Irish hotelier Suzanne Mullen, who lived in Abu Dhabi, shares her top packing tips in case you are planning a trip away for some winter sun …
My main packing advice when visiting Abu Dhabi (where it gets very hot) would be about fabric types; it’s best to opt for pieces in cotton, linen or silk and to veer away from manmade fabrics unless they’re loose – particularly for any outdoor excursions.
I love to wear comfortable kaftans and now have quite a collection. Pucci is my all-time favourite; I’ve been a devoted fan for almost 20 years and the brand’s latest designer – Camille Miceli – is my favourite designer they’ve had during this time. The silk kaftan I’m wearing in the picture below can be worn day or night and is an investment piece which will never date. I am currently lusting over the new Goccia print crepe de chine kaftan – another investment piece to put on the wish list!
Pippa Holt’s colourful hand-crafted kaftans are very versatile, while they feel heavy before you put them on, you don’t overheat in them as they are so loose and airy. Yes, they’re expensive but they are a sound investment for holiday wardrobes, and often pop up on Vestiaire Collective. I got a beautiful blue silk kaftan on a Greek island a few years ago. Try Lebanese designer www.orient499.com for similar floaty jewel-coloured silk dresses and kaftans. Staying with Irish designers, Rae Feather’s collection of pretty cotton dresses, relaxed jumpsuits, Tulum belts, and personalised totes always garner compliments. If you are lucky to have a good tailor or seamstress in your Little Black Book, then making your own kaftans can be as easy as finding some lovely fabric – from ikats to silks – (try Texture by Ann Flavin, Monsktown) and creating your own gown, accessorising with on trend cuffs or some statement jewellery.
Having just discovered The Linen Shirt Company in Curated-by at Kildare Village, I always stock up on their fabulous linen blouses, made in Ireland. I have just invested in two of their fabulous pussy bow blouses! I also stock up at Ribbon Rouge boutiques (in Navan and Merrion Town Centre, Dublin). The edit of clothes is all very affordable and I particularly recommend their Bariloche kimonos, Molly Bracken high-waisted shorts and Kameya cape dresses. I have also picked up great linen-mix shorts and baggy shirts for casual daywear in Massimo Dutti, Dunnes Stores and H&M over the years. For night-time glam, as well as Pucci, I love dresses from Taller Marmo, Zimmerman, and For Restless Sleepers trouser combos (the latter available in Emporium Kalu, Naas). When going out at night, a rule of thumb is the more glam the better.
That said, in general, Abu Dhabi tends to be more conservative than Dubai when it comes to dress codes and any visitor should be respectful of local customs. That means it’s best to cover shoulders and knees and avoid anything too clingy or transparent in public places, especially the presidential palace of Qasr Al Watan. If you are visiting the Grand Mosque, women should wear a long-sleeved abaya and cover their hair, while men should cover legs, arms and shoulders. You can rent an abaya (it is not expensive) or if you want to buy your own, there are lots of local abaya shops. Obviously while at the beach, these rules do not apply – just don’t go to a shopping mall in flip-flops and a sarong.
Also, worth noting, the air conditioning in hotels, restaurants and malls is ferocious, so if you are going out for dinner, I always advise bringing an extra layer or pretty wrap. For trips to the desert, anything goes just be mindful of the heat, and make sure to bring a hat/scarf, water and sunscreen! The theme and water parks have lots of sheltered areas, so there’s no need to worry about the taking kids to these – just make sure they wear a rash vest. Ultimately, the most important accessories to pack on any trip to Abu Dhabi are sunglasses, sun block and an open mind.
Main featured image via Johanna Ortiz.
