How do I use a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates power outlet

Can I use my blowdryer in The United Arab Emirates?

Check your hair dryer can handle the voltage in The United Arab Emirates:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 220 volt United Arab Emirates power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the types of wall outlet used in The United Arab Emirates, so please check that your power converter has an appropriate power adapter for The United Arab Emirates otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic hair dryer might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle the 220 volts used in The United Arab Emirates you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair dryer. Before attempting to use your hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates

Will my hair dryer work in The United Arab Emirates?

This depends on if your hair dryer is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in The United Arab Emirates. If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer can operate using 220 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use your hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2], read the guide on can you use a voltage converter with a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

How can I use my American hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates?

The instructions on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to The United Arab Emirates and provide advice on using your US hair dryer with a United Arab Emirates power outlet.

Best travel hair dryers for The United Arab Emirates

Choosing the best blow dryer for The United Arab Emirates

Multiple speed options on a travel hair dryer

Choosing the best blow dryer for The United Arab Emirates

When looking for the best hair dryer choose a sturdy but light dual-voltage dryer that operates with a 220 volt United Arab Emirates power outlet power outlet, includes a folding handle, long cord and a safety plug. When drying thick hair look for one which includes a bundled diffuser that uses a stronger 1600+ watt motor.

What to look for when buying a blow dryer?

  1. Safe travel hair dryers include 'ALCI' safety plugs which will minimise the risk of the motor overloading and starting fires; models are identified with the two 'test' and 'reset' switches found on the plug.
  2. Don't get the cheapest dryer - as well as safety concerns there is a greater risk that the dryer could break during your trip abroad due to cheaper parts.
  3. If you have thicker hair then you might need a hair dryer which has a stronger motor; a higher wattage ceramic model which includes a diffuser will dry hair much faster, thereby avoiding damage.
  4. A hair dryer needs to be dual voltage to operate in The United Arab Emirates.
  5. Hotel rooms might have a fixed mirror positioned some distance away from the nearest power outlet which could make it hard to style hair, therefore when buying a travel hair dryer look for the model with the longest power cord available or pack either a portable mirror or a power extension cable.
  6. A 'cool shot' feature can quickly cool down hair after drying to hold a style but this option is missing in more compact dryers.
  7. Rather than scouring shops to look for more expensive third party attachments which fit the unique dryer barrel size perfectly it could be cheaper buying a new hair dryer that includes a concentrator and diffuser.
  8. Try to look for lightweight travel hair dryers which are durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, dryers which have a folding handle will mean more room.
  9. The best travel hair dryers for styling will allow you to change the speed and temperature settings with low and high options - faster hotter speeds will quickly dry thicker hair whereas lower temperatures with slower speeds reduce damage to hair.
Which is the best dual voltage travel hair dryer with diffuser for The United Arab Emirates?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer

Which is the best dual voltage travel hair dryer with diffuser for The United Arab Emirates?

  • The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65 metre power cord, it is supplied with a tourmaline diffuser but lacks cool shot.
  • The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer features a generous 1.82 metre power cord for greater flexibility when styling with an ALCI power plug and removable filter to clean. It has a powerful 1875 watt motor including cool shot making it suitable for drying thicker hair.

Both ionic travel hair dryers include a diffuser and concentrator attachment with powerful enough motors to make them the most suitable travel blow dryers for thick hair. They will only require a suitable power adapter for The United Arab Emirates to work with a United Arab Emirates power outlet, each dryer is light and folds up to pack in a carry-on bag.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

Which is a good compact dual voltage travel hair dryer with cool shot?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer with bundled concentrator

Which is a good compact dual voltage travel hair dryer with cool shot?

  • Using a strong two speed 1875 watt motor and removable filter the Conair Compact Styler includes a cool shot button which can be used to rapidly cool down hair to give a longer lasting hold.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also features a cool shot button, uses a ceramic tourmaline outlet meaning faster drying, twin heat settings, a longer 1.8 metre power cord and includes a concentrator.

Both models fold, have an ALCI plug to prevent overloading and has dual voltage making them ideal for travel to The United Arab Emirates in carry on luggage if plugged into a power adapter for a United Arab Emirates power outlet.  [12] [12] [13] [AD]

Which is a good blow dryer for thick hair?

