of prescription medications with documentation
  • Personal care favorites that may not be available
  • Nothing prohibited or restricted
  • Sentimental items in carry-on luggage

With proper planning, you'll arrive ready to start your Gulf adventure without the stress of missing essentials or the hassle of prohibited items at customs.