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A good travel first aid kit does not need to be big. It needs to cover the small problems that can spoil a trip: cuts, blisters, sunburn, insect bites, a sprained ankle, an upset stomach or a mild fever. If you are putting together a first aid kit in the UAE before the summer school holidays, this guide gives you a simple packing list.
Summer is when many families fly home or head to the beach, the mountains or a city break. Heat and strong sun are part of daily life here, and they often follow you on holiday too. A small, well-packed kit means you can deal with minor problems quickly and know when something needs a doctor.
Keep the kit in your hand luggage or day bag, not buried in a suitcase. A first aid kit in the UAE heat should also stay out of hot cars, as high temperatures can damage some medicines and creams. Check expiry dates before you leave and restock anything you used last time.
Wound care: plasters and bandages
Most first aid on holiday is for small cuts, grazes and blisters. Pack a mix of plasters and bandages so you can handle different sizes of injury.
- Plasters in assorted sizes, including water-resistant ones for the pool or beach
- Blister plasters for new sandals and long sightseeing days
- Sterile gauze pads and medical tape
- An elastic crepe bandage for supporting a sprained wrist or ankle
- Antiseptic solution or wipes to clean around a wound
- Small, round-ended scissors and tweezers for splinters
To clean a small cut, rinse it with clean water, gently dry it, then cover it.
Sun, heat and after sun care
Sun protection is the most important part of any summer kit. Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, a lip balm with SPF, a hat and sunglasses. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating or towelling dry.
After sun care helps you look after skin that has had too much sun. Doctors generally advise getting out of the sun, cooling the skin with a cool shower or damp towel, and using an after sun product or an unperfumed moisturiser. Drink plenty of water. Do not pop blisters, and avoid tight clothes over burnt skin.
Heat exhaustion is common when people spend long days outdoors in hot countries. Signs include tiredness, dizziness, headache, heavy sweating, cramps and strong thirst. Move the person somewhere cool, give them water or a rehydration drink and cool their skin. They should start to feel better within about 30 minutes. Oral rehydration sachets are light to carry and useful for heat or stomach upsets.
Your travel medicine kit
A travel medicine kit holds the everyday medicines you might need when a pharmacy is not close by. Ask a BMG pharmacist which options suit your family, and always follow the label.
- A pain and fever reliever suitable for each family member, including a children's version if needed
- An antihistamine for mild allergies and itchy bites
- Something for indigestion and for diarrhoea, plus oral rehydration sachets
- A motion sickness remedy for car, boat or plane journeys
- A digital thermometer
- Insect repellent and a soothing cream for bites
Travelling with prescription medicines
If you or a family member takes regular medicine, pack enough for the whole trip plus a few extra days in case of delays. Keep it in your hand luggage in its original box with the pharmacy label.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a short list of your medicines by their generic names, along with any allergies. Brand names can differ between countries, so generic names help a doctor or pharmacist abroad.
Some medicines are controlled in the UAE and in other countries. If you are coming back to the UAE with a controlled medicine, check the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) guidance before you travel, as a prior permit may be needed. Your doctor can tell you if your medicine is controlled. Check the rules of the country you are visiting too.
Your first aid kit in the UAE: a quick checklist
| Category | What to include |
|---|---|
| Wound care | Plasters, blister plasters, gauze, tape, crepe bandage, antiseptic |
| Sun and heat | SPF 30+ sunscreen, SPF lip balm, after sun, rehydration sachets |
| Bites | Insect repellent, bite cream |
| Medicines | Pain and fever relief, antihistamine, stomach remedies, motion sickness |
| Tools | Thermometer, tweezers, small scissors, cold pack |
| Documents | Prescriptions, medicine list, allergy details, insurance details |
Products to consider at BMG Pharmacy
- Hartmann Dermaplast Water-resistant Plasters 40s: a pack of water-resistant adhesive plasters.
- Compeed Blister Mix 5s: a mixed pack of blister plasters.
- Adv Med Elastic Crepe Bandage 7.5cm x 4.5m: an elastic crepe bandage.
- Medix Gauze Swab 10cm x 10cm 100s: a box of gauze swabs.
- Betadine Antiseptic Solution 120ml: an antiseptic solution for skin.
- Uriage Bariesun After Sun Repair Balm 150ml: an after sun balm.
- Natrapel Insect Repellent Lemon Eucalyptus 100ml: an insect repellent spray.
- Spectrum Hot/Cold Pack Wrist & Ankle: a reusable hot and cold pack.
You can see more dressings, bandages and first aid essentials in our first aid range.
When to see a doctor or pharmacist
A home or travel first aid kit in the UAE is for minor problems. Get medical help if you notice any of these:
- A cut that is deep, gaping, will not stop bleeding, or was caused by a dirty or rusty object
- Signs of infection: spreading redness, swelling, warmth, pus or increasing pain
- Sunburn with blistering or swelling, or with fever, shivering, dizziness or being sick
- Heat exhaustion that does not improve within 30 minutes of cooling and fluids
- Hot, dry skin, confusion, fast breathing or fainting: this may be heatstroke and is an emergency (call 998 in the UAE or the local emergency number)
- Diarrhoea or vomiting that lasts more than a day or two, or signs of dehydration in a child or older person
- Any bite or sting followed by swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing
- Sunburn in a baby or young child
Frequently asked questions
What should be in a basic first aid kit?
A basic kit should include plasters and bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors and a thermometer. For travel, add sunscreen, after sun, insect repellent, rehydration sachets and the everyday medicines your family uses. Ask a pharmacist to help you choose suitable medicines.
Can I take a first aid kit in my hand luggage?
Most items are fine, but airport rules on liquids and sharp objects apply. Choose small scissors with round ends and travel-size liquids, and check your airline's rules. Keep regular medicines in hand luggage with their labels.
How do I treat sunburn on holiday?
Get out of the sun, cool the skin with cool water and apply an after sun product or unperfumed moisturiser. Drink plenty of water and cover the area until it heals. If the skin blisters or you feel unwell, see a doctor.
Do I need a permit to bring medicine back into the UAE?
For most everyday medicines, carrying your prescription and the original packaging is sensible. Some controlled medicines may need a MOHAP permit before you travel. Ask your doctor whether your medicine is controlled and check MOHAP's latest guidance.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to a BMG pharmacist in any branch or on WhatsApp +971 55 520 8156, or call 800 2647.
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