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Complete outfit guide · Dubai
The right desert safari outfit keeps you cool in the afternoon sun, comfortable in a bouncing 4×4, protected from sand and warm enough when the desert cools after sunset. It also makes your photos look great against the red dunes. This guide covers exactly what men, women and children should wear, the best shoes, what to pack and what to avoid, for every season and every type of safari.
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The short answer
If you only read one part of this guide, read this. These five rules work for almost every guest, on almost every safari, in almost every month.
Cotton or linen tops and trousers that let air move around your body. Tight synthetic fabrics trap heat and sand.
Practical for sun protection and respectful at the camp. A loose shirt, T-shirt or long tunic with trousers or a long skirt is perfect.
Sneakers keep sand out and are best for quad biking. Sturdy sandals are fine for the camp. Leave heels and delicate shoes at the hotel.
A light scarf protects your face and hair from sun and blowing sand, and sunglasses protect your eyes on the bright dunes.
From November to March, bring a light jacket, hoodie or shawl. The desert can feel surprisingly cool once the sun goes down.
4×4 hotel pickup, dune bashing, camel ride, BBQ dinner and live shows from 125 AED per person.
For men
Men often treat the desert safari as a casual afternoon and wear the first T-shirt and shorts they find. That works, but a few smarter choices make the day far more comfortable, especially during dune bashing, quad biking and the evening at camp. The goal is simple: stay cool, keep sand out, protect your skin and look good in photos.
A loose cotton or linen shirt is the best all-round choice. A short-sleeved button shirt is cool and looks sharp in photos, while a long-sleeved linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up gives more sun protection and can be rolled down when the evening cools. A plain, good-quality cotton T-shirt also works well. Polo shirts are a smart middle ground if you are going on a VIP package or celebrating something special.
Avoid tight gym tops in synthetic fabrics. They look fine in the city but feel hot and sticky in the dunes, and sand clings to them. Very thin white T-shirts can also look washed out in bright sun, so choose slightly thicker fabrics.
Lightweight chinos, linen trousers or cargo pants are ideal. They protect your legs from the sun and from the hot sand when you sit or try sandboarding, and they are a must if you plan to ride a quad bike or dune buggy. Knee-length shorts are acceptable for the afternoon, especially in the hotter months, but long trousers are more practical and better suited to the camp in the evening.
Skip heavy jeans in summer. Denim is hot, slow to dry if you sweat, and stiff when you climb in and out of the 4×4. In the cooler months, light jeans are fine for the evening, but chinos are still more comfortable.
Closed sneakers or light trail shoes are the best choice. They keep most of the sand out, give you grip when you walk on the dunes, and they are required in practice for quad biking. Sturdy sandals with a back strap are comfortable at the camp. Flip-flops are easy to lose in soft sand and do not protect your feet from hot sand in the afternoon.
A cap or a wide-brim hat protects your face during the sunset stop and the camel ride. Many men enjoy wearing a shemagh or ghutra-style scarf, either loosely around the neck or wrapped around the head. It looks great in photos, protects you from blowing sand during sandboarding and keeps the sun off your neck. Sunglasses are essential on the bright dunes.
Between November and March, bring a light jacket, hoodie, overshirt or sweater. The temperature drops quickly after sunset in the open desert, and you will be sitting outside for dinner and the shows for a couple of hours.
A light linen shirt in beige, white or olive, stone-coloured chinos, white sneakers and sunglasses. Add a light overshirt for the evening in winter.
A breathable T-shirt, cargo trousers, closed trail shoes, a cap and a scarf for dust. Practical for quad biking, dune buggy and sandboarding.
A polo or button shirt, tailored chinos, clean leather sneakers and a light jacket. Comfortable for the 4×4 and sharp for the VIP seating area.
A loose cotton T-shirt, light knee-length shorts or linen trousers, breathable sneakers, a wide-brim hat and plenty of sunscreen.
For women
Women have more choice when it comes to desert safari outfits, and many guests plan their look around the sunset photos. That is a great idea, as long as the outfit also works for the 4×4, the sand and the evening at camp. The best outfits combine comfort, sun protection and a little flow for photos.
