Middle East expats - how do you dress babies?

[NorthernLightss]

Thanks in advance for any advice.

A friend is emigrating to Abu Dhabi, where her baby will be born. I knit and sew, but am unsure which items would be useful for a baby. I expect knitted hats and cardigans will be handy when indoors with air conditioning. Are shawls handy?

Tl;Dr I'd like to make something handmade for a baby, what would be useful for a baby's first year in a hot climate?

[Whatagoodidea]

I had both my boys in UAE and had knitted cardigans/jumpers. During the 'winter' they both wore them going out in the evening from about Nov to March. Didn't use a shawl and only hat was against the sun

[happycamper11]

What time of year is dc due? Not middle easy but both mine were born and raised in Cyprus where temperatures can be similarly stifling in summer

[NorthernLightss]

Thanks - the baby is due in April

[GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER]

I went back to UAE with a 6 week old and had no. 2 there.
Dressed tiny babies in old-style cotton nighties in thin flannelette - I bought them there. Later anything cotton and cool enough. Sun hats are essential!
Winter nights could be chilly with no heating, so had nice warm all in one sleepsuits for cooler months.
April will be warming up fast, so a lot will depend on how cool they like their air con. Out of doors a baby won’t want much on, but I’d have thought a soft knitted cardigan or jumper, something easy to get on and off, would be useful when going from heat to much cooler indoors.The difference in temp can often be huge.

[NorthernLightss]

Thank you