Thicker hair can take much longer to dry and will be difficult to do so without your hair turning frizzy. The best option for thicker hair will be an ionic hair dryer, if the hair is curly use a diffuser as both are suitable to dry and manage hair smoothly without frizz. Both the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic or a Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer will be suitable as they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and included diffusers - avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor that is less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair.  [10] [11] [AD]

Which is the best mini folding travel hair dryer with dual voltage?

The BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with folding handle

Which is the best mini folding travel hair dryer with dual voltage?

  • For drying fine and thin hair on the go then a ceramic 1200 watt Conair MiniPRO is the most affordable mini ionic blowdryer available on the market.
  • A BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is compact enough to transport in a handbag because of the 10.5oz body and folding handle and has options reserved for larger dryers including a tourmaline outlet which emits infrared heat to protect from heat damage during use which results in a shiny finish.

Both of these mini hair dryers support dual voltage and when used in combination with the right plug adapter for a United Arab Emirates power outlet they should work in The United Arab Emirates and fold conveniently making them small enough to be carried around all day for drying on the go. Both include a concentrator, have 1.5 metre power cords and a twin speed motor.  [14] [14] [15] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best travel hair dryer to buy for The United Arab Emirates?

Conair
MiniPRO
This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers.
BaByliss
PRO
https://www.amazon.com/BaBylissPRO-Titanium-Bambino-Compact-Dryer/dp/B0068SZ7UG?crid=2DINB36JPL4Y8&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Nano+Titanium+Travel&qid=1695049039&s=beauty&sprefix=babylisspro+nano+titanium+travel%2Cbeauty%2C159&sr=1-8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e8c6666d23ce4b94dacd3eebe6ee2e52&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HB2ZRNJ?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=0d63bbe1932e337ac284cff97127f87f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWV3K4L?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=8917b03d1d32d516d8d91e80a2c879c3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Technolgy-Convenience-Worldwide-Included/dp/B00M8BDQXW?dchild=1&keywords=X5+Superlite+1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic+Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1624444396&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=1d77c57773d2348052a5461909efc53b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506767312&sr=1-1&keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer+with+Folding+Handle+and+Dual+Votage&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e4d6cd8511a014951b16d43f9ec3a809
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in The United Arab Emirates Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Works in US Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dual voltage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watts 1200 1000 1875 1875 1600 1875
Folds Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ceramic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ionic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tourmaline Yes Yes Yes
Infrared Yes
Speed settings 2 2 2 2 2 2
Heat settings 1 1 1 2 1 1
Cool shot Yes Yes Yes
Removable filter Yes Yes
Concentrator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Diffuser Yes Yes
ALCI safety plug Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cord length 1.52m 1.52m 1.52m 1.8m 1.65m 1.82m
Color
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy

Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.

The United Arab Emirates power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in The United Arab Emirates?

The common residential voltage used in The United Arab Emirates is 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a United Arab Emirates power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current found in a United Arab Emirates power outlet is 50Hz. [16]

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates?

Type C, D and G power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates?

There are three types of power outlets used in The United Arab Emirates, types G, C and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this wall outlet by 2 holes next to each other where the two pins sit.
  • Plug Type D - The power socket, technically known as a type D power outlet, can be recognised by the three round holes forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  • Plug Type G - You can recognise the power outlet by 3 slots in a triangle configuration.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use a 220 volt hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates is a Type G power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [8] [17] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

How can you tell if your hair dryer is dual voltage?

Single voltage hair dryer

How can you tell if your hair dryer is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair dryer can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair dryer and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically, however other hair dryer models will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in The United Arab Emirates then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a United Arab Emirates power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a United Arab Emirates power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you can use it in The United Arab Emirates.
  • Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair dryer will be capable of being used in The United Arab Emirates or any other country if these numbers are shown.

How can you change the voltage on a travel hair dryer?

  1. Normal dual voltage hair dryers have either a dial or switch which changes between 2 voltages however some hair dryers can automatically detect the voltage from a United Arab Emirates power outlet.
  2. This dial or switch needs a screwdriver or coin to change the dryer to the right voltage between a 220v-240v range or a 110v-120v range.
  3. Also, it's worth making a note of the two switch positions as the painted numbers are prone to fading on certain models of travel hair dryer.

How can you use your dual voltage blow dryer in The United Arab Emirates?

