The desert’s harsh environment requires thoughtful clothing choices. From the high daytime temperatures to the cooler evenings, what you wear can make or break your safari experience. By carefully selecting the right desert safari outfit, you’ll not only stay comfortable but also protect yourself from the elements.

Understanding Dubai’s Desert Climate:

Before diving into safari wear, it’s important to understand the desert climate in Dubai. During the day, temperatures can soar to over 40°C (104°F) in summer, and even in winter, it can get quite hot. However, as the sun sets, the temperature can drop significantly, making layered clothing a smart choice. The desert sun is relentless, so wearing light, breathable clothing that protects your skin is essential. Keep in mind that even though the sun might not feel scorching in the cooler months, UV exposure is high year-round.

What to Wear in Dubai Desert Safari:

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, putting together the perfect desert safari outfit is essential for making the most of your adventure. Let’s take a look at how to plan the ideal ensemble for the day. In this guide, we’ll share the best outfit tips so you can focus on enjoying your safari, looking great, and feeling comfortable all day long. 

Ready to pack the perfect dress for desert safari? Let’s get started

Dubai Desert Safari Outfit Ideas For Females:

When considering safari outfit for ladies, think light fabrics, breathable materials, and sun protection. You want to look great, but not at the expense of your comfort in the harsh desert environment. Cotton, linen, and other natural fabrics should be your go-to. These allow your skin to breathe, helping you stay cool in the daytime heat.

Loose-fitting clothes to wear in the desert is also ideal because they allow air circulation and offer protection from sunburn. Linen pants, flowy skirts, or even loose harem pants can be a good choice. Pair them with a light, airy blouse or a sleeveless top, depending on your comfort level. Not only will this look stylish, but it’ll also help you feel comfortable during the day’s activities. The female desert clothing can include:

• Top: A loose-fitting cotton or linen blouse.
• Bottom: Flowing linen pants or a maxi skirt.
• Footwear: Closed-toe sandals or sneakers.
• Accessories: A wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and a scarf for sun and dust protection.

  1. Lightweight and Breathable Fabrics

The best fabrics for a female desert safari outfit are lightweight and breathable, such as cotton or linen. These materials will help you stay cool under the hot desert sun and allow your skin to breathe.

• Cotton blouses or tunics are an excellent choice.
• Linen pants or maxi skirts offer a flowy, stylish look while keeping you cool.
• Avoid synthetic materials that trap heat, which can lead to discomfort.

2. Sun Protection: Hats, Sunglasses, and Scarves:

Your female desert safari outfit should include accessories that protect you from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat will shield your face, neck, and shoulders, while UV-protective sunglasses keep your eyes safe from the sun’s harsh glare. A lightweight scarf or shawl is also a great addition. It can be used to cover your head and shoulders during the hottest parts of the day, and it’s also helpful for protecting against the desert dust.

3. Comfortable Footwear

The desert terrain can be challenging to walk on, so selecting the right footwear is crucial. Closed-toe shoes like sneakers or lightweight hiking sandals are the best options. Avoid open sandals that allow sand to get inside.

Safari Dress-Up Ideas

Looking to take your desert look to the next level? Here are a few safari dress-up ideas for those who want to add a touch of flair to their outfits while maintaining comfort and practicality.

• Bold Prints: Animal prints or earth tones inspired by the desert landscape can make your outfit pop.
• Desert Accessories: Layer your look with desert-themed jewelry, like leather bracelets or necklaces.
• Boho-Chic: A flowing maxi dress paired with gladiator sandals creates a stylish yet comfortable desert look.

Desert Safari Outfit Ideas for Male

While this guide primarily focuses on female desert safari outfit ideas, it’s also important to address the needs of men heading to the desert. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to wear in Dubai desert safari for men.

1. Practical and Comfortable Clothing

When dressing for a desert safari, men should prioritize practicality. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal for keeping cool under the sun.

• Cotton t-shirts or loose-fitting shirts provide ventilation.
• Cargo pants or shorts offer comfort and practicality with extra pockets for storing small items.

2. Footwear for Desert Activities

Men should opt for sturdy, closed-toe shoes like sneakers or hiking boots to protect their feet from the hot sand and provide stability during activities like dune bashing or camel riding.

3. Accessories for Sun Protection

Accessories are just as important for men. A hat and sunglasses with UV protection are essential to shield against the desert sun. A scarf can also be useful for keeping dust away during off-road activities.

Safari Outfit for Men

• Top: Lightweight, breathable cotton shirt or t-shirt.
• Bottom: Comfortable cargo shorts or loose-fitting pants.
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes like hiking boots or sneakers.
• Accessories: A sun hat, sunglasses, and a scarf for protection against dust.

Desert Safari Costume

If you’re planning to immerse yourself in the experience, a traditional desert safari costume can add a fun cultural twist to your adventure. Consider wearing items like an abaya for women or a kandura for men. These traditional garments are loose, comfortable, and perfect for the desert environment.

