A desert safari Dubai promises sand dunes, camel rides, thrilling dune bashing, and cultural entertainment. But one of the most common questions travelers ask is: what should I wear?
Choosing the right clothes for a desert safari isn’t just about style—it’s about comfort, safety, and respecting the local culture. This guide explains what to wear, what to avoid, and what to pack for morning, evening, and overnight safaris, based on the season and activity type.
Why Does Your Desert Safari Outfit Matter?
Dubai’s desert conditions can be extreme. In the summer, temperatures soar. In the winter, nights get cold. The sand can get into everything, and direct sun exposure lasts for hours.
Wearing the wrong outfit can lead to:
- Sunburn or heatstroke
- Sand irritation
- Cultural discomfort in public settings
- Restricted movement during activities
Dressing appropriately ensures you enjoy every moment—from dune bashing to sitting comfortably at the desert camp.
What Should Women Wear on a Desert Safari?
Women should aim for loose, breathable, and modest clothing. Lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen are ideal. Outfits should cover shoulders and knees, especially if visiting a shared desert camp where modest dress is expected.
Recommended:
- Long-sleeve loose cotton shirt or tunic
- Lightweight trousers or loose maxi skirt
- Scarf or shawl for sun protection or dust
- Comfortable sandals or closed sneakers
Avoid:
- Tight clothing or short shorts
- Strapless tops or low-cut blouses
- Flip-flops (they fill with sand and offer no protection)
In private desert safaris, dress codes are more relaxed, but the sun and sand remain harsh, so protection is still essential.
What Should Men Wear on a Desert Safari?
Men should also opt for lightweight, breathable clothing that covers skin from sun and sand. Loose shirts and long trousers protect against UV rays and allow better airflow.
Recommended:
- Cotton t-shirt or polo shirt
- Lightweight cargo pants or hiking trousers
- Hat or cap for sunshade
- Sturdy sneakers or closed sandals
Avoid:
- Jeans (too hot and heavy)
- Sleeveless shirts in shared camps
- Open-toe shoes if doing quad biking or sandboarding
Local tour operators appreciate travelers who dress with cultural awareness. Read More: Desert Safari Dubai deals
What Should Children Wear on a Safari?
Children need full sun protection and comfortable clothing that allows movement. Pack a change of clothes for younger kids in case they get wet or sandy.
Best choices for kids:
- Long-sleeve UV-protective shirts
- Cotton leggings or soft joggers
- Wide-brimmed sun hat with strap
- Closed sports shoes
Pack extras:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Sunglasses with strap
- Light jacket if you’re doing an evening or overnight tour
Footwear for Desert Safari: What Works Best?
Closed-toe shoes are best for walking on sand dunes, camel rides, and off-road activities. Sandals may seem appealing, but they can cause discomfort.
Best options:
- Sports sneakers
- Hiking sandals with straps
- Lightweight boots for quad biking
Avoid:
- Flip-flops
- High heels or leather shoes
- Loose sandals without straps
If you choose to wear open shoes at camp, consider packing a small towel or wipes to clean your feet afterward. Read More: Abu Dhabi City Tour
What to Wear for Different Types of Safaris
Morning Desert Safari
- Starts early when temperatures are cooler
- Focused on adventure activities (dune bashing, sandboarding)
- Expect sun exposure by mid-morning
Ideal clothing:
- T-shirt with long sleeves or UV rash guard
- Lightweight, sweat-wicking pants
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Closed shoes
Evening Desert Safari
- Starts mid-afternoon and ends after sunset
- Includes cultural shows, BBQ dinner, and cooler evening air
- Less intense sun but more dust in the air
Ideal clothing:
- Layers: short-sleeve shirt with a light jacket or scarf
- Breathable long pants or maxi dress
- Covered shoes or sandals
- Shawl or sweater for post-sunset chills
Overnight Desert Safari
- Includes camping, sunset and sunrise views, and night-time desert temperatures
- Mornings and evenings are cool, midday can be hot
Ideal clothing:
- Long-sleeve top, light hoodie, or fleece jacket
- Full-length pants or tracksuit bottoms
- Wool socks and sneakers
- Optional: pajamas or change of nightwear
- Blanket or scarf for sleeping comfort
What to Bring in Your Bag
Pack a small, lightweight day bag with these essentials:
- Sunglasses (polarized if possible)
- High SPF sunscreen
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Reusable water bottle
- Facial wipes or tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Compact travel towel
- Extra hair ties or bandana
- Change of clothes for kids
Avoid carrying valuables. Leave expensive jewelry, watches, and electronics at your hotel unless necessary.
Should You Dress Differently During Ramadan or Holidays?
Yes. During Ramadan, it is respectful to wear more modest clothing, especially in public or shared settings. Women should avoid sleeveless tops, and men should not wear shorts above the knee.
Tour operators at Dubai desert safari will also limit music, shows, and open food consumption before sunset during this period.
Seasonal Outfit Tips
Winter (Nov–Feb)
- Bring a jacket for cool evenings
- Layer breathable clothes during the day
- Warm socks for overnight safaris
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Wear moisture-wicking fabrics
- Light colors to reflect sun
- Bring a change of shirt if you sweat easily
Shoulder Months (Apr–May, Sep–Oct)
- Layer smartly to adjust to temperature shifts
- Keep a scarf to protect from sand gusts
- Early morning or late evening outfits should include a jacket
Cultural Dress Options (Optional)
Some desert safari operators offer guests a chance to wear traditional Emirati clothing for photos.
- For men: Kandura (long white robe) and Ghutra (headscarf)
- For women: Abaya (long black robe) and Shayla (head covering)
These are usually optional and provided at the desert camp for free or a small fee. They’re perfect for capturing cultural memories.
What Should You Avoid Wearing?
Skip anything that restricts movement or attracts too much heat or sand.
- No tight jeans
- No dark synthetic fabrics (they trap heat)
- No dangling accessories
- No perfume or scented lotions (attracts insects)
- No shorts or sleeveless tops in shared cultural settings
Comfort, function, and respect are your goals when dressing for the desert.
Final Packing List Summary
Wear:
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Lightweight trousers
- Covered shoes
- Hat and sunglasses
Pack:
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Scarf or shawl
- Light jacket
- Wet wipes and sanitizer
Avoid:
- Revealing or tight clothes
- Flip-flops
- Heavy jeans
- Excessive accessories
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to wear on a desert safari in Dubai ensures your comfort, safety, and cultural appropriateness. The right outfit lets you fully enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, dune bashing, and evening shows without discomfort or worry.
Dress in layers, protect your skin, and focus on light, breathable fabrics. Whether it’s a morning thrill ride or an overnight desert camp under the stars, the right attire makes every moment in the desert more enjoyable.