Dubai Plug Type: Power Outlet Adapter

Can you imagine going on a trip to Dubai without your mobile phone, or a digital camera? It would be impossible, right? With so many amazing places to visit in this city, it would be such a shame if you’re not able to take any photos or videos!

Indeed, traveling without our mobile phone or tablet seems impossible, especially since we have become so “attached” to our gadgets. However, if the plugs in our devices are not compatible with the electric sockets in our destination, then we might not be able to charge or use them! So for this article, we will discuss the plug type in Dubai, along with the travel adapters and converters that you may need to bring!

What is the Electrical Outlet Power Socket in Dubai

Upon checking into a hotel in another country, one of the very first things we look for is the electrical outlet, so we can charge our mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and other gadgets. Obviously, you’re going to notice the type of plugs and sockets available, especially if these are not compatible with those in your home country!

Here in Dubai — and in the entire United Arab Emirates, for that matter — the power plug that is commonly used is Type G, a three-pronged plug that goes into a three-pin socket, arranged in a triangle pattern. This type of plug is sometimes called the “UK plug” because it originated from the United Kingdom.

Here’s what a Type G plug and socket look like:

Aside from Type G plugs and sockets, you might see other types in some of the “older hotels” in Dubai. These include Type C sockets, which are typically used in some European and Asian countries, and Type D sockets, which are often used in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and some countries in Africa. Nowadays, however, the most most common type of plug and socket that you will see in the UAE is Type G.

Meanwhile, with regard to voltage, power sockets in Dubai and the rest of the UAE typically operate on a standard voltage of 220V to 240V, with a standard frequency of 50Hz.

What is the Plug Adapter Type in Dubai?

If you are planning to come to Dubai, but your mobile phones and gadgets do not have a Type G plug — then you are going to need a Type G plug adapter. This will enable you to plug your devices into Type G electric sockets.

Here’s what a Type G plug adapter looks like:

Should I Bring a Travel Adapter to Dubai?

If you come from a place where Type G plugs and sockets are commonly used, then no, you don’t have to bring a travel adapter to Dubai. On the other hand, if you use a different type of plug in your country, then you may need to bring a travel adapter. Otherwise, you might not be able to charge or use your gadgets!

Should I Bring a Voltage Converter to Dubai?

“Standard” voltages are different for every country. For instance, most countries in North and South America have a standard voltage of 100V to 120V. In contrast, most of the countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia have a standard voltage of 220V to 240V.

As cited earlier, the standard voltage in Dubai is 220V to 240V. If the voltage in your home country is similar, then there’s no need for you to bring a voltage converter to Dubai. However, if the voltage is different in your country, then you’ll have to bring a voltage converter to the UAE.

In addition, you have to consider the standard frequency as well. The standard frequency in Dubai is 50Hz. If the frequency in your home country is not the same, then again, you may need to bring a voltage converter to the emirate.

Travel Adapter vs. Voltage Converter

So far, we’ve talked about travel adapters and voltage converters, but what exactly is the difference between them? A travel adapter is a gadget that allows you to plug your mobile phones and other devices into a power outlet with a different plug type. Keep in mind, however, that the travel adapter does not convert electric voltage.

A voltage converter, on the other hand, is exactly that: a device that can change or convert electricity from one level to another. For instance, if you come from a place where the standard voltage is 110V to 120, you may have to use a converter upon arriving in the UAE, where the standard voltage is 220V to 240V.

What About Devices with Dual Voltage?

You may have heard of gadgets that are “dual voltage.” If your devices are dual voltage, you don’t have to bring a voltage converter to Dubai, since such devices may be plugged into sockets of any frequency and voltage.

How can you check if your device is dual voltage? Simply look at the fine print on your gadget. If you see the words “INPUT: 100-240V” and “50/60Hz,” this means that it is, indeed, dual voltage, and you can plug it into power sockets anywhere.

Of course, in some cases, you may not need a voltage converter, but you will still need a travel adapter, especially if the plug on your device doesn’t fit into a socket.

Where Can I Buy Electrical Supplies in Dubai?

If, for some reason, you forgot to bring a travel adapter or voltage converter, don’t worry because you can easily buy these and other electrical supplies in Dubai. When you arrive at the airport, you are likely to see stores selling adapters, although these may be more expensive than in other stores outside.

Outside the airport, you will surely find travel adapters and other supplies in most shopping malls, supermarkets, convenience stores, and even in some pharmacies. These are located all over Dubai, so you don’t have to worry about finding one!

Video: Plug Socket Type in Dubai

To have a better idea about the type of plug and socket used in Dubai, check out this video shared by “Curious Pavel” on YouTube. In this video, the vlogger talks about his experience using plugs and sockets while traveling in Dubai:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Meanwhile, here are some commonly asked questions about power sockets, plugs, and adapters in Dubai:

1. What type of power sockets are used in Dubai?

In Dubai, the power socket and plug that is mainly used is Type G. This type of plug originates from the United Kingdom, so it is sometimes called the “UK plug.”

2. What type of adapter do I need?

In the event that your gadget is not compatible with a Type G socket, you need to have a Type G travel adapter in Dubai.

3. Will I need a voltage converter?

If the standard voltage in your home country is not the same as in Dubai (220V to 240V), then yes, you will need a voltage converter. However, if the voltage is the same, or if your device is dual voltage (100-240V), then you don’t need to bring a voltage converter.

4. Is the Dubai plug the same as in the UK?

Yes, the Dubai plug is the same as in the UK, which is Type G. You don’t need to bring a converter if you use this type of plug.

5. Is the Dubai plug the same as in the USA?

No, the Dubai plug is not the same as in the United States. In the US, the plugs and sockets are usually Type A or Type B.

6. Where can I buy electrical supplies?

In Dubai, you can purchase travel adapters, converters, and other electrical supplies in most shopping malls, convenience stores, and supermarkets. You are likely to find them in the airport as well.

7. Will my hotel room have a USB socket?

Some hotels in Dubai may have USB sockets, although there hotels that may not have them. If your device uses a USB plug, then you may need to bring a Type G travel adapter with USB sockets. In any case, be sure to ask the hotel where you’ll be staying at, so that you can be prepared with your gadgets and supplies.

8. Do I need to bring a power strip?

If you are traveling alone or as a couple, it might not be necessary to bring a power strip. However, if you are traveling with your family — or with a large group — then it would certainly be a good idea to bring a Type G power strip. This way, you can charge or plug in several gadgets simultaneously.

9. What other countries use Type G plugs?

Other than the UAE and the United Kingdom, there are many other countries where Type G plugs and sockets are used. These incluce Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Cyprus, Ghana, Guatemala, Iraq, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe, and many more.

Summary

Before going to Dubai, make sure that you are prepared, especially when it comes to your gadgets or electric devices. The last thing you want to happen is to come all the way to Dubai, only to find that you can’t charge your mobile phone or laptop!

This is where the travel adapter comes in. It would be best to buy one before your trip; otherwise, don’t worry because you can buy an adapter from most stores in Dubai. With your fully charged mobile phone or camera in hand, you are now ready to take as many pictures and videos to document your trip!

Meanwhile, if you are not just a tourist, but a newly-arrived expat in Dubai, then you are probably looking for an apartment to rent. In this case, be sure to read this article about how to apply for electricity and water services in Dubai.