A desert safari in Dubai is a bucket-list adventure—but before the camels, dunes, and magical sunset dinners, one question looms: what to wear in a desert safari?
Choosing the right desert safari outfit can drastically improve your comfort, safety, and even the quality of your photos. In this blog, you’ll discover what to wear, what to avoid, the unspoken desert safari dress code, and how to combine comfort with cultural respect in the most stylish way possible.
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening safari, a sunrise photography tour, or a thrill-packed quad biking session, here’s your complete guide to desert safari clothes.
Understanding the Dubai Desert Climate
Before we get into what to wear at the desert safari, you need to understand what you’re dressing for.
Desert Weather Breakdown:
- Daytime: Can exceed 40°C (104°F), especially in summer
- Evenings: Drop to 15–20°C (59–68°F), especially in winter
- Humidity: Low, but the sun is intense
- Wind & Sand: Common, especially in open 4x4s and dunes
Because of this fluctuation, your Dubai desert safari attire needs to be:
- Light and breathable during the day
- Modestly layered for the evenings
- Protective from sun and sand
- Easy to move in for active adventures
What to Wear in Desert Safari: Clothing Tips for Men
When selecting clothes for your Dubai desert safari as a man, think beyond just staying cool. Your clothing should provide sun protection, withstand dusty winds, and remain comfortable during long hours of activity.
Tops for Men:
Choose long-sleeved shirts made of light cotton or linen. They protect you from UV rays and help regulate your body temperature by allowing airflow. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, they don’t breathe and will trap heat.
Example: A light beige linen shirt with rollable sleeves is perfect—it’s breathable, stylish, and functional for both daytime heat and evening coolness.
Bottoms for Men:
Stick to chinos, cotton trousers, or loose joggers. These are comfortable and provide enough protection if you plan to ride camels, climb dunes, or sit on the ground during dinner.
Avoid jeans, they’re heavy, get stiff when dusty, and won’t be comfortable in hot weather.
Footwear:
Closed-toe shoes are a must, especially when engaging in activities like sandboarding or quad-biking. Lightweight sneakers, trainers, or desert boots are ideal. They protect your feet from hot sand and debris.
Avoid flip-flops or formal shoes, they’re not suited for desert terrain and could make walking in sand difficult.
Accessories for Men:
Bring a light scarf, such as a shemagh or keffiyeh, to wrap around your neck or head during dune bashing. Add a hat or cap and UV-blocking sunglasses for all-day sun protection.
What to Wear in Dubai Desert Safari: Outfit Tips for Women
Desert safaris in Dubai are fun, scenic, and highly Instagrammable—but as a woman, you’ll want an outfit that combines comfort, modesty, and style. The desert isn’t the place for tight jeans or flowing chiffon—it’s hot, windy, and full of sand.
Tops for Women:
Wear long-sleeved tunics, cotton blouses, or loose-fit shirts in breathable fabrics. These keep you cool and protect your skin from the sun while also meeting the region’s modesty standards. Avoid spaghetti straps, low-cut tops, or anything sheer, especially if your safari includes cultural experiences like a Bedouin camp.
Bottoms for Women:
Wide-leg pants, cotton leggings, or flowy harem pants are ideal. They’re breathable, modest, and flexible enough for activities like camel rides or dune walks.
Pro tip: Pair leggings with a long tunic for a flattering and functional look.
Dresses:
A flowy maxi dress is a great choice if you don’t plan to be too active. Choose a breathable material like rayon or cotton, and go for ankle-length to avoid sand exposure. Look for boho or tribal prints for that perfect desert photo aesthetic.
Footwear:
Go for sturdy sandals with straps, trainers, or even lightweight hiking shoes if your safari includes trekking. Make sure your shoes are secure—you don’t want to lose a sandal in the sand!
Accessories for Women:
A wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and a scarf or shawl complete the look. The scarf is handy for shielding your face during desert winds or covering up when entering cultural spaces.
Seasonal Guide: What to Wear in Desert Safari by Season
The desert is unpredictable. Here’s how to adjust your desert safari attire based on the season to stay comfortable and weather-ready.
Summer (May – September):
Dubai summers are scorching. Your primary goal should be sun protection and maximum ventilation.
- Fabrics: Go for light, moisture-wicking cotton or linen.
- Colors: Stick to white, beige, and pastels—these reflect sunlight.
- Extras: Bring sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and a refillable water bottle.
Shorts may seem tempting, but long, loose pants offer better sun and sand protection while keeping you cooler.
Winter (November – February):
Don’t be fooled by the daytime warmth—nights in the desert get cold. You’ll need layers.
- Outfit Tip: Layer a long-sleeve shirt with a zip-up hoodie or light jacket.
- Footwear: Closed shoes keep your feet warm and safe from cold sand.
- For women: A long cardigan over a maxi dress is a stylish and practical combo.
Temperatures can drop as low as 15°C at night—don’t skip that outer layer!
Spring & Autumn (March – April / October):
These are the most comfortable months for a safari.
- Outfit Tip: Bring a scarf or kimono-style wrap for wind protection.
- Style Opportunity: Earth tones and light layering pieces photograph well and are climate-appropriate.
Extended Packing Guide: Everything You Should Bring
Let’s take your desert safari packing list up a notch.
Clothing:
- 1–2 long-sleeved breathable tops
- 1 pair of flowy pants or joggers
- 1 maxi dress (optional)
- 1 lightweight jacket or hoodie
- 1 pair of supportive sneakers or desert boots
- 1 pair of sandals with straps (for the camp/dinner)
Accessories:
- 1 wide-brimmed hat or cap
- 1 UV-protective scarf or keffiyeh
- 1 pair of polarized sunglasses
- 1 small backpack or crossbody bag (to carry essentials)
Extras:
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Deodorant wipes or cooling mist spray
- Hand sanitizer and tissues (often missing at remote camps)
If your safari includes an overnight stay, don’t forget a light sleeping garment and basic toiletries.
What Not to Wear to Desert Safari
To avoid discomfort or cultural faux pas, steer clear of the following:
- Tight-fitting or revealing clothes – Not suitable for public spaces in the UAE
- High heels or wedges – Impractical in sand
- Dark colors – Make you overheat
- Jeans – Restrictive and hard to move in
- Expensive items – Sand can be damaging
FAQs – Dubai Desert Safari: What to Wear
Q1: Is there a strict dress code for the desert safari?
There is no formal dress code for the desert safari, but modest and respectful attire is expected, especially on mixed-gender tours or when visiting cultural areas, such as Bedouin camps.
Q2: Can I wear shorts?
Yes, but long pants are often better to protect against sun and sand irritation.
Q3: Do I need to cover my head?
It’s not mandatory, but wearing a scarf or shawl helps with sun and sand protection.
Q4: What should kids wear?
The same principles apply—light layers, sun-safe clothing, and comfortable shoes.
Final Thoughts: Dress Smart, Travel Better
Choosing the right outfit for your desert safari in Dubai isn’t just about style—it’s about comfort, protection, and making the most of an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re heading out for adrenaline-filled dune bashing, a cultural Bedouin camp visit, or a relaxing sunset dinner in the sands, your desert safari outfit should serve both function and fashion.
To fully enjoy the day, choose the best clothes for the desert safari—breathable, sun-protective layers paired with practical accessories. Your outfit doesn’t have to be plain; you can still show personality with a stylish desert safari costume or vibrant scarf. For many travelers, blending local inspiration with modern practicality creates the perfect balance of comfort and flair.