Loose cotton or linen tops, flowing blouses, long tunics and relaxed shirts are all ideal. Covering your shoulders protects you from the sun and is respectful at the camp. If you love a sleeveless top, simply carry a light shirt or scarf to put over it. Avoid very tight or very sheer tops, which can be uncomfortable in the heat and in a busy shared vehicle.
Wide-leg linen trousers, palazzo pants and loose joggers are comfortable and practical, especially for sandboarding and quad biking. Maxi dresses and long flowing skirts are hugely popular for photos because they move beautifully in the desert breeze. If you choose a long dress, pick one with a little room to move, as you will be climbing in and out of a 4×4 and possibly onto a camel. Very short skirts and shorts are not practical for the camel ride or for sitting on low cushions at the camp.
Comfortable sneakers or closed flat shoes are the safest choice. Sturdy sandals with a back strap work well if you prefer open shoes. Leave heels, wedges and delicate flats at the hotel: they sink into soft sand and are easy to damage. If you plan to ride a quad bike, closed shoes are a must.
A light scarf or pashmina is the most useful accessory you can bring. Use it to cover your hair from blowing sand, protect your face during sandboarding, keep the sun off your shoulders and stay warm in the evening. Tie long hair back or braid it before dune bashing, because the wind and sand quickly tangle loose hair.
There is no strict dress code at the desert camp, and you will see visitors in all kinds of outfits. Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is simply the most comfortable and respectful choice for a traditional setting, and it is also the most practical for sun and sand.
A loose maxi dress in red, emerald, white or mustard, flat sandals or sneakers and a scarf. Add a light cardigan for the evening.
A loose linen shirt with matching wide-leg trousers, white sneakers, sunglasses and a pashmina. Easy to move in and smart enough for VIP seating.
A breathable long-sleeve top, comfortable joggers or cargo trousers, closed sneakers, a cap and a scarf for dust. Perfect with quad biking or a dune buggy.
A tunic or blouse with trousers, a light jacket or knit shawl, closed shoes and a scarf. Warm enough for dinner and the shows outdoors.
Our evening safari includes a sunset stop on the red dunes of Lahbab. Book your seat today.
For children
Children love the desert safari, especially the camel ride, sandboarding and the evening shows. Dress them for comfort and protection first, and photos second.
Travelling with very young children? Tell us when you book. We can advise on the gentlest way to enjoy the dunes and help you plan the evening around naps and meals. Our guide to the family-friendly desert safari in Dubai has more tips for parents.
Footwear
Shoes are the part of a desert safari outfit that guests get wrong most often. Soft, deep sand behaves very differently from a pavement. It gets inside shoes, it can be very hot in the afternoon and it makes some shoes almost impossible to walk in. Use this table to choose quickly.
| Footwear | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Closed sneakers or trainers | Best choice | Comfortable, keep most sand out, good grip on the dunes, required in practice for quad biking and dune buggy rides. |
| Light trail or hiking shoes | Excellent | Great grip and protection. A little warmer than sneakers in summer. |
| Sturdy sandals with a back strap | Good for the camp | Cool and easy to empty of sand. Less protection for quad biking or hot afternoon sand. |
| Canvas shoes or espadrilles | OK | Light and comfortable, but sand gets in through the fabric. |
| Flip-flops and slides | Not ideal | Easy to lose in soft sand and no protection from hot sand or the quad bike pedals. |
| Heels, wedges, delicate flats | Avoid | They sink into sand, are hard to walk in and easily damaged. |
Fabrics & colours
The fabric you choose matters more than the style. In the desert, you want clothes that let air move, dry quickly, do not hold on to sand and do not overheat in the sun. Colour matters too, both for comfort and for photos.
