Dubai is home to some of the most spectacular golden sand dunes in the world, and going on a safari here is a real opportunity to see sand dunes that rise hundreds of feet tall along with exotic wildlife. From my experience, a desert safari in Dubai feels like a true blue adventure, but only when you’re wearing the right clothes, it honestly makes a world of difference.
So here’s the tea on what to wear for a desert safari in Dubai, along with what to avoid wearing and a few quick hacks and tips that always come in handy when you’re planning your perfect adventure.
Why Choosing the Right Outfit Matters
- Dubai desert environment is extreme hot sun, dry air and open landscapes mean your outfit directly affects your experience.
- Fine sand gets everywhere (clothes, shoes, skin) so wearing the wrong fabric can cause discomfort, itching and irritation.
- The heat can be strong during the day, but it cools down quickly after sunset, so it’s important to choose outfits that are breathable and easy to layer.
- Activities like dune bashing and camel riding need practical clothing that allows movement and avoids wardrobe issues.
- Loose, breathable outfits improve comfort, especially during long safari hours and travel time.
- Proper clothing adds protection from sunburn, sand friction and minor injuries during activities.
- The right outfit helps you enjoy the safari fully without constantly adjusting clothes or feeling uneasy.
- Smart dressing means you get better photos, move around easily, and enjoy a much smoother desert safari experience.
What to wear at desert safari?
Comfortable & Breathable Clothing
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Lightweight fabrics (cotton, linen)
When you’re packing your luggage, focus on lightweight fabrics because the temperature in Dubai can swing from 14°C to 44°C depending on the month you visit. You should always expect the sun most of the time, even during winter months like November to April, when it can still hit 30°C. From my experience, if you choose cotton or linen clothing, it becomes much easier to wear outfits that feel right in Dubai without overheating.
Best Outfit Options
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Maxi dress, long skirt
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Jumpsuits
Nope, skip the playsuit (the shorter version) and go for a jumpsuit, especially a simple jumpsuit that you can easily choose to wear in the desert. From my experience, it’s one of the most comfortable options, even during dune bashing, because it helps you avoid those awkward panty flashes when the car jumps over crazy sand dunes. It just feels super comfortable overall, as long as you pick the right fabric, make sure it’s not clingy and not see through.
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Culottes & Palazzos
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Long-sleeved tops
Start by thinking about the weather, you’ll be under the sun most of the time, so how you dress really matters. A long-sleeved shirt can be a real savior when it comes to sun protection, especially if you pick something lightweight so you don’t end up in sweat during hot afternoons. From what I’ve seen, long-sleeved tops are the best option to wear in Dubai, particularly for a woman, as they also align with the general dress code in the UAE.
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Trousers (better than shorts)
Starting with trousers, they are easily the best clothing choice for a desert safari, even though wearing shorts may seem like a good idea at first. I always stress this because during Dubai desert tours, you’ll be doing sand activities like sandboarding and dune bashing, where sand gets all over your body. In my experience, trousers feel far more convenient, especially if you’re planning to ride a camel.
Best Footwear for Desert Safari
Recommended Shoes
An obvious choice that’s always worth mentioning is a good pair of comfortable flats, they’re honestly the best choice for the desert. I usually tell people to miss anything complicated and stick to what feels comfortable, whether it’s closed shoes or even open shoes with no heels. In fact, heels are a huge no no, so always remember the simple rule of the desert: flats.
Since you’ll be walking a lot during the desert safari, having comfy shoes is a no-brainer when picking what to wear in Dubai. I personally prefer comfortable sneakers because they help protect your toes from sand and also keep warm if you camp at night. If they don’t match your outfits, you can always opt for light boots as a solid alternative.
These are part of the five essentials I always suggest when deciding what to wear in Dubai. Once you’ve planned your outfit right, you’re truly ready for a smooth desert safari adventure, and can confidently explore different Dubai desert safari tours you want to join.
What to Avoid in Footwear
When planning a desert safari, it’s important to choose the right footwear because the last thing you want is blisters or injured feet. With so many types of shoes in the market, not all are suitable for walking on sandy and uneven terrain. The key is to find shoes that can keep feet cool while still giving adequate protection from hot sand and sharp rocks.
Avoid anything that doesn’t support your feet properly, closed-toe shoes are a must to protect your feet from scorpions and other desert creatures. A good pair of desert boots with breathable material and a sturdy sole gives better traction on loose sand, so always choose something comfortable and lightweight for walking during the safari. While sandals or light hiking shoes can be a good choice to keep feet cool, make sure they have a good grip to prevent slipping.
Also, if you’re planning on camel riding, avoid footwear that may fall off easily, always wear shoes that stay secure. With the right footwear, you’ll be able to truly enjoy your desert safari experience to the fullest.
Essential Accessories to Carry
1. Sun Protection
2. Practical Essentials
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Water Bottle
On a desert safari, even with free-flowing water, I always recommend carrying your own bottle of water for the journey, especially during that hour drive to the desert. It’s simply better to have your own bottle with you, both from start to end.
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Backpack (Not Purses)
Another thing that’s not a strict necessity but an easier choice is to ditch fancy purses and go for a sturdy backpack. It makes it much easier to enjoy the experience when you’re not worried about minding purse all the time.
What NOT to Wear in Desert Safari
What to Wear in Desert Safari in Winter
Ideally, winter is the best time for a desert safari because the weather feels more cooler, especially from November to February. But don’t be fooled, the desert gets cold after sunset and during the early morning, so it’s important to dress in layers. This way, you can easily remove your outer layers once the sun comes out. I usually go with long jeans, cardigans or jumpers, which feel ideal for shifting temperatures.
You should also carry a snug-fitting hat with ear flaps or even earmuffs to protect yourself from the cool breeze. A scarf or pashmina shawl is also recommended, and from experience, keeping lip balms and moisturising creams helps you avoid dry skin in the desert air.
What to Wear in Desert Safari in Summer
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Lightweight & Breathable Clothing
In summer, the desert heat in Dubai can be intense, so choosing lightweight cotton clothing is essential. Cotton helps your skin breathe and keeps your body cool even under direct sunlight. Go for loose and breathable outfits like cotton shirts, airy tops, and relaxed trousers that don’t trap heat. From experience, tight or synthetic fabrics make the heat feel worse, so keeping it light and airy makes a big difference.
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Focus on Sun Protection
Since you’ll be exposed to the sun for long hours, having a strong sun protection focus is important. Wear long-sleeved but lightweight tops, use sunglasses and carry a hat or scarf to protect your face and neck. The goal is to stay covered without feeling overheated, so balancing coverage with breathable fabrics is the key to enjoying your desert safari comfortably.
Final Tips for First-Time Visitors
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Comfort Over Fashion
Always choose comfort over style. The desert is not the place to experiment with tight or fancy outfits. Go for clothes that feel easy to wear for long hours, so you can enjoy every moment without discomfort.
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Choose Sand-Friendly Outfits
Pick outfits that can handle sand easily. Loose, breathable fabrics and simple designs work best, as sand can get everywhere and ruin heavy or complicated clothing.
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Plan Based on Activities
Think about what you’ll be doing, whether it’s dune bashing, camel riding or just relaxing. Your outfit should match your activities so you stay comfortable, protected, and stress-free throughout the safari.
