What to Wear on a Dubai Desert Safari

What to Wear on a Dubai Desert Safari (Men, Women & Kids)

Not sure what to pack for your Dubai desert safari? Here's the complete dress guide — for men, women and kids, in both scorching summer and chilly winter evenings — with tips on shoes, headscarves and local etiquette.

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Dubai desert safari dress code — the basics

Dubai is relaxed with tourist attire, but the desert is culturally Emirati. Aim for comfortable, modest and light. Shoulders and knees covered is a safe default that also protects you from sun and sand.

Light, breathable fabrics — cotton, linen, moisture-wicking blends
Loose fit rather than tight — sand and sweat find every crease
Neutral or light colours — dark colours absorb heat fast
Closed-toe shoes for dune bashing, quad biking & sandboarding
Sunglasses with UV protection and SPF 50 sunscreen
A light scarf or Ghutra for wind, sun and photos

What to wear for a desert safari in summer (Apr–Oct)

Summer temperatures hit 40–45 °C. Prioritise sun protection and airflow. Long, loose sleeves actually keep you cooler than bare skin because they block direct sun. Skip jeans — they get unbearable inside the 4x4.

Loose cotton t-shirt or long-sleeve linen shirt
Lightweight joggers, chinos or a maxi skirt
Wide-brim hat or Arabic headscarf (Ghutra/Shemagh)
Trainers or sports sandals with a back strap
Reusable water bottle — hydration is non-negotiable

What to wear for a desert safari in winter (Nov–Mar)

Winter is peak safari season for a reason. Days are a pleasant 22–28 °C, but once the sun sets, camp temperatures can drop to 12–15 °C. Dress in layers you can take off during dune bashing and add back at dinner.

T-shirt or long-sleeve base layer
Hoodie, fleece or light puffer for the evening
Jeans or joggers — both work in cooler air
Closed shoes with socks — the sand cools fast at night
Optional beanie or scarf for the drive back

What women should wear on a Dubai desert safari

Dubai is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the Gulf and there is no legal dress code at the desert camps. That said, covering shoulders and knees keeps you comfortable, sun-safe and culturally respectful — and photographs beautifully against the dunes.

Maxi dress, long skirt, or loose trousers
Loose tunic or t-shirt — crop tops are best skipped
A pashmina or scarf doubles as sun cover and photo prop
Comfortable trainers — heels sink instantly in the sand
Hair tie — desert wind is stronger than you'd expect

What men should wear on a Dubai desert safari

Men have it easy: a t-shirt and lightweight trousers or knee-length shorts are perfectly fine. Add a Ghutra or Shemagh for the full Arabian look — many guests borrow one at the camp for photos.

Cotton t-shirt or short-sleeve shirt
Chinos, joggers or knee-length shorts
Trainers or hiking sandals
Optional Ghutra (headscarf) — see our tying guide

What kids should wear on a desert safari

Kids will run, roll and sandboard down the dunes — count on it. Dress them in easy-wash clothes and pack a spare outfit in the car. Closed shoes are strongly recommended for hot sand and quad-bike areas.

Cotton t-shirt, shorts or joggers
Sunhat and kid-safe SPF 50
Closed shoes — no flip-flops
Light hoodie for winter evenings
Spare set of clothes in a ziplock bag

Cultural etiquette — what NOT to wear

Dubai is liberal by regional standards, but the desert camps host families from all over the world. Skip revealing swimwear, offensive slogans and see-through fabrics. If your safari includes a shared BBQ dinner or shows, you'll feel more comfortable in modest attire.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear to a desert safari in Dubai?

Wear light, breathable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees — cotton or linen t-shirts, loose trousers or maxi skirts, closed-toe shoes and sunglasses. In winter (Nov–Mar) evenings get cool, so bring a light jacket or hoodie for after sunset at the camp.

What to wear for a Dubai desert safari in summer?

Loose, light-coloured cotton or linen clothing, a wide-brim hat or scarf, UV sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen. Avoid tight jeans and synthetic fabrics — they trap heat and sand.

What to wear for a desert safari in Dubai in winter?

Layer up: t-shirt or shirt under a hoodie or light jacket, jeans or joggers, and closed shoes. Desert nights from November to March can drop to 12–15 °C, especially during dinner at the Bedouin camp.

How should women dress for a Dubai desert safari?

Loose trousers, maxi dresses, tunics or long skirts that cover shoulders and knees. You do not need to wear a hijab, but a light scarf is useful for wind, sun and photos with local dress-up.

Can I wear shorts and a t-shirt to a desert safari?

Yes — knee-length shorts and t-shirts are fine for the dune bashing and camp. Just avoid very short shorts or crop tops out of respect for local culture, and remember evenings can be cool.

What shoes should I wear for a desert safari?

Closed-toe trainers or sneakers are best — they keep sand out during dune bashing and are safer for quad biking and sandboarding. Flip-flops are okay only around the camp.

Should I wear a headscarf (Ghutra) on a desert safari?

A Ghutra or Shemagh is not required, but it's excellent protection from sun, wind and blowing sand — and it makes for great photos. See our Arabic headscarf guide for how to tie one.

What should kids wear on a desert safari?

Comfortable cotton clothes, closed shoes, a sunhat, and a light jacket in winter. Pack a spare set of clothes — kids love the sandboarding and always come back sandy.

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