What a desert safari day looks like
If you are wondering what to wear on a desert safari in Dubai, it helps to picture the whole evening first. You are outdoors for several hours, moving between a vehicle, soft sand, a camp and a dinner area, so comfort matters more than style.
On our Dubai desert safari, hotel pickup is usually around 2:30 to 3:30 PM, and you are back at your hotel at about 9:30 PM. The experience lasts about 6 hours. You head out to the red dunes for dune bashing, then enjoy a camel ride, sandboarding, a BBQ dinner and live shows.
That means you start in afternoon light, watch the sun go down, and finish in the evening. Your outfit needs to work for all of it.
The best outfit for dune bashing, camel rides and sandboarding
Think light, loose and easy to move in. You will be getting in and out of a 4×4, climbing onto a camel and walking up sand dunes.
- Breathable fabrics: cotton or linen-style tops and trousers keep you comfortable in the heat and are easy to wash afterwards.
- Loose trousers, long shorts or a long skirt: you need room to swing your leg over a camel saddle. Very short or tight clothing is not practical.
- Light colours: they feel cooler in the afternoon sun, though sand can show on them. Mid-tone colours hide dust well.
- A sun hat or cap: useful before sunset. Choose one that fits snugly, because dune bashing can be breezy.
- Sunglasses: they help with the glare and with blowing sand.
Avoid anything you would be upset to get dusty. Sand gets everywhere, so leave delicate or expensive clothing at the hotel.
Think about the evening, too
Once the sun goes down, the desert can feel cooler than the city, especially in the cooler months. A light layer, such as a thin cardigan, shawl or light jacket, is easy to carry and handy to have.
Shoes: what to wear and what to leave at the hotel
Shoes are the part people most often get wrong. Sand will end up in whatever you wear, so choose footwear that is easy to take off and shake out.
Good choices
- Comfortable sandals with a back strap
- Flat trainers or sneakers with breathable material
- Slip-on shoes that you can remove quickly for sandboarding or on the sand
Leave at the hotel
- High heels and wedges, which sink into the sand and are hard to walk in
- Loose flip-flops that can slide off while you climb dunes
- Expensive or brand-new shoes you want to keep clean
Many guests go barefoot on the dunes, which can feel great, but bring shoes for walking around camp.
What to wear for the BBQ dinner and live shows
The evening part of the safari is relaxed. You do not need to dress up. Your dune outfit is perfectly fine for the BBQ dinner and the live shows, and most guests simply stay in what they wore all afternoon.
If you want to freshen up, add one simple extra:
- A light scarf or shawl for the evening air
- A clean, light top in your bag if you want to change
- Comfortable shoes you can wear on the sand around the camp
Since you will be seated, eating and watching the shows for a while, choose clothes that feel good when you are sitting on low seating or cushions.
What to wear on a desert safari in Dubai: outfit ideas for women, men and children
Women
A lightweight maxi skirt or loose trousers with a breathable T-shirt or tunic is a reliable combination. Leggings also work well, as long as they are not too thick. Dubai is a modern, international city, but it is also a good idea to dress modestly in public places. Covering your shoulders and knees is a safe, comfortable choice, and it also protects you from the sun. Tie long hair back, since wind can whip it around in the dunes.
Men
Light trousers or knee-length shorts, a cotton T-shirt and comfortable trainers or sandals will do the job. A cap helps in the afternoon. A thin long-sleeved shirt can be useful for the cooler evening.
Children
Dress children in light, loose clothes they can run around in, plus a hat and closed shoes or secure sandals. Bring an extra top in case they get sandy or want a warmer layer later. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the safari, so keep them close and make sure they are comfortable before you set off.
A note for expectant mothers
The desert safari is not recommended for pregnant women, because dune bashing involves bumpy driving. If this applies to you, a city tour may be a more comfortable choice.
What to bring in your bag
Keep your bag small and light, since you will carry it between the vehicle and the camp. These items are worth packing:
- Sunscreen, applied before pickup
- Sunglasses and a hat or cap
- A light scarf, shawl or jacket for the evening
- A phone with a full battery, or a power bank
- A scarf or bandana to cover your nose and mouth if the sand is blowing
- Wet wipes or tissues
- A small amount of cash for personal extras, if you like
- A spare top for changing after the dunes
Keep valuables to a minimum. Leave passports and anything precious in your hotel safe unless you need them.
Adding a quad bike: what to wear and how to book in advance
A quad bike (ATV) is not included in the standard safari. It can be added for an extra cost, and you need to arrange it in advance, so do not wait until the afternoon of your tour. If quad biking is on your wish list, you can message us before you travel or look at our Premium Safari with Quad Bike, which starts from AED 275.
Quad biking is dustier and more physical than being a passenger, so dress for it:
- Closed shoes: trainers are better than sandals, because your feet are close to the ground.
- Long trousers: they protect your legs from dust and sun.
- A scarf or bandana: it covers your face when sand is flying.
- Sunglasses or glasses: they protect your eyes from sand and glare.
- Fitted clothing: avoid long, loose scarves, dangling jewellery or flowing fabric that could catch on the controls.
Always follow the instructions of the guides on the dunes.
Ready to book? Choose your Luxe Dunes desert safari
Now that you know what to wear, the rest is simple. Our Desert Safari Dubai starts from AED 110 and includes hotel pickup and drop-off from all locations in Dubai, with dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, a BBQ dinner and live shows. If you would like to see more of the city as well, our Dubai City Tour with Desert Safari and Dhow Cruise starts from AED 140.
Our desert safari offers a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before. Our team offers multilingual support, so you can ask about outfits, pickup times or adding a quad bike in the language that suits you.
Message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 747 3240 or email contact@luxedunestours.com, and we will help you plan your evening in the dunes.
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