A Dubai plug adapter is unnecessary for UK travellers — and that is one of the pleasant surprises about visiting the city. Dubai uses the same three-pin rectangular plugs as Britain, a legacy of historical ties with the UK. I arrived at my hotel, plugged in my phone charger, and it worked exactly as it would at home. If you are coming from the US or continental Europe, you will need a Dubai plug adapter, but the good news is that the voltage matches UK standards too, so no converters are necessary for dual-voltage devices.
Dubai uses Type G plugs — the same three-rectangular-pin standard as the UK. Voltage is 230V at 50Hz. The IEC World Plugs reference confirms the UAE uses Type G exclusively.
Quick Answer
- Plug Type: Type G (same as UK)
- Voltage: 230V
- Frequency: 50Hz
- UK travellers: No Dubai plug adapter needed
- US/European travellers: Need a Dubai plug adapter
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What Dubai Plug Adapter Type Do You Need?
Dubai uses Type G plugs exclusively:
Type G (British Standard):
- Three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern
- Grounded with built-in fuse
- Rated up to 13A
- Identical to UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, and several former British territories
This is the same plug you use at home in the UK. Your devices will work without any Dubai plug adapter.
Who Needs a Dubai Plug Adapter?
| From | Adapter Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK | No | Same plug and voltage |
| Ireland | No | Same plug type |
| Oman | No | Same plug type |
| Saudi Arabia | No | Same plug type (mostly) |
| India | Yes | Uses Type C, D, M |
| USA/Canada | Yes | Uses Type A, B |
| Germany/France | Yes | Uses Type C, E, F |
| Australia | Yes | Uses Type I |
If you are travelling from the UK, Ireland, or other countries that use Type G plugs, you do not need any Dubai plug adapter.
Do I Need a Voltage Converter?
Almost certainly not. Dubai uses 230V at 50Hz, identical to the UK. Your UK devices will work without any voltage conversion.
Check your device labels anyway. Modern electronics (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras) are typically rated 100-240V and work worldwide. US travellers (110-120V) should check their devices:
- 100-240V on the label: Only need a plug adapter
- 110V/120V only: Need a voltage converter (rare for modern devices)
Most modern electronics are dual-voltage. Hair dryers and curling irons are the most common single-voltage devices — check before packing.
Choosing a Dubai Plug Adapter (For Non-UK Travellers)
If you are visiting Dubai from the US, Europe, or Australia, you need an adapter that converts your plug to Type G.
| Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Type G adapter | £3-5 | Single device, short trips |
| With USB-A/USB-C ports | £10-15 | Charging phones directly |
| Universal adapter | £15-25 | Multiple countries |
What to Look For
- Type G output: Must fit UAE/UK sockets
- USB-C port: Faster phone charging
- Multiple outlets: Charge several devices at once
- Compact design: Easier to pack
Amazon has a range of Type G adapters for visitors from other countries.
Practical Tips
UK travellers: You do not need to pack anything extra. Your devices work exactly as they do at home.
Hotels often help: Most Dubai hotels have universal outlets or can provide adapters at reception. Do not rely on this — bring your own if you need one.
Buy adapters locally: If you forgot yours, Dubai Mall, airport shops, and electronics stores like Sharaf DG sell adapters. Prices are reasonable.
Power strips work: If you are from the UK and travelling with family, bring a UK power strip. Plug it into the Dubai socket and charge multiple devices.
Dubai Voltage and Frequency
| Specification | Dubai | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 230V | 230V |
| Frequency | 50Hz | 50Hz |
| Plug types | G | G |
The voltage, frequency, and plug type are all identical. UK travellers have nothing to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK plugs work in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai uses the same Type G plugs as the UK. No adapter needed.
What plug adapter do I need for Dubai from the US?
You need a Type A/B to Type G adapter. US plugs have two flat pins; Dubai sockets have three rectangular holes.
Do I need an adapter for Dubai from Europe?
Yes. European Type C and F plugs do not fit Dubai’s Type G sockets. You need an EU-to-UK style adapter.
Is Dubai voltage the same as the UK?
Yes. Both use 230V at 50Hz. No voltage converter needed.
Do Dubai hotels have adapters?
Many do, but availability varies. Bring your own to be safe.
What about Abu Dhabi and other UAE cities?
All UAE cities use the same Type G plugs as Dubai. Your adapter (or lack of one, for UK travellers) works throughout the country.
