A trip to Dubai is often a great idea before going to the desert. There are some things that you will always remember: the thrill of dune bashing, the peace of a sunset over red sand, and the beauty of a Bedouin tent. The desert, on the other hand, makes things very difficult because it is scorching there. It’s scorching during the day, but it can get surprisingly cold at night.
Want to stay safe, feel positive, and learn about the culture on a desert trip in Dubai? What Should You Wear on a Desert Safari in Dubai?
When packing for a trip to the Dubai desert, it’s more important to consider how clothes will work than how they look. The clothes you wear should protect you from the scorching sun, the fine sand, and the big drop in temperature when the sun goes down. This whole guide tells you exactly what to bring, from shoes and clothes to important things, so your trip to the desert is pleasant, easy, and picture-perfect.
What Should You Wear on a Desert Safari in Dubai?
Comfort, covering, and respect for culture are some of the building’s parts of What Should You Wear on a Desert Safari Dubai? When you’re on a hot trip, the most important thing is to remain cool while still staying safe. There are certain items that you must wear because the desert is hot and dry.
Prioritizing Fabric: The Breathable Advantage
What you wear doesn’t mean as much in the desert as what it is made of. Wearing bulky or man-made clothes will quickly make you unhappy because they keep sweat and heat in.
Pick natural fabrics that are light and airy:
- Linen: The fact that it is very light, lets a lot of air through, and dries quickly makes it very comfy.
- Cotton: A fantastic second choice is cotton. But if you sweat a lot, it might take longer to dry than linen. It’s soft, light, and simple to find.
- Rayon: As a semi-synthetic material, rayon moves easily and gives clothes a flowy, desert-chic look while keeping you cool.
Fabrics to Strictly Avoid:
- Denim: Denim shorts are too heavy, too tight, and will hold sand and heat. No matter what, don’t use them.
- Polyester/Nylon: Because polyester and nylon are man-made, they keep heat and sweat inside, which can be annoying and make you too hot.
- Tight Lycra/Spandex: Anything that is too tight will keep heat in and air from moving. In some professional situations, it might be considered less suitable.
Cultural Sensitivity: Dressing with Respect
Dubai is a pretty high-tech city, but when you go to the desert, you usually stay in traditional Bedouin homes that are ideal for families. Women can show respect for Emirati society by following the basic rules for what to wear on a desert trip.
Key Modesty Guidelines (Recommended for both men and women):
- Cover your shoulders: clothes should go over your shoulders and upper arms. Avoid dresses with straps that show or deep V-necks.
- Cover your knees: Cover them with pants, dresses that reach the knees, or skirts that reach the knees.
- Loose is Best: Loose-fitting attire is both more respectful and infinitely cooler than tight clothing.
- For Women: The most stylish and useful outfit for women is a long, flowy wrap dress with sleeves or loose linen pants and a cotton shirt top.
- For Men: Slacks or cargo pants that are simple and light are what men should wear. They should also wear a T-shirt or button-down shirt that is open.
Day vs. Night: Layering is Your Lifesaver
Learn about the weather changes before you go to the desert. This is the most important thing you can do. Since deserts don’t have a lot of air flow, the heat leaves quickly when the sun goes down, making them cool down very swiftly.
Daytime Desert Safari Attire: Battle the Sun
Avoid getting too much sun and sand when you go on a trip early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Long Sleeves and Full Pants: It might not make sense in the heat, but the best way to protect yourself is to wear long sleeves and pants that aren’t too tight.
- Light-Colored Things: Don’t use dark colors like black, dark gray, white, or blues.
- Head Protection: Cover your face and neck from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat or cap. Shades of dark color keep you cool and make you feel better.
Things You Should Bring: The Cool of the Evening
When you go outside at night or early in the morning, the temperature drops. In Dubai, this is especially true in the winter, when it can get below 15°C (59°F). It may be clear and cold at the change, even in the summer.
A light jacket or hoodie is one of the most important things to wear at night. This little thing fits in your daypack, and it’s easy to put on when the sun goes down. A sweater or scarf. The fact that this tool can do more than one thing might be the most important thing. In some cultures, you may cover your head or neck with it to stay warm. You could also use it as a blanket around the campfire.
Tip: Even if it seems warm when you leave the hotel, you should always bring an extra layer with you. You will need it right away when the events at camp and the BBQ meal start.
The most important thing you need for a desert journey is shoes. Every part of your trip will be less fun if your feet hurt. Just stay safe from hot sand, small rocks, and sharp edges. Don’t worry about what’s in style.