| Fabric | Good for the desert? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Yes | Soft, breathable and comfortable. Choose a medium weight so it is not see-through in bright light. |
| Linen | Yes, the best in heat | Very breathable and cool. Creases easily, but in the desert nobody minds. |
| Light performance fabrics | Yes, for active guests | Moisture-wicking hiking or travel clothing works well for quad biking and summer trips. |
| Denim | Only in winter | Hot and stiff in summer. Acceptable for cool winter evenings. |
| Polyester and tight synthetics | Not ideal | Trap heat, feel sticky and attract sand. |
| Silk and delicate fabrics | Not ideal | Easily marked by sand and sweat. |
Light colours such as white, cream, beige and pastel shades reflect the sun and keep you cooler during the afternoon. For photos, bold colours stand out beautifully against the orange-red sand and the sunset sky. Red, emerald green, royal blue, mustard yellow and black all photograph well. Sand-coloured outfits look elegant but can blend into the background, so add a bright scarf if you want to stand out in photos.
Whatever you choose, remember that fine sand gets everywhere. Very dark, very delicate or very expensive clothes may need a careful wash afterwards, so keep your favourite designer pieces for the city.
By safari type
Different safaris have different timings and activities, so the ideal outfit changes slightly. Here is what we recommend for each of our desert safari experiences.
The most popular trip. Pickup is in the afternoon, so wear breathable clothes for the heat, then add a layer for dinner and the shows in the evening. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses and a scarf. See the evening desert safari for the full itinerary.
Pickup is early, when the desert is at its coolest. In winter, start with a light jacket you can take off as the sun rises. Sneakers are best for sandboarding and dune walks. See the morning desert safari.
Pack as for the evening safari, plus warm sleepwear, a fleece or sweater, socks and a change of clothes for the morning. Desert nights in winter can feel cold. See the overnight desert safari.
The same activities with VIP seating and table service at camp. Smart casual works well: a linen shirt or blouse, chinos or a maxi dress, clean sneakers and a light jacket. See the VIP desert safari.
Long trousers, closed shoes, sunglasses or goggles and a scarf for dust are essential. Avoid long, loose dresses and scarves that can catch. See the quad bike desert safari.
Trousers or a long skirt with room to move, and closed shoes. Sandboarding fills pockets with sand, so empty them before you start. For the camel ride, avoid very short skirts.
Tell us your dates and group. We will recommend the right safari and tell you exactly what to bring.
By season
Dubai has a warm climate all year, but the desert changes a lot between summer afternoons and winter evenings. Plan your outfit around the month of your trip.
| Months | What to expect | Outfit advice |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | The coolest months. Warm, pleasant afternoons and cool to chilly evenings in the open desert. | Light layers for the afternoon plus a warm jacket, sweater or shawl for the evening. Closed shoes. Long trousers are comfortable. |
| November and March | Warm afternoons and mild evenings. Many visitors consider these the most comfortable months. | Breathable clothes and a light jacket or hoodie for after sunset. |
| April and October | Hot afternoons and warm evenings. | Light linen and cotton, sun hat, sunscreen and a thin layer for the evening if you feel the cold. |
| May to September | The hottest months. Very hot afternoons, warm evenings, and sunset comes later. | The lightest, most breathable clothes you have, light colours, a wide-brim hat, plenty of sunscreen and water. A jacket is rarely needed. |
Many visitors arrive in Dubai in winter, enjoy a warm sunny afternoon in the city and assume the desert will be the same in the evening. It often is not. Once the sun drops behind the dunes, the open desert can feel cool, especially with a breeze, and you will be sitting outside for dinner and the shows for a couple of hours. A light jacket or warm shawl in your bag makes the evening far more enjoyable.
For more on choosing your month, read our guide to the ideal time for a Dubai desert safari.
Accessories
The right accessories make the difference between a good safari and a great one. Most of them fit in a small bag.
Leave expensive jewellery and watches at the hotel. Sand scratches delicate surfaces, and small items are easy to lose in the dunes.
Photos
The sunset stop is one of the most photographed moments in Dubai. A few simple outfit choices help your photos stand out.
The dunes glow orange and red in the late afternoon, and the sky turns gold, pink and purple. Red, emerald, cobalt blue, white and black all stand out against that background. Patterns can look busy in wide shots, so solid colours often photograph better.
