Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, and it happens to be one of the world’s most popular destinations. Here, you will find plenty of cultural landmarks as well as modern architecture, with numerous places to visit and fun things to do!
Indeed, there are many “Instagrammable” attractions in Abu Dhabi — places where you are bound to take lots of memorable photos and videos. Of course, this means that you have to keep your phones and cameras fully charged. And if your gadget’s plug cannot fit into Abu Dhabi’s power sockets… then you will need a travel adapter!
What is the Electrical Outlet Power Socket in Abu Dhabi?
In Abu Dhabi — and the rest of the UAE, for that matter — the most common type of electrical plug is Type G, which features three rectangular pins, arranged in a triangular pattern. It goes with a Type G power socket, where the three pins are plugged into.
The Type G plug is sometimes referred to as the British plug or “UK plug” because it came from the United Kingdom. Here’s what a Type G plug and socket look like:
When it comes to voltage and frequency, power sockets in Abu Dhabi operate on a standard voltage of 230V, with a standard frequency of 50Hz.
What is the Plug Adapter Type in Abu Dhabi?
The standard type of power plugs and sockets in Abu Dhabi is Type G. Hence, if your mobile phone, laptop, and other devices do not have this plug type, you will need a Type G plug adapter in Abu Dhabi for charging your devices.
Here’s what a Type G plug adapter or travel adapter looks like:
Should I Bring a Travel Adapter to Abu Dhabi?
If you are coming to Abu Dhabi, but your country of origin uses a different type of electric plugs and sockets, it’s essential to bring a travel adapter. In particular, you will need a Type G travel adapter, which will allow you to plug your devices into the power sockets in Abu Dhabi.
Where Can I Buy Electrical Supplies in Abu Dhabi?
Upon arriving in Abu Dhabi, you’ll be sure to find travel adapters, extension cords, power strips, and other electrical supplies at the airport itself. However, these products tend to be more pricey than those sold in other stores.
Outside the airport, you can buy electrical supplies in most convenience stores, supermarkets, and shopping malls located across Abu Dhabi.
Should I Bring a Voltage Converter to Abu Dhabi?
Each country has its own standards when to comes to electric voltage and frequency. Most of the countries in North America and South America, for example, have a standard voltage of 100V to 120V. On the other hand, most countries in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe have a standard voltage ranging from 220V to 240V.
In Abu Dhabi, the standard voltage is 230V. If you come from a country where the voltage is the same (or between 220V to 240V), then it’s likely not necessary for you to bring a voltage converter. But if you come from a country where the voltage is different, then you could consider bringing a voltage converter to Abu Dhabi.
As for frequency, the standard frequency in Abu Dhabi is 50Hz. If the standard frequency in your country is similar, then you don’t have to bring a converter.
Travel Adapter vs. Voltage Converter
We’ve mentioned about travel adapters and voltage converters, but what exactly is the difference between them?
Basically, a travel adapter is a device that enables us to charge mobile phones, laptops, and other gadgets into power sockets that have a different plug type. A travel adapter is not capable of converting electric voltage.
Meanwhile, as the name says, a voltage converter is a device that can change or convert electricity from one level to another. For example, if you come from a country where the standard voltage is 100-120V, you may need to use a converter in Abu Dhabi, where the standard voltage is 230V.
What About Devices with Dual Voltage?
If you look closely at your mobile phone, laptop, and other gadgets, you might come across a label printed with “INPUT: 100-240V” and “50/60Hz.” These figures indicate that your gadget is dual voltage. But what exactly does this mean?
Gadgets that are “dual voltage” are those that can be plugged into power sockets of any frequency and voltage. In other words, you can charge them anywhere, without having to use a voltage converter!
Nevertheless, even if your gadgets are dual voltage, they may still have a different plug type than those in Abu Dhabi. In this case, you will still need a travel adapter, but not necessarily a voltage converter.
Video: Travel Adapters in the Middle East
To have a better idea about the travel adapters that you can use in the Middle East (including Abu Dhabi), check out this short video shared via “Bored Immigrant” YouTube channel:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions about power sockets, plugs, and travel adapters in Abu Dhabi:
1. What type of power sockets are used in Abu Dhabi?
The type of power socket and plug mainly used in Abu Dhabi is Type G, which features three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle pattern.
2. What other countries use Type G plugs?
Aside from Abu Dhabi and the United Kingdom, there are many other cities and countries where Type G plugs and sockets are used. Among these are Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Cyprus, Dubai, Ghana, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iraq, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe, and many others.
3. What type of adapter do I need?
If your gadgets do not have a Type G plug, you will need a Type G travel adapter so you can charge your gadgets in Abu Dhabi.
4. Any tips when buying a travel adapter?
What exactly are you looking for in a travel adapter? Write down the features that you need, such as fast-charging capability, multiple USB ports, and so on. Having a list can help you decide which travel adapter you should buy before going to Abu Dhabi.
5. Will I need a voltage converter?
If the standard voltage in your country is the same as in Abu Dhabi — 230V — you don’t need to bring a voltage converter. But if the standard voltage in your country is different, then you might need to bring a converter.
That being said, if your mobile phone, laptop, and other gadgets are dual voltage (100-240V), you don’t need to bring a converter because these can be plugged into outlets of any voltage or frequency.
6. Is the Abu Dhabi plug the same as in the UK?
Yes, the Abu Dhabi plug — Type G — is the same as in the UK. In fact, this type of plug is often called “UK plug” since it originated from the United Kingdom!
7. Is the Abu Dhabi plug the same as in the US?
No, the Abu Dhabi plug is not the same as in the United States. In the US, the plugs and sockets are usually Type A or Type B.
8. Where can I buy electrical supplies?
As soon as you arrive at the Abu Dhabi airport, you are likely to find shops selling travel adapters, power strips, extension cords, and other electrical supplies. Keep in mind, however, that products sold at airports are usually more expensive. Fortunately, in Abu Dhabi, you can buy electrical supplies in most convenience stores, supermarkets, and shopping malls in the city.
9. Will my hotel room have a USB socket?
Most hotels in Abu Dhabi have electrical outlets with USB sockets. However, some of the older hotels and establishments might not have them. Just to be certain, contact the hotel where you’ll be staying to inquire whether or not you need to bring a travel adapter with USB sockets, or any other electrical supplies.
10. Do I need to bring a power strip?
Bringing a power strip would be a great idea, especially if you are traveling with a large group — or checking into a hotel with your whole family, for example. With a power strip, you can charge or plug in multiple devices at the same time.
On the other hand, if you are traveling solo or just with your wife/husband, then it’s probably not necessary to bring a power strip.
Summary
Whether you are a tourist, resident, or first-time visitor in Abu Dhabi, it always helps to be prepared. Having a travel adapter can help you avoid the hassle of getting “low battery” on your devices. In particular, a Type G travel adapter will enable you to charge phones, laptops, and other gadgets with a different plug type.
Speaking of travel, are you looking for some low-cost ways to experience Abu Dhabi? Check out this list of free things to do in this city, so you can have a fantastic stay, even if you’re on a budget!