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🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (Dubai): plugs, time difference, currency & tipping

The practical stuff UK travellers need to know before going to the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), including Dubai, Abu Dhabi.

Plug adapter from the UK?ProbablyType C, D, G
Voltage230VSame as UK (230V)
Local time now–+4h / +3h vs UK
CurrencyAEDUAE dirham
Drive on theRightOpposite to UK
Tipping10–15%Restaurants

🔌 Plugs & adapters

Possibly. UK-style type G sockets are common, but you'll also find other types, so pack a universal travel adapter to be safe.

The voltage (230V) is close to the UK's 230V, so UK appliances work with just a plug adapter.

  • Type C: Two round pins (the "Europlug")
  • Type D: Three large round pins in a triangle
  • Type G: Three rectangular pins (the UK plug)

Check another destination →

🕒 Time difference

The United Arab Emirates (Dubai) is 4 hours ahead of the UK in the UK winter and 3 hours ahead of the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).

Convert a time to the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) →

💶 Money & tipping

The United Arab Emirates (Dubai) uses the UAE dirham (AED).

10–15% in restaurants if no service charge is added.

Work out a tip →

🚗 Driving

Traffic drives on the right. Take extra care pulling out and at roundabouts, which go anticlockwise. Speed limits are signed in km/h. Convert km/h to mph →

🗣️ Language & phone

Main language: Arabic (English widely spoken). Dialling code: +971.

Quick answers for the United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

Plug adapterTime differenceTippingCurrencyDriving sideCan I use my hair straighteners?Can I use my hairdryer?Can I use my phone charger?Can I use my laptop charger?Can I use my electric toothbrush?Can I use my electric shaver?

Places in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

DubaiAbu Dhabi

Common questions

Do I need a plug adapter for the United Arab Emirates (Dubai)?

Possibly. UK-style type G sockets are common, but you'll also find other types, so pack a universal travel adapter to be safe. The voltage (230V) is close to the UK's 230V, so UK appliances work with just a plug adapter.

What plug type does the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) use?

The United Arab Emirates (Dubai) uses type C, D, G: type C – Two round pins (the "Europlug"); type D – Three large round pins in a triangle; type G – Three rectangular pins (the UK plug). The voltage is 230V at 50Hz.

What is the time difference between the UK and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai)?

The United Arab Emirates (Dubai) is 4 hours ahead of the UK in the UK winter and 3 hours ahead of the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).

Which side of the road do they drive on in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai)?

On the right, unlike the UK. Take extra care at junctions and roundabouts, which go anticlockwise.

What currency is used in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai)?

The UAE dirham (AED).

Do you tip in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai)?

10–15% in restaurants if no service charge is added.

What is the dialling code for the United Arab Emirates (Dubai)?

+971. From a UK phone, dial +971 and drop the first 0 of the local number.

For passports, visas, entry requirements, health and safety advice, always check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you travel.