Flowing dresses, long skirts, loose shirts and scarves catch the desert breeze and add movement to photos. Hold a scarf above your head and let it fly for a classic sunset shot.
At sunset, many of the best photos are silhouettes against the sky. A hat, a flowing dress or a scarf gives your silhouette a strong shape.
Fine sand gets into ports and lenses. Keep your phone in a zip bag when you are not using it, avoid changing camera lenses on the dunes, and wipe the lens gently before taking photos.
Coordinate colours rather than matching exactly. One bold colour with neutral tones around it looks natural and stylish. Our guide to the romantic desert safari for couples has more ideas for special occasions.
VIP Seating from 190 AED: reserved seating, table service, BBQ dinner and live shows.
Culture
Dubai is international and relaxed, and visitors wear all kinds of clothes. The desert camp is a traditional, Bedouin-style setting where families from many countries spend the evening together, so a little cultural awareness goes a long way.
Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is the simplest way to feel comfortable and respectful in this setting. It is not about strict rules. It is about being considerate in a shared, family-friendly space. Swimwear, very revealing outfits and clothing with offensive slogans or images are best avoided.
Men and women are welcome to try traditional Arabic dress for photos at the camp on selected packages. Wearing a scarf in the style of a shemagh, or a long abaya-style dress, is generally seen as a friendly gesture of interest in local culture when it is done respectfully.
During Ramadan, more modest clothing is especially appreciated in public places, and some camp activities and entertainment may change. If your trip falls during Ramadan, ask us what to expect before you book.
Avoid
They sink into the sand and are difficult to walk in. Sand can also scratch and stain them.
Traps heat and sweat, and attracts sand. Save the gym wear for the gym.
Easy to lose in the dunes and easily scratched. Keep valuables at the hotel.
Impractical for the camel ride, the 4×4 and sitting on low cushions at the camp.
Hot, stiff and uncomfortable in the afternoon heat. Choose linen or light cotton instead.
Long scarves and very loose dresses can catch on a quad bike or buggy. Tie them back or change before your ride.
By traveller
Who you travel with changes what you need. These ideas come from the questions our team answers most often on WhatsApp before a safari.
Many couples plan their sunset photos carefully. Coordinate colours rather than matching exactly: for example, a red or emerald maxi dress with a white or beige linen shirt and chinos. Bring a light jacket each for the evening, and choose VIP Seating if you want a quieter table for dinner and the shows.
Dress everyone for comfort. Closed sneakers for the children, light trousers, hats and a spare set of clothes in one bag. Parents should wear practical shoes too, because you will be helping children on and off the camel and up the dunes for sandboarding.
Pack light. A small crossbody bag with a zip, a scarf, sunglasses, a power bank and a light layer covers everything. Shared safaris are sociable, and you will often find someone happy to take your sunset photo if you take theirs.
Groups often choose a colour theme for photos, such as all white or all black with one bright scarf each. It looks great in wide shots on the dunes. Make sure everyone has closed shoes if the group is adding quad bikes.
Comfort and support matter most. Wear supportive closed shoes with good grip, loose breathable clothing, a sun hat and a warm layer for the evening. If you prefer a gentler drive over the dunes, tell us when you book and tell your driver on the day.
Long, loose dresses, abayas, wide-leg trousers with long tunics and lightweight hijabs or scarves all work beautifully in the desert. Choose breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen or light jersey, and secure your scarf well before dune bashing and sandboarding.
Learn from others
Our drivers and camp team see thousands of outfits every season. Most of them work well, but a few mistakes come up again and again. Avoid these and your evening will be far more comfortable.
The most common mistake by far. Guests leave the hotel on a warm December afternoon in a T-shirt or a sleeveless dress and spend the evening shows wishing they had a jacket. If you are travelling between November and March, always put a light layer in your bag, even if it feels unnecessary when you leave.
Fine red sand gets into everything, including the stitching of white shoes. They usually clean up, but not always perfectly. If you are attached to a pair of shoes, choose another pair for the desert.
Long scarves and very loose clothing look beautiful at sunset but can catch on a quad bike or buggy. Tie your scarf firmly around your neck or put it in your bag before your ride, and tie back long hair.
