Planning a Dubai desert safari? What you wear can change your desert experience. Whether you’re going dune bashing, riding camels, or enjoying a BBQ under the stars, be prepared.
This guide shares tips for dressing comfortably and stylishly in Dubai’s desert climate. It covers breathable fabrics and cultural clothing advice for each season.
Let’s dive in.
What to Wear in Desert Safari During Winter (Nov–Feb)
Wear layered clothing with long pants, a light jacket, closed shoes, and a scarf. Desert temperatures drop to 14–18°C in the evening, so warmth and comfort are key.
Winter Desert Safari Outfit Checklist:
- Cotton base layer + fleece/light jacket – Keeps your body temperature stable as temperatures vary.
- Long pants or jeans – Shields legs from sand, wind, and 14–18°C evening lows.
- Closed shoes or ankle boots – Ideal for cold sand and active excursions like camel rides.
- Scarf or shemagh – Protects face and neck from cool desert breezes.
- Beanie or hat – Covers ears during early morning chill.
- Moisturizer + lip balm – Prevent dry skin in arid air.
- Sunglasses + SPF 30+ sunscreen – UV rays remain strong year-round.
Fact: Over 60% of Dubai tourists prefer winter safaris, thanks to mild weather and excellent photography conditions. (UAE Tourism Report)
What to Wear in Desert Safari During Summer (Jun–Aug)
Wear light, breathable fabrics with full-length coverage, a wide-brim hat, closed shoes, and high-SPF sunscreen. Daytime desert temperatures can reach 45–50°C.
Summer Desert Safari Outfit Checklist:
- Breathable fabrics (cotton or linen) – Wick moisture and allow airflow in intense heat.
- Loose long-sleeve shirts + trousers – Prevent sunburn, heat rash, and sand irritation.
- Closed shoes or hiking sandals – Protect feet from burning sand and support activities.
- UV-blocking sunglasses + wide-brim hat – Crucial for sun glare and head protection.
- Scarf (keffiyeh) – Shields face from sand and heat during rides.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen – Reapply every 2 hours for full UV defense.
- Light jacket for sunset – Temperatures dip quickly after dusk.
Fact: UAE’s National Center of Meteorology confirms summer desert highs can reach 50°C (122°F)—protective clothing is not optional.
What to Wear in Desert Safari During Spring (Mar–May)
Wear breathable layers like a cotton T-shirt with an overshirt, long pants, and a light jacket for evening chill. Spring temperatures range from 22°C to 35°C.
Spring Desert Safari Outfit Checklist:
- Light cotton t-shirt + overshirt – Balances comfort with variable weather.
- Full-length pants or joggers – Prevent irritation from sand and camel saddles.
- Closed shoes or trail sandals – Best for activities like sandboarding or dune bashing.
- Scarf, sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen – UV index ranges from 8–11 in spring.
- Light jacket or hoodie – Evenings can dip below 20°C.
Fact: Spring desert temps range from 22°C to 35°C, with strong UV exposure throughout the day. (UAE Climate Authority)
What to Wear in Desert Safari During Autumn (Sep–Nov)?
Wear breathable layers with long sleeves and trousers, closed shoes, and a light jacket. Expect day temperatures around 30–35°C, cooling to 18–20°C at night.
Autumn Desert Safari Outfit Checklist:
- Cotton or linen tops – Breathable and ideal for 30–35°C daytime heat.
- Long sleeves + full-length trousers – Protects skin from sun and sand.
- Closed shoes or strapped sandals – For dune bashing and cultural camps.
- Light hoodie or jacket – Nights can dip below 20°C, especially in the open desert.
- Sunglasses, scarf, hat, and SPF 30+ sunscreen – Protect against sunburn and dry winds.
Fact: Autumn temps average 33°C by day and 18–20°C by night—perfect weather for stylish, protective layers.
What to Wear for Dune Buggy in Dubai?
Wear long sleeves, full-length pants, closed shoes, sunglasses, and a scarf. Helmets and goggles are often provided for safety against sand, heat, and wind.
Dune Buggy Outfit Checklist:
- Long-sleeve top (cotton or moisture-wicking) – protects from sun and abrasion.
- Full-length pants – shields legs from sand and heat.
- Closed-toe shoes – sneakers or boots for grip on hot surfaces.
- Wraparound sunglasses – UV protection and dust control.
- Scarf or shemagh – blocks sand from entering mouth/nose.
- Helmet and goggles – often provided; required for safety.
- Light jacket (Nov–Feb) – desert mornings are chilly.
Fact: Dubai’s desert temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F) in summer.
What to Wear for Quad Biking in Dubai?
Wear breathable, long-sleeve clothing, sturdy closed shoes, sunglasses, and a scarf. Helmets are required. Avoid loose items that may get caught or shift during the ride.
Quad Biking Outfit Checklist:
- Breathable long sleeves & pants – reduce skin exposure and sunburn risk.
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes – essential for control and protection.
- Helmet & goggles – mandatory for safety and visibility.
- Scarf/shemagh – minimizes sand inhalation.
- Gloves (optional) – protect hands from heat and friction.
- Sunglasses with UV protection – improves vision in sunlight.
Fact: Sand can hit 60°C (140°F) by midday — skin contact can burn in seconds.
What to Wear for a Camel Ride in Dubai?
Wear loose, full-length clothing, closed or strapped sandals, and a scarf or hat. Choose lightweight, modest fabrics for sun protection and comfort while riding.
Camel Ride Outfit Checklist:
- Loose, long-sleeve top & pants – sun-safe and camel-friendly.
- Closed shoes or strap-on sandals – avoids slipping and sand burns.
- Scarf or shemagh – blocks sand and sun.
- Wide-brim hat – optional for sun protection.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ – prevents UV damage.
Fact: In summer, Dubai desert temps surpass 40°C (104°F) — choose light colours and fabrics.
What to Wear for Sandboarding in Dubai?
Wear moisture-wicking long sleeves, loose pants, closed-toe shoes, and sunglasses. Add a scarf or neck gaiter to block sand and use SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Sandboarding Outfit Checklist:
- Moisture-wicking tops & pants – avoid cotton, which traps sweat.
- Long sleeves & loose trousers – prevent sunburn and skin abrasion.
- Closed-toe shoes or sand socks – protect feet on hot sand.
- Neck scarf or gaiter – keeps sand out during gusts.
- Polarized sunglasses – cut desert glare.
- Sun hat or cap – for scalp and neck protection.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen – reapply every 2 hours.
Fact: 85% of sandboarding injuries are linked to poor footwear or exposed skin (Dubai Tourism Bureau).
What to Wear for BBQ Dinner in Dubai?
Wear smart-casual cotton or linen outfits with flat shoes or sandals. Bring a light jacket for cool evenings and avoid beachwear or gym clothes.
Dubai BBQ Dinner Outfit Checklist
- Lightweight cotton or linen clothing – breathable and cool in desert evenings.
- Smart casual attire – think polo shirts, maxi dresses, or relaxed jumpsuits.
- Closed-toe shoes or elegant sandals – avoid heels in the sand
- Layers for cooler desert nights – shawl, light jacket, or scarf.
- No beachwear or gym clothes – dress codes usually apply in upscale BBQ venues.
Fact: Evening desert temperatures can drop to 12°C (53°F) from November to February.
What to Wear on a Dubai Desert Safari for Women?
Women should wear loose cotton or linen tops. Pair them with wide-leg pants or breathable trousers. Closed shoes or desert boots are best for a Dubai desert safari. Add UV sunglasses, a light scarf, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and a sports bra for support. Avoid tight, synthetic fabrics and open-toe shoes.
Dubai desert safari outfits for women
Tops
- Loose cotton or linen tops – Breathable and protect skin from the harsh sun
- Light long-sleeve shirts – Extra sun protection without overheating
Bottoms
- Linen or cotton trousers – Better than shorts for sun and sand protection
- Wide-leg pants – Allow airflow and stay cool
Footwear
- Closed shoes or trainers – Protect feet from hot sand; avoid sandals or heels
- Desert boots – Great for extra grip during dune rides
Innerwear
- Sports bra or full-support innerwear – Essential for bumpy 4×4 rides
Accessories
- Light scarf or shawl – Shields from sun and blowing sand
- Sunglasses with UV protection – Desert glare is intense
- SPF 50+ sunscreen – Apply and reapply frequently
What to Avoid
- Tight or synthetic fabrics – They trap heat and cause discomfort
- Open-toe shoes – Sand will get inside easily
What to Wear on a Dubai Desert Safari for Men?
Men should wear lightweight, breathable tops. Loose cargo pants or shorts are great too. Closed shoes or sports sandals work well. Don’t forget sunglasses and a wide-brim hat. Also, bring a light jacket for the evening. Avoid denim and dark colors.
Dubai Desert Safari Outfit for Men
Tops
- Light cotton T-shirts or linen shirts – Ideal for breathability and UV protection in 40°C+ heat.
- Long-sleeve shirts – Help protect your skin from sunburn and blowing sand.
Bottoms
- Loose-fitting cargo pants – Great for airflow and sand protection.
- Knee-length shorts – Allow ventilation while keeping you cool.
- Avoid denim – It traps heat and gets uncomfortable in the sand.
Footwear
- Closed sneakers or trekking shoes – Best for dune bashing and walking on uneven terrain.
- Sports sandals with straps – A lighter option with good grip and ventilation.
Innerwear
- Moisture-wicking underwear – Helps prevent chafing and keeps you dry during active excursions.
- Breathable socks – Cotton or synthetic blends reduce sweat and blisters.
Accessories
- Wide-brim hat or shemagh scarf – Shields your face from sun and sand.
- Sunglasses with UV protection – A must-have for the desert sun.
- Lightweight jacket – Useful for evening safaris as temperatures drop quickly.
- Sunscreen – SPF 30+ recommended for exposed skin.
- Crossbody bag or belt bag – Keeps essentials secure during quad biking or camel rides.
What to Avoid
- Dark colors – Absorb more heat.
- Synthetic fabrics – Can trap sweat and irritate skin.
- Open-toe footwear – Sand gets inside easily and can cause discomfort.
- Heavy jeans – Poor breathability and restrict movement.
Pro Tip: Dress in layers so you can adapt to temperature changes between day and night in the desert.
Traditional Emirati desert wear (optional for cultural tours)
For Men:
- Kandurah: Long, white tunic
- Gutra or Shemagh: Headscarf to protect from sun
- Agal: Black rope to hold headscarf
- Bisht: Formal cloak for special events
For Women:
- Abaya: Loose black cloak worn over clothes
- Sheila: Black headscarf
- Jalaabiya: Colorful gown worn under Abaya or in private settings
- Burqa: Face covering used by traditional Emirati women
Conclusion
Dress right for your Dubai desert safari. It will make your experience unforgettable. Now, with this complete outfit guide, you know what to wear in the Dubai desert.
It covers everything from hot summer days to cool winter nights. For quad biking, camel trekking, or a cozy BBQ dinner, the right clothes matter. They keep you comfortable, safe, and respectful of the culture.
Dress smart, stay cool, and enjoy every sandy moment of your desert adventure.
