Desert Safari Guide
What to wear on a Dubai desert safari
Every afternoon our drivers collect guests for the desert, and every afternoon someone climbs in wearing brand-new white trainers or a long silk dress. Here's what we actually tell people to wear, season by season, so you can spend the evening enjoying the dunes instead of shaking sand out of your shoes.
Key takeaways
- Loose, light layers in cotton or linen: a T-shirt with light trousers or knee-length shorts works for most of the year.
- Closed shoes you don't mind getting sandy, or sandals you can slip off. Never heels.
- Bring a warm layer from November to March. The desert gets properly cold after sunset.
- Sunglasses, a scarf and sunscreen for glare, wind-blown sand and the afternoon sun.
- Modest, not covered up: shoulders and knees covered is a safe choice, but nobody expects formal dress.
The Dubai desert isn't the place for your best outfit, but it isn't a hiking trip either. You'll spend an hour or so in a 4x4 bouncing over dunes, a few minutes on a camel, maybe some time on a sandboard or a quad bike, and then a relaxed evening sitting on cushions at a camp. So what should you wear to a Dubai desert safari? The trick is to dress for all of that at once: comfortable, cool in the afternoon, warm enough at night, and ready for sand.
What to wear for a Dubai desert safari, season by season
The single biggest factor is the time of year. In summer the sand is hot enough to burn bare feet at 3 pm. In January you'll be glad of a hoodie by the campfire. These are typical conditions out in the dunes, not exact forecasts:
| Months | Afternoon | After sunset | What to wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec – Feb | Warm, around the low to mid 20s °C | Cool to cold, can drop to the low teens | Light layers plus a fleece, hoodie or light jacket |
| Mar – Apr, Oct – Nov | Hot, around 30 °C and above | Pleasant and mild | Breathable clothes, and a thin layer just in case |
| May – Sep | Very hot, often 40 °C and above | Still warm, often around 30 °C | The lightest, loosest clothes you have, plus sun protection |
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear shorts on a Dubai desert safari?
Yes. Shorts are fine for both men and women on a desert safari. Knee-length is the most comfortable choice for the camel ride and the camp, and long trousers are better if you're riding a quad bike.
What should I wear in the Dubai desert at night?
From November to March, add a light jacket, fleece or hoodie and long trousers, as it gets cool after sunset. The rest of the year your daytime outfit is warm enough.
Is it OK to go barefoot on the dunes?
Many people love walking barefoot on the soft sand, especially around sunset. Avoid it in the afternoon in summer, when the sand can be hot enough to burn.
What should I bring in my bag?
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf, a warm layer in winter, a small amount of cash for extras, and your phone in a zipped pocket. Soft drinks and dinner are included on our evening safaris.
Got a question we haven't answered? We're happy to help, even if you haven't booked yet. Message us on WhatsApp or browse our FAQs.