Quick answer
Wear light, loose, breathable clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, comfortable shoes you can shake sand out of, sunglasses and a scarf to keep sand off your face. From November to March, bring a jacket or jumper — the desert gets cool after sunset. On overnight trips pack a warm layer for the night and a change of clothes.
1What clothes should you wear on a desert safari?
- Loose cotton or linen: it breathes in the heat and does not cling during dune bashing.
- Shoulders and knees covered: comfortable, sun-safe and respectful at the camp.
- Light colours stay cooler in the sun; darker clothes hide the red dust better.
- Avoid your best clothes — fine sand gets everywhere and can mark light fabrics.
2What shoes are best for the desert?
Closed trainers or sturdy sandals both work. Sand is scorching at midday but pleasant by late afternoon, which is when most safaris walk on it. Many people go barefoot on the dunes in the evening and put shoes back on at the camp.
Skip heels and flimsy flip-flops. For sandboarding and quad biking, closed shoes are safer.
3What to wear by season
| Season | Daytime | After sunset | Bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| November–February | DaytimeWarm and pleasant | After sunsetCool to cold, especially overnight | BringA jumper or light jacket |
| March–April | DaytimeWarm | After sunsetMild | BringA thin layer |
| May–September | DaytimeVery hot | After sunsetWarm | BringWater, sun hat, sunscreen |
| October | DaytimeHot | After sunsetWarm | BringSun protection |
4What else should you bring?
- Sunglasses and sunscreen, even for an evening safari.
- A scarf or shemagh to cover your face if the wind picks up sand.
- A small bag, and a zip-lock or cover for your phone.
- Motion-sickness tablets if you get car sick — dune bashing is bumpy.
- Some cash for extras at the camp, like quad bikes or photos.
Camps often sell shemaghs and will show you how to tie one. It is the most useful thing you can wear on the dunes.
5Does it change for morning or overnight safaris?
Morning safaris run in the fresher first hours of the day but warm up fast — a hat and water matter more than a jacket. Overnight safaris need a warm layer for the night in winter, something comfortable to sleep in, a toothbrush and a change of clothes; the camp provides bedding.
6What not to wear on a desert safari
- Tight or synthetic clothes that trap heat.
- White or delicate fabrics you want to keep clean.
- Expensive jewellery and watches — sand scratches them.
- Heels, or flip-flops that come off in soft sand.
- Heavy make-up in summer.
7Desert safari packing list
| Item | Morning | Evening | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | MorningYes | EveningYes | OvernightYes |
| Sunscreen and sunglasses | MorningYes | EveningYes | OvernightYes |
| Hat | MorningYes | EveningOptional | OvernightYes |
| Scarf for sand | MorningYes | EveningYes | OvernightYes |
| Warm layer (Nov–Mar) | MorningNo | EveningYes | OvernightYes |
| Change of clothes and toothbrush | MorningNo | EveningNo | OvernightYes |
| Power bank | MorningOptional | EveningYes | OvernightYes |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a dress code for a desert safari in Dubai?
No strict dress code, but covering shoulders and knees is comfortable, sun-safe and respectful at the camp.
Can I wear shorts on a desert safari?
Yes. Knee-length shorts are common; long, loose trousers protect better from sun and sand.
Does it get cold in the Dubai desert at night?
From November to March, yes — bring a jumper or jacket for the evening and a warm layer for overnight trips.
Should I wear sandals or trainers?
Either works. Closed shoes are better for sandboarