A desert safari is a must-do for any Dubai visitor. It is not just an outdoor excursion into the golden dunes to enjoy adventures. The desert is Dubai’s original landscape. Spending time here really shows you how far the city has come – from these barren dunes to its soaring, glistening skyscrapers. It captures the solace in the chaos of daily life in Dubai. Plus, the camel rides, Arabic feasts and folklore introduce you to the rich cultural heritage of the city. But, amidst the excitement of venturing out for sandboarding and dune bashing, you might wonder: What’s the best outfit for a desert safari? It is essential that you know what to wear to have a comfortable day in the dunes of Dubai. Let us walk you through the essentials of what to wear for a desert safari Dubai.
Dress Code for a Day in the Desert
In general, you should know that Dubai has varying summer days. But in the desert, the temperature is scorching hot in the afternoon and cools down in the evenings. The basic guideline is to wear clothes that keep you cool during the day. Clothes made of breathable materials like cotton and linen are ideal for Dubai desert safari tours. It is recommended to wear full-sleeve tops and trousers to protect yourself from the scorching desert sun.
Dress Code for Spending the Night in the Dubai Desert
Heads up! Desert nights get cold. In the desert, the temperature dips sharply during the night. It can be quite chilly, and your daytime attire may not be enough to keep you warm. Hence, carry a lightweight jacket or shrug, which you can add to your attire to keep yourself warm on the cool nights of Arabian deserts.
Best Fabrics to Consider
Choose breathable, lightweight fabrics such as cotton and linen. These natural materials allow your skin to breathe and absorb sweat easily, keeping you comfortable. Khaki bottoms are quite sturdy and are best to wear in the desert. Avoid synthetic fabrics. They trap heat and will make you uneasy as the day progresses into scorching afternoons, making you feel uncomfortably hot.
Month-wise Dress Code for Dubai Desert Safari
Honestly speaking, Dubai doesn’t really have distinct seasons like summer, winter, autumn, and spring. It’s more like one long summer with a few months of cooler weather that offers a break from the intense heat. The temperature varies in different months and hence knowing what to wear in which month during a desert safari is quite essential.
March-May (Mild Summer/Spring)
During these months, the temperature is gradually rising. The days are warmer and nights are pleasantly cooler. So, lightweight clothes are perfect, and you probably won’t even need layers.
April-September (Summers)
The temperature soars and most tour operators avoid recommending Afternoon or Half Day desert safari during these months. However, early morning and late evenings are cooler compared to daytime. Early morning tours, and sunset and overnight desert safaris are recommended, as you can still enjoy some desert sports before relaxing. The scorching sun isn’t as intense during these times. Hence, you must opt for cotton, linen and khaki attires during these months.
October-November (Mild Winter/ Autumn)
Right after September ends, the weather turns cooler. The desert becomes a great place to visit during the day, and it gets even cooler at night. Even though it’s milder, it’s still a good idea to wear light, breathable clothing during the day, and you will definitely want a jacket or sweater for the evenings.
December-February (Winter)
Winter rolls in finally at the beginning of December. This is when Dubai experiences its ‘cold spell’ – pleasant enough for afternoon outings. The deserts are inviting during this time, but nighttime can be surprisingly colder than you expected. Hence, if you feel chilly with the slightest shift to cooler temperatures, you can pack thermals for nighttime in the desert. Otherwise, layering your clothes should be perfectly fine for winters in the Dubai desert.
What to Wear: Desert Safari Outfit Male
Opt for loose trousers, preferably made of khaki or cotton as desert safari outfit ideas for men. Pair them with linen shirts or moisture-wicking t-shirts. You can also opt for cargo shorts with ample pockets to carry things and aid in easy movements. While sleeveless vests and t-shirts might seem appealing, they can lead to severe sunburn and tanning in the desert heat. Protect your face and eyes with a stylish bandana and sunglasses. For overnight safaris, pack warm layers, including a heavier jacket or fleece, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.
What to Wear: Desert Safari Outfit Females
Keep it simple. A desert safari outfit female checklist should prominently include trousers, capris and full-sleeve shirts made of cotton or linen. While Dubai is generally more relaxed about dress than some other emirates, it’s still best to avoid overly revealing tops and dresses. Modest attire is always a good idea. Choose tops with comfortable necklines that allow you to breathe freely. While there is no restriction on wearing shorts, skirts or sleeveless dresses and tops, ensure that the dress you choose for the day does not offend fellow tourists or locals. We recommend skipping shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops in favour of full-sleeved, breathable shirts, tunics and long or mid-length trousers. This is more comfortable for participating in activities and sitting on the ground and generally avoids any wardrobe mishaps. Avoid flowing fabrics that can get caught on objects or people, causing discomfort or accidents while enjoying desert adventures.
What to Wear: Desert Safari Outfit Kids
Travelling with little ones? Layers are your friend! They make it easy to adjust their clothing so they are always comfortable. Choose breathable fabrics perfect for the warm weather, and make sure their clothes allow them to move freely during all the fun activities. A wide-brimmed hat is a must to shield their face from the sun. Slathering on some kid-friendly sunscreen is essential to protect their delicate skin from sunburn. Comfort is the priority for kids during a desert safari experience in Dubai.
Other Essential Accessories
- Sunscreen is a non-negotiable accessory during your desert trip. The desert sun can be quite harsh and dry on the skin and quickly give you a sunburn. It’s best to carry a sunblock or sunscreen with high SPF.
- Closed, comfortable shoes with good grip are a must as you will be walking a lot during this experience. Even closed shoes can get sandy, but they are way better than sandals, which will definitely burn your feet in the desert heat. Sneakers or light hiking boots offer good protection and provide a sturdy balance for sandboarding. Avoid long heels and flip-flops. Don’t wear brand-new shoes! Even if you do, break in your shoes well before your Dubai trip to avoid blisters and discomfort. Wear socks, even if it’s hot, as they will absorb sweat, reduce friction, and protect you from insect bites.
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential to shield yourself from the sun. Additionally, scarves and bandanas come in handy to protect your face from sand and sun. Plus, it adds a bit of style to your outfit!
- If you have long hair, whether you are a woman or a man, definitely tie it back to keep it from whipping around in the breeze and flying in your face, which can be really annoying. It will also be more comfortable during the adventure activities. Cover it with a scarf or bandana to add extra protection from the sun and sand if you need it.
- Keep accessories to the bare minimum. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and watches. If you lose them in the desert, It will be quite impossible to retrieve them. Carry a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated. Keep all these items safely in a sand proof bag that is lightweight and convenient to carry. A waist bag is also a great idea. You can wear it all the time and keep your hands free for activities like quad biking and dune buggy rides.
In a nutshell, during a Dubai desert safari, you should :
- Be mindful of local customs and dress respectfully.
- Dress in layers to adjust your attire as per cold or hot temperatures in the desert.
- Leave the heavy or blingy jewellery at home. It can be uncomfortable or even dangerous during the activities.
- Choose loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Avoid tight pants and tops.
- Carry a scarf, hat, and sunglasses to protect against the sun.
- Before planning your trip, finding the best desert safari Dubai experience for you and your family with a reputable tour provider in Dubai is an important consideration. It can really make or break your whole desert experience.
FAQs
1. What’s the best outfit for a Dubai desert safari?
Comfort and breathability. The desert climate is extreme during the day, so lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is the key. Keep it simple and stylish.
2. Can I wear jeans on a Dubai desert safari?
No. Jeans are not a practical choice as the heavy texture can trap heat quickly and make you feel uncomfortably hot in no time. Tight-fitted jeans also restrict movement making these activities less enjoyable.
3. Should I wear long sleeves or short sleeves?
Long sleeves offer better sun protection, especially during the day. However, short sleeves are fine if you apply sunscreen regularly.
4. Can I wear shorts on a desert safari?
Yes, but consider the sun exposure. Longer shorts are preferable to very short ones.
5. What kind of shoes are best for a desert safari?
Closed-toe shoes like sneakers, hiking shoes, or even sturdy sandals with straps are recommended.
6. Should I wear socks?
Yes, wearing socks is a good idea to protect your feet from sand, sweat and heat.
7. Do I need sunscreen?
Absolutely! A high SPF sunscreen is a must. One of the myths about desert safari Dubai is that applying sunscreen once is enough, but that is not so. Re-applying sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin. Reapply it frequently, especially if you are sweating.
8. What should I pack in my bag for the safari?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a water bottle, hand sanitiser, a camera, and any necessary medications.
Conclusion
Preparation is the key to a pleasant desert safari experience and that includes your outfit as well. Hands down, the best outfit for desert safari Dubai is lightweight, airy fabrics that let your skin breathe in the desert sun. Choose comfort over trendy outfits and current fashion, and you will be all set. So, are you ready to hit the dunes in style? Still having doubts? Check out the desert safari Dubai adventures guide for more information to enjoy a safari in Arabian deserts smoothly.
