1. Why Your Selection of Clothes Matters for a Desert Safari

When your holiday in Dubai begins, you might want to visit the desert safari in Dubai. One of the most common questions before going is “What to wear on a Dubai desert safari tour?” Not only is it important to choose the right clothes because of photos, but your choice can also affect your comfort and safety.

Desert safari temperatures are very specific. The temperature during days can often be above 40°C during summer, even though the evenings can be cooler and surprise you with the need for some additional layers of clothes. When you consider sand, wind, and occasional desert storms, the selection of the right outfit really matters.

The reason for the right alternative of your Dubai desert safari clothes is to protect you from the direct heat but at the same time to allow you to move freely during the activities like camel riding and sandboarding.

On top of that, regarding modesty and respecting local customs, there are also certain pieces of advice to mention in this article.

2. Choosing the Right Fabrics for the Desert Climate

The choice of what to wear as a desert safari Dubai outfit is important. Fabric should be reconsidered before you join the tour.

Safari in Summer (May to September)

• Cotton
• Linen 
• Moisture-wicking sports fabrics

This selection is good because these fabrics allow air circulation, and in this humid and hot weather, it is essential for your skin to stay dry.

If you are thinking about what colors to go for, we advise you to pick lighter colors. Beige, white, pastel, or light green reflects sun and looks good with the golden dunes in the background. In addition, darker colors absorb heat and could make you feel hotter than lighter colors.

Safari in Winter (November to February)

Unlike summer months, in winter, even though you might start your day in a T-shirt, you will end up wearing a top layer in the evening. When the wind picks up, you should be ready and bring a fleece or soft hoodie.

3. Recommended Clothing for Daytime Safari

Talking about the desert safari package of a morning desert safari, sunrise will be the time you reach the dunes. This part of the day is the coldest. In the mid-morning, when the sun is strong, you should balance it with sun protection and ventilation.

• Loose-fitting tops
• Light trousers
• Shorts

Thin and breathable fabric can protect you from UV and sand, so this is a good selection for this time of day. However, many desert safari guest reviews advise bringing scarves or shawls, which can double your head protection and protection against sand during the desert drive.

Women usually prefer maxi dresses in light fabrics, as they are comfortable and good-looking during sunset photography. But, if you are more of a sports type of person, trousers are more practical for activities like dune bashing, camel rides, or ATV/dune buggy rides.

For men, the alternative is lightweight cargo pants, trousers, or breathable shirts.

4. What to select for an Evening or Overnight Desert Safari

One of our desert safari package offers is an evening desert safari, which brings a different experience than a morning safari. During winter, Dubai desert safari with BBQ dinner can be affected by the temperature dropping by less than 15°C after sunset. This makes the right clothes alternatives different, as during the day it can be short sleeves, but in the evening a light jacket could be handy.

An overnight desert safari requires comfortable and warm clothes. Before you go, bring with you soft sweatpants, a hoodie, or a warm cardigan for the evening. Even though you might think you will be warmed by the campfire, nights in winter can be colder than you think. For comfort, we advise you to have an extra layer for sleeping, such as a blanket. Early mornings after the safari can be cold; that is why we advise keeping a jacket handy before sunrise activities.

In summary, your best friend during your safari tour is layering and always being ready for drastic changes of weather during nights and early mornings. Start with the light layer, and when the sun goes down, add a jacket if it gets windy.

5. Essential Accessories

What makes your outfit truly stand out when it comes to desert safari photoshoots are the accessories. You can never go wrong with the perfect amount and matching add-ons; they make your look more enjoyable for the Dubai desert safari.

Sunscreen:

One of the most important things is to protect your skin from the harmful UV of the sun. A high and good-quality SPF is mandatory when visiting the desert. The intense solar radiation can cause sunburn. To prevent it, apply sunscreen multiple times throughout the safari trip.

Headwear:

A wide-brim hat or a baseball cap is advisable to be with you as well; they protect your head, face, neck, and ears from the sunlight. Scarves (ghutra) are also very useful; you can tie them around your head, covering your mouth and nose, since you not only have to be careful about the sun but also the dust when it comes to the desert. The traditional scarves for the desert safari outfit for females are the ultimate combo.

Sunglasses:

Other than being fashionable with the sunglasses, opt for a pair with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sunlight. Choosing closed styles or even wraparound sunglasses offers extra protection from wind and glare from the sand.

Bags and Jewelry:

A small functional backpack or a crossbody bag is ideal to carry your personal belongings, water, or camera. Make a wise decision when it comes to wearing jewelry on the dunes; keep a close eye on your items to ensure it is a happy desert safari, with no regrets over lost treasures.

6. Footwear Tips

Shoes might be the most important part of your desert safari outfit. The footwear in general can make a big difference in your comfort level and overall looks. However, that is completely up to your preferences what style you choose.

Recommended options:

Closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers or light hiking shoes, are the safest and most practical options for most desert safari Dubai activities. Helps to protect your feet from hot sand and gives support to your ankles during dune-bashing, horse or camel rides, and sandboarding.

What to avoid:

Sandals might sound like a good choice for shorter walks or at the camp, but there is a risk for sunburn and sand irritation. Flip-flops offer no protection and slip off very easily on the sand dunes. If you were thinking about high heels, it is better to let that idea go, as they sink into the sand.

A real-life hack is to arrive in closed shoes for the safari activities and change footwear as you are reaching the camp at night in the Dubai desert.

7. Special Considerations for Activities

To get the most out of your planned desert safari, the activities you will be trying out should be considered.

Let’s start with dune bashing, when snug or stretchy clothing has to allow free movement as the car is going up and down – you have to secure yourself with your hands, holding the safety grab handles.

Next, during camel and horse riding, prioritize comfortable trousers or leggings to avoid discomfort.

Sandboarding requires sneakers that give a good grip to help you stay balanced, securing your leg on the board.

For cultural photography, like trying on Emirati clothing (abayas and kanduras), consider keeping your base Dubai desert safari outfit modest and easy to transition.

8. Cultural Sensitivity and Dress Code

The UAE does not have any strict dress code when it comes to desert safari. However, note that there are certain cultural expectations regarding modest clothing in public areas, especially when visiting traditional Bedouin-style camps or religious sites. While premium desert safari on the campsites are tourist-friendly, avoid overly revealing clothing as a form of respect for Emirati culture.

Women:

For safari outfits for ladies, it’s recommended to cover shoulders and knees as part of the outfit, because you might stop by local places. It does not mean to be overly formal; dressing modestly can still be stylish and comfortable, like maxi dresses with sleeves. During your safari trip you will have the possibility to purchase traditional attire (abayas), or you can also try them on at the camp while taking your Dubai desert safari photos.

Men:

Men should dress with cultural awareness too. For a desert safari outfit male travelers can rely on collared t-shirts and breathable linen shirts with knee-length shorts or classic trousers. They should also avoid sleeveless tops and revealing outfits in traditional settings.

All in all, knowing what to wear on a Dubai desert safari tour is more than just about fashion, outfits, and accessories. Comfort and safety also play a crucial role when deciding what to wear for a desert trip in Dubai. To feel confident and welcomed throughout your journey, make sure to dress according to cultural norms as a form of respect.