Big handbags and tote bags are awkward in a 4×4 and fill with sand when you put them down. A small zipped bag worn across the body is much easier.
The afternoon light on the dunes is bright, and blowing sand during sandboarding is uncomfortable for the eyes. Sunglasses are a simple fix.
Stay safe
Your outfit is your first line of defence against the sun. This matters most between April and October, when afternoons in the desert are hot, but sun protection is important all year because the sand reflects sunlight back at you.
Loose clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs protects your skin better than sunscreen alone. Apply a high-SPF sunscreen to your face, neck, hands and any exposed skin before pickup, and reapply if you are outside for a long time. Do not forget your ears and the back of your neck.
Bring a water bottle for the drive and keep drinking during the afternoon. Water and soft drinks are available at the camp. Tea and coffee are part of the hospitality, but water is what keeps you comfortable.
If you feel dizzy, very tired, nauseous or develop a headache in the heat, move into the shade, drink water and tell your driver or the camp team. People with heart conditions, back problems or who are pregnant should not take part in dune bashing, and anyone with a medical condition should check with their doctor before the trip.
Dune bashing is a bumpy ride. Loose, comfortable clothes help, and so does a light meal before pickup. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit facing forward and ask your driver for a calmer ride. You can always tell the driver you want to stop.
Special occasions
A desert safari is a popular way to celebrate. If you are planning something special, a little extra thought about your outfit pays off in the photos.
Dress up a little while staying practical. A smart linen shirt or a flowing dress, clean sneakers or stylish flat sandals, and a light jacket for the evening. If you are celebrating, tell us when you book. VIP Seating gives you a reserved area and table service for the evening.
The sunset stop on the dunes is the most popular moment for proposals. Choose an outfit that photographs well at golden hour, bring a jacket for later, and make sure the ring is safely zipped in a pocket or bag until the right moment. Sand and small boxes are not a good mix. Message us before you book and we will help you plan the timing.
If you are planning a styled shoot, bring your outfit changes in a separate bag and change at the camp washrooms. Flowing fabrics, bold colours and accessories such as scarves and hats work best. Keep shoes simple, because the dunes are not easy to walk on in fashion footwear.
For a quieter experience with fewer people in your photos, ask us about private options. See our private red dune safari for details.
Forgot something?
Arrived without the right clothes? Do not worry. Dubai is one of the easiest cities in the world to shop in, and you can pick up everything on this list in an afternoon.
Every large mall in Dubai has high-street fashion and sports stores where you can find linen shirts, light trousers, maxi dresses, sneakers, caps and sunglasses at a range of prices. If you are short on time, your hotel’s nearest mall will have everything you need.
For scarves, shemaghs and pashminas, the traditional souks are a fun place to shop. The textile souk in Bur Dubai and the shops around the old souks in Deira sell scarves in every colour, and bargaining is part of the experience. A bright scarf bought in the souk makes a great prop for sunset photos and a useful souvenir.
On selected packages, you can try traditional Arabic dress at the camp for photos, so there is no need to buy a costume just for pictures.
If you are still unsure what to bring, message us your pickup date and we will tell you what guests usually wear at that time of year.
Message us your date and we will tell you exactly what to wear and pack for that time of year.
Checklist
Screenshot this list before your trip. It covers everything most guests need for an evening desert safari.
Sand care
Sand is part of the fun, but nobody wants to carry half the desert back to the hotel. These small habits help.
Tie back long hair, empty your pockets of anything you do not need and put your phone in a zip bag. If you wear contact lenses and have sensitive eyes, consider wearing glasses instead. Fine sand in the wind can be uncomfortable with lenses.
Keep your bag zipped and on your body. During sandboarding, wrap your scarf over your nose and mouth if the wind picks up. Do not put your phone or camera down on the sand.
Shake out your shoes and clean your hands with wet wipes. The camp has washrooms, but wipes are handy when you want to eat straight away.
Shake out your clothes and shoes outside or over the bath before washing. Sand washes out of most fabrics easily once it is shaken out first.