What Do People Wear in the Desert?

For those curious about what do people wear in the desert, the rule of thumb is practicality first, but style can certainly follow. Long sleeves, loose-fitting clothes, and a hat are desert essentials. Covering up may seem counterintuitive in hot weather, but it protects your skin from sunburn and keeps you cooler by allowing sweat to evaporate.

Desert Safari Outfit According to the Activities

When planning your desert safari outfit, it’s essential to choose clothing that suits the wide range of activities involved, from dune bashing to evening cultural shows. During the day, you’ll want to wear lightweight, breathable fabrics that help keep you cool in the desert heat, such as cotton or linen. These materials will allow your skin to breathe and protect it from the intense sun. Loose, comfortable clothing like flowy pants or long-sleeved shirts also provide the necessary coverage to prevent sunburn. As the temperature dips in the evening, layering with a light jacket or scarf will keep you comfortable, especially during cooler months.

For active experiences like dune bashing, it’s important to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from the sand and provide stability. Always bring along accessories such as sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sun, and don’t forget sunscreen for extra protection. Choosing an outfit that balances both comfort and practicality will enhance your safari experience and allow you to fully enjoy the various activities without worrying about the desert’s shifting conditions.

What to Wear on Camel Ride in Dubai

Camel riding is one of the most iconic activities in the Dubai desert, but it requires the right outfit to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable. Opt for long, flowing pants made of lightweight fabrics, which allow you to sit comfortably on the camel while offering protection from the sun. A loose-fitting shirt with long sleeves is ideal for the same reasons, keeping your skin cool while preventing sunburn during the ride.

Closed-toe shoes are the best option for camel rides, as they offer protection from the sand and help you maintain your balance while mounting and dismounting. A wide-brimmed hat or a scarf will shield your face and neck from the sun, while UV-protective sunglasses will ensure you can enjoy the views without straining your eyes. To stay comfortable throughout the ride, avoid tight clothing or any accessories that might catch on the saddle or reins.

What To Wear on Quad Biking in Dubai

Quad biking through Dubai’s dunes is an exhilarating experience, but it also means you’ll be exposed to the elements. For this high-energy activity, it’s crucial to wear protective, durable clothing that shields you from the sand and sun. Opt for long-sleeved shirts and pants made from breathable fabrics that allow you to move easily while still providing coverage. This will protect your skin from sun exposure and from the sand kicked up by your bike.

Sturdy footwear is essential when quad biking. Closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers or boots, will give you the support you need while also keeping your feet free from the hot desert sand. Don’t forget safety gear, such as a helmet and goggles, to protect your head and eyes. A lightweight scarf can also help cover your mouth and nose, keeping you comfortable even in the midst of sandy trails.

What to Wear on Dune Buggy Dubai

Riding a dune buggy across Dubai’s desert requires a carefully selected outfit that balances comfort and safety. Long-sleeved tops and breathable pants are the best choices, offering protection from both the sun and the sand. These materials allow you to stay cool while still safeguarding your skin from potential scrapes or burns caused by exposure to the desert terrain.

When it comes to footwear, closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable. Sneakers or boots are ideal as they provide the necessary grip and stability for operating the buggy. A helmet is always required for dune buggy rides, and goggles will help protect your eyes from flying sand. To further shield yourself from dust and sun, a scarf or bandana can be wrapped around your face, ensuring that your dune buggy adventure is as comfortable as it is thrilling.

What to Wear on Horseback Riding in Desert

Horseback riding in Dubai’s desert offers a tranquil way to explore the landscape, but it’s important to dress appropriately for the conditions. Opt for long pants made of lightweight, breathable material to ensure both comfort and protection while riding. These pants will shield your legs from the saddle, preventing any chafing or irritation, while also keeping the sun at bay. Pair this with a long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms from the desert sun, while maintaining a light, airy feel.

Footwear is critical for horseback riding; closed-toe shoes or boots are essential for protecting your feet from the sand and for providing the necessary stability when mounting and riding the horse. A hat is a great way to protect your face from the sun, and sunglasses will help keep your vision clear. To enhance your comfort, consider bringing a scarf or bandana to guard against dust during your ride.

Conclusion:

In this article, we explored the best desert safari outfit choices for both men and women heading to Dubai’s golden dunes. Dressing for a desert safari requires balancing comfort, practicality, and style, with breathable fabrics like cotton and linen being essential for staying cool in the heat. Women should opt for loose-fitting, lightweight attire like linen pants or maxi skirts paired with sun-protective accessories, while men should prioritize cargo pants or shorts with practical shirts and closed-toe footwear.

By selecting the right outfit, including accessories like hats, sunglasses, and scarves, both men and women can ensure a comfortable, stylish, and enjoyable desert adventure. With these outfit ideas, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your Dubai desert safari experience!