Before your trip to Dubai, it’s essential to make sure everything is in order.
Think of this as the checklist you need to use before your trip, simple, practical, and written with real Kenyan travelers in mind.
Whether you’re visiting Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate, this guide will help you prepare confidently.
Essential Travel Documents
Before anything else, make sure you have:
- A valid passport – minimum 6 months validity
- A UAE visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Return flight ticket – You will not get a visa without this
If you’re unsure about visa requirements or the official documents needed, check out our complete guide on UAE travel requirements.
Get a Tourist eSIM (Before You Leave Kenya)
When you land in Dubai or any other emirate, you won’t be able to use your Safaricom or Airtel line without roaming, and roaming is extremely expensive.
Let us look at some of the best options:
- Airalo – This a popular tourist eSIM that I have personally used. Easy to install and has affordable packages. You can check them out using this link.
- Note: Sometimes tourist eSIMs fail in the UAE because the country restricts them to favor local telecom companies. So, in this case, you will have to use the du tourist eSIM package. du is one of the largest telecom providers in the UAE.
- Get more info on the du tourist eSIM package.
Install your eSIM before your flight and activate it on arrival so you can access the internet instantly. You can check out our article on some of the best eSIMs to use when traveling.
Must-Have Apps
Here are the apps you’ll rely on the most:
1. Google Maps
This will be your best friend as you will be doing a lot of walking.
You can also download offline maps for the areas you’ll be staying in or frequenting.
2. Ride-Hailing Apps
- Download Careem, which is the Uber of the UAE
- You can request cars
- Rent scooters which is super fun around areas like Dubai Marina, or the Deira Enrichment Project area
- You should also download the Uber app as it is also available and sometimes cheaper than Careem
3. NordVPN
NordVPN is an app that allows you to access some of the content and services that might not be available in the UAE, and here is why you might need it:
- Some Kenyan Netflix shows aren’t available in the UAE
- WhatsApp voice calls do not work in the UAE
Important: Using VPNs to bypass call restrictions is legally grey. A safer alternative is sending voice notes, which work perfectly.
4. Dubai Mall App
Dubai Mall is massive, and with thousands of stores, getting lost is extremely easy.
The app helps you navigate from shop to shop without stress. You will especially need it when looking for the foodcourt.
Money & Payments
Get a Multi-Currency Card
I highly recommend getting a multi currency card to help you save on expensive conersion costs.
The KCB Multi-Currency Card is one of the best options. It supports 18 currencies, including AED (Dirhams). Load it before you travel so payments become easy.
It usually takes about 3 to 4 days to get the card once you complete your application. If you’re traveling soon and don’t have time to get one:
Use Your Regular Debit/Credit Card, and while paying at the POS:
- Choose local currency (AED) – This option is usually cheaper
- Not KSH – This is because when you pay with your home currency, extra processing fees are added
Sun Protection & Clothing
Dubai is hot almost all year-round. Ensure you pack:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50 recommended)
- Comfortable shoes (You’ll walk A LOT, especially inside malls and metro stations)
- A cap and sunglasses to protect your head and eyes from the rays
Clothing
Wear whatever you’re comfortable in, whether that is shorts, tank tops, dresses, etc.
You only need to cover up when visiting:
- Mosques
- Old cultural areas
Otherwise, Dubai is very relaxed, contrary to popular belief.
Health & Medication
This is important. Do not forget to carry:
- Basic painkillers
- Laxatives
- Stomach medication
New food and different cooking oils can cause mild stomach upset, so having these on hand helps. Trust me on this one 🙂
Extra Space for Shopping
Carry an empty suitcase (I asure you that you will need it).
Dubai has:
- Affordable electronics
- Great perfumes
- Good-quality clothing
- Amazing deals at Deira and other budget-friendly shopping areas
Kenya Duty-Free Allowances
When returning home:
- Max 250ml of perfume (e.g., 3(ish) × 100ml or 5 × 50ml)
- Total goods worth $2,000 or approximately KSh 250,000
If you’re buying expensive items (e.g., electronics), keep your receipts, for two reasons. First, you might be required to show this at JKIA when getting back to Kenya, and secondly is that you might get some VAT refund. Let’s discuss this:
Claim Your VAT Refund
Using Dubai Planet Tax-Free kiosks at the airport, you can get money back on purchases made on a lot of participating stores when you present the receipts. So when buting stuff, remember to ask the store if you can claim back the VAT.
Get a Nol Card (For Metro & Buses)
Buy a Nol Card when you arrive and load it with cash.
It works for:
- Metro
- Buses
- Trams
It’s cheaper and more convenient than buying single tickets.
International Driving Permit (If You Want to Drive)
If you plan to rent a car in Dubai:
- You need an International Driving License (IDL)
- Prices start at around KSh 13,000
- Can be obtained from AA Kenya or select driving schools
- Valid in over 100 countries
Get it a few days before your trip.
Related: Can I Use my Kenyan Driving License To Drive in Dubai?
Book Popular Attractions in Advance
Some attractions sell out weeks or months early. Book ahead:
- Museum of the Future
- Desert Safari
- Sky Views Observatory
- Burj Khalifa
Conclusion
If you have any questions about traveling to the UAE or need help with your visa application, feel free to reach out to us.
We’re always happy to help Kenyan travelers make their Dubai trip as easy and stress-free as possible.