Now book your trip
Now you know what to wear, choose your safari. These are our current evening safari prices per person. Every package includes dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, BBQ dinner and live shows.
125 AED per person
4×4 hotel pickup and drop off, dune bashing, sunset stop, camel ride, sandboarding, henna, BBQ dinner and live shows.
Book Classic190 AED per person
Everything in the Classic safari with a reserved VIP area and table service at the camp.
Book VIP Seating300 AED per person
VIP seating and table service plus a 20-minute quad bike ride. Wear closed shoes and long trousers.
Book VIP + Quad99 / 110 AED per person
Drive yourself to the desert meeting point, or join from a central meeting point. Camp, dinner and shows included.
Ask About Self DriveSee every package and add-on in our desert safari Dubai price guide. The Luxury G Class safari is 1,149 AED per person for a minimum of four guests.
Booking enquiry
Tell us your date, pickup area and group size. We reply with availability, your package details and your pickup window.
Want outfit advice for your exact date? Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what the weather in the desert is usually like at that time of year.
Chat on WhatsAppEmail: desertelitesafaris@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +971 56 313 3460
We use your details only to reply to this enquiry and arrange your safari.
FAQ
A loose cotton or linen shirt or T-shirt, light chinos, linen trousers or cargo pants, closed sneakers, sunglasses and a cap. Bring a light jacket for the evening between November and March. A shemagh-style scarf is useful against sun and sand.
Loose tops that cover the shoulders, wide-leg trousers, a long skirt or a flowing maxi dress, comfortable sneakers or sturdy sandals, sunglasses and a light scarf. Add a light jacket or shawl for winter evenings.
Knee-length shorts are fine for the afternoon, especially in summer. Long, light trousers are more practical for sandboarding, quad biking and the evening at camp, and protect your legs from hot sand.
Yes. Maxi dresses and long flowing dresses are very popular for sunset photos. Choose one with room to move for the 4×4 and camel ride. Avoid long loose dresses if you plan to ride a quad bike.
Closed sneakers or light trail shoes are best. They keep sand out and are needed for quad biking. Sturdy sandals with a back strap are fine at the camp. Avoid heels and flip-flops.
In the cooler months, yes. In summer, jeans are hot and stiff in the afternoon heat. Linen or light cotton trousers are more comfortable.
There is no strict dress code. Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is the most comfortable and respectful choice for the traditional camp setting.
From November to March the open desert can feel cool to chilly after sunset, especially with a breeze. Bring a light jacket, sweater or shawl for dinner and the shows.
Layers. Early mornings in winter can be cool, and it warms up quickly once the sun rises. Wear sneakers, a light top with a jacket or hoodie over it, sunglasses and a hat.
Pack as for the evening safari plus warm sleepwear, a sweater or fleece, socks and a change of clothes for the morning.
Long trousers, closed shoes, sunglasses or goggles and a scarf to cover your nose and mouth from dust. Avoid long loose dresses and scarves that can catch.
Bold colours such as red, emerald, cobalt blue, white and black stand out against the orange-red sand. Light colours keep you cooler in the afternoon.
Yes. A light scarf is the most useful item you can bring. It protects you from sun and blowing sand, keeps you warm in the evening and looks great in photos.
Many guests do, but fine sand in the wind can be uncomfortable. If your eyes are sensitive, wear glasses and sunglasses instead.
Loose cotton clothes, light trousers, closed sneakers with socks, a hat, sunglasses and a light jacket for winter evenings. Pack a spare set of clothes.
Message us on WhatsApp at +971 56 313 3460 or use the booking form on this page with your date, pickup area and number of guests. Evening safaris with hotel pickup start from 125 AED per person.
You are ready
The best desert safari outfit is the one you forget about once you are in the dunes: breathable, comfortable, protected from sun and sand, and warm enough for the evening. Pack your scarf, sunglasses and a light layer, and leave the rest to us. Book your Dubai desert safari with Desert Elite Safaris, with hotel pickup, dune bashing, sunset photos, BBQ dinner and live shows from 125 AED per person.
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