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United Arab Emirates Plugs, outlets & travel adapters
The United Arab Emirates uses Type G sockets. The mains supply is 230 V at 50 Hz.
Plugbert's take Type G only. Sturdy, fused, and absolutely lethal to bare feet at 3 a.m.
Do you need a travel adapter for the United Arab Emirates?
It depends on where your plugs come from.
🇺🇸 From the United States
You need a plug adapter. Plugs from the United States (Type A and B) don't fit the Type G sockets in the United Arab Emirates. A Type G (UK 3-pin) adapter fits the listed socket families there. Socket variants can differ; check the actual outlet and adapter rating.
The United Arab Emirates uses 230 V, much higher than the 120 V in the United States. An input rating of "100–240V" covers the listed supply voltage; you still need a suitable plug or adapter. For single-voltage devices, follow the manufacturer's guidance on conversion; using a suitable local device may be simpler.
United States to United Arab Emirates in full🇬🇧 From the United Kingdom
No plug adapter needed. Plugs from the United Kingdom (Type G) fit the Type G sockets in the United Arab Emirates.
No voltage converter needed. Both countries use 230 V.
United Kingdom to United Arab Emirates in fullFrom other countries
Somewhere else?
Sockets you'll find in the United Arab Emirates
What to expect in the United Arab Emirates
Dubai and UAE travel adapters: plan around Type G
Electrical Safety First lists Type G, 230 V and 50 Hz for the UAE. This is the fused, three-rectangular-pin design used in the UK. Our ordinary travel recommendations use G rather than promising that continental two-pin or Indian round-pin plugs fit directly.
A suitable UK Type G plug fits the corresponding outlet. Travelers with US, Australian, Indian or continental European plugs need an adapter accepting their own plug and providing the correct UAE wall-side connection. Equipment requiring earth needs a supported grounding path.
Why older Dubai information says 220 V
ITU's practical information for its 2018 Dubai conference describes British-style three-pin outlets and uses 220 V wording. We use Electrical Safety First's 230 V nominal figure. The older description does not establish a regional voltage split.
An input rating of 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz includes both published figures. A US appliance marked only 120 V cannot use the higher supply directly through a travel adapter. Check the input label before packing it.
Universal does not mean voltage conversion
Look for an included Type G output, supported home plugs, appropriate fuse and grounding arrangements, and a documented load limit. A multi-hole socket or a universal adapter is not a transformer. For a stopover followed by India, check the separate Type D and M requirements before choosing one product for the whole journey.
Will your devices work in the United Arab Emirates?
Sockets in the United Arab Emirates supply 230 V. Find the "input" line on each device or its charger. An input rating of "100–240V" covers the listed supply voltage; you still need a suitable plug or adapter. Check that the input frequency also covers 50 Hz. An adapter changes the plug shape, not the voltage or frequency. For switchable devices, follow the manufacturer's instructions before plugging in.
Often rated 100–240 V; confirm on the charger: phone charger, laptop charger, camera battery charger.
Check the label first: electric toothbrush, electric shaver, CPAP machine, hair straightener / curler.
Usually single voltage: hair dryer, kettle / coffee maker, anything with a heating element.
Plug twins
These countries list the same plug types and a similar voltage range. Check each guide for socket variants and local exceptions.