  1. First check that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer or that it works with a 220 volt power outlet.
  2. If your hair dryer supports dual voltage please ensure that it is switched to work in the 220-240V range. This is normally found on the base or handle of the blow dryer and may require a screwdriver or coin to turn.
  3. Plug the dryer into the power adapter for The United Arab Emirates and also plug in the power adapter into the United Arab Emirates power outlet.
  4. It is normal for most dual voltage hair dryer models operating in the 220-240 volt range to only work safely on a low setting - but this temperature should be adequate for drying hair. We recommend checking the manufacturers guidelines to see if this is relevant for your model of dryer to avoid overheating.
  5. Your hair dryer can now be used with a United Arab Emirates power outlet.

Travelling to The United Arab Emirates with a hair dryer

Can a hair dryer go in carry on to The United Arab Emirates?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Can a hair dryer go in carry on to The United Arab Emirates?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered blow dryer in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to The United Arab Emirates will allow a blow dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible for airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around blow dryers). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [18] [19] [20] [AD]

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in The United Arab Emirates?

Hotel hair dryer

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in The United Arab Emirates?

Depending on the individual hotel or bed and breakfast and class of the accommodation a hair dryer could be available in the hotel room, either packed away in the bedroom drawer, cupboard or wardrobe, found attached to a bathroom wall unit or could potentially be a slower air hose type. When staying in budget motels, hostels and hotels a communal hair dryer might be offered at reception, however that might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt as to hotel hairdryer availability you should either telephone the hotel in The United Arab Emirates or look on the booking web site to find out what type of hairdryer is available to guests. Hair dryers in hotels are adequate but normally rudimentary models lacking a diffuser and notorious for slow air speeds and low heat. For those concerned with hygiene might want to check for any burnt hair cuticles from previous guests on a shared hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have scraped this off when cleaning the room.

For travellers who are uncertain that a suitable and hygienic hair dryer is readily available should put their mind at rest by bringing their own dual voltage travel hair dryer or call ahead to their hotel in The United Arab Emirates to check beforehand.  [2] [AD]

Is it better to bring a domestic hair dryer or a travel hair dryer to The United Arab Emirates?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer instead of packing your existing domestic hair dryer to The United Arab Emirates as it ensures that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a United Arab Emirates power outlet (as long as you use the correct power adapter for The United Arab Emirates). Travel hair dryers normally feature a collapsing handle and are lighter which will help in reducing the size and weight in luggage compared to packing a domestic blow dryer. Note that bringing an expensive domestic blow dryer could place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your suitcase by an airport baggage handler. The costs involved in replacing an expensive quality domestic hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates might outweigh the costs of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case beforehand .  [19] [AD]

Power converters for The United Arab Emirates

Can I use a hair dryer with a converter in The United Arab Emirates?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a hair dryer using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in The United Arab Emirates. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to use their own domestic hair dryer, but it can be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is significantly heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suitable when travelling. [9] [AD]

What is the difference between a power adapter and a power converter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a power converter?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet found in The United Arab Emirates, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a United Arab Emirates power outlet to work with a non-220 volt hair dryer. [9] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates using a type C power adapter

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates by using a 2 pinned Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts, please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in The United Arab Emirates. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in The United Arab Emirates by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the United Arab Emirates power outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes known as the Europlug, is recognised by the two circular adjacent holes next to each other where the twin pins slide into.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the United Arab Emirates power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the blow dryer in The United Arab Emirates. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates using a type D power adapter

How to use your hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates with a three pinned Type D travel adapter.

  1. Check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in The United Arab Emirates; refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the outlet used in The United Arab Emirates you will need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6]. The Type D plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in The United Arab Emirates simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type D plug adapter in the wall outlet. This wall supply (called a Type D power outlet [5]) looks like three circular holes forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Next plug in the hair dryer into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the United Arab Emirates power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your hair dryer for use in The United Arab Emirates. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates using a type D power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates using a type G power adapter

How to use your hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates with a Type G power charger.

  1. Make sure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel blow dryers might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the hair dryer make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [8] if the type of plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in The United Arab Emirates. This power adapter helps fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in The United Arab Emirates simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it into the United Arab Emirates power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 3 slots in a triangle configuration.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the United Arab Emirates power outlet. You can now turn on the blow dryer for use in The United Arab Emirates. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in The United Arab Emirates using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - The United Arab Emirates country Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  7. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  8. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  9. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  10. Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
  11. X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
  12. Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
  13. Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
  14. BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
  15. Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
  16. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  17. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  18. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  19. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  20. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.