The Best Shoes for Dune Bashing and Sand
Strong shoes with closed toes are best for sandboarding, dune bashing, and walking on hard desert ground.
- Breathable Sneakers (Trainers): These are the very best. These shoes are safe and comfortable for your feet, and they’re easy to wear when you’re walking or playing sports.
- Lightweight Hiking Shoes: Choose mesh or cloth materials that let air flow better. If you want to walk a lot or go on an overnight trip, you should get a light hiking boot instead of a heavy leather boot. Your feet will be safer, and the sand will stay out.
- Sturdy Sandals with Straps (Camp Use Only): Some shoes, like flip-flops with open toes, might look nice, but they’re not right for the safari’s busy places. Since the ground is hot, the sand will keep coming in. They don’t protect you at all.
Footwear to Avoid:
- High Heels or Wedges: These won’t work in the soft sand and could even be dangerous.
- Brand New Shoes: You shouldn’t bring brand-new shoes on a desert trip. Put on shoes that you know will make you feel great.
- Activity-Specific Dressing: From riding horses to sliding down sand dunes, you might need to change your shoes for different activities in the Dubai desert to have the most fun and stay safe.
Active Adventures (Dune Bashing, Sandboarding, Quad Biking)
Adventures that get you moving include dune bashing, sandboarding, and quad riding. Safety and sturdiness are very important for sports where you move around a lot and fine sand goes everywhere.
- Safety: If you have long hair, tie it back somewhere safe. Strong clothes that are also open enough to let you move around easily are what you should wear.
- Protection: To keep yourself safe, you should always wear shoes with closed toes when quad riding or sandboarding.
- During Dune Bashing: Hold on tight to your hat and sunglasses when Dune Bashing speeds up, or better yet, put them in a bag that zips shut.
Relaxing at the Bedouin Camp and BBQ Dinner
At night, the most important thing is how comfortable you are. People used to eat on low tables or floor mats in the desert. They had to lie down or sit with their legs crossed a lot. The Test of Comfort: The clothes you wear should be appropriate for the “floor sitting” test. The best things to wear are long, loose pants or a dress or skirt that flows. You will feel bad for a long time if you wear short skirts or pants that are too tight.
The best time to take pictures of the sunset is now, when you can wear a boho-chic outfit with light layers and earthy colors that go with the background.
Essential Accessories for a Smooth Safari
Besides the main outfit, a few other important things may really make the experience great. These things shouldn’t leave the hotel with you:
- UV-Protected Sunglasses: The sun’s glare off the sand could be intense and hurt your eyes.
- Light Scarf or Shemagh: A thin, cotton scarf (like a traditional Arab shemagh) is highly versatile.
- High-SPF Sunscreen: Put a lot of it on any skin that can be seen, even if you are wearing clothes. Don’t forget to put it on again. There is a lot of UV light.
- Small, Hands-Free Bag: To carry your small bag, you don’t need to use your hands. A cross-body bag or a small backpack will hold your phone, camera, water, and clothes for the night.
- Camera or Phone: In the desert, the light is beautiful, especially during golden hour. Before you record the memories, make sure that all of your devices are fully charged.
A Seasonal Note: When Are You Visiting?
Different times of the year mean different clothes are best to wear in the Dubai desert. The temperature varies significantly from day to night, which is why this is important.
- The temperature can be anywhere from 38°C to 45°C or more in the summer (May to September), so you should wear extra clothes at night.
- Weather in the winter (November to March) is between 20°C and 30°C, so you should bring even more clothes.
- At night, it might get pretty cold, so you should put on a warm jacket or sweater.
- From April to October the temperature is usually 30°C to 35°C.
- Importantly, the temperature quickly changes from hot to cool in the late afternoon.
- If you are going on a trip in the winter, you might want to bring wool-blend socks and a warmer jacket.
- The most crucial elements in the middle of summer are plenty of airflow and linens.
Final Thoughts
If you want to have a wonderful trip through the desert, you should dress in three main ways: layers, airflow, and modesty.
Loose pants made of cotton or linen should be worn by both men and women. Wear a shirt or dress made of light-colored cotton or linen that is open and has long sleeves. For extra warmth, wear a light jacket, hoodie, or pashmina or scarf that you can style in different ways. Shoes: Sneakers or trainers with closed toes that are comfortable and well-worn. Add-ons: Sunscreen, a hat with a wide top, and sunglasses.
If you stick to this plan, you’ll be dressed right for every part of your trip, from the exciting dunes to the peaceful nights in and around Arabia. Have a great day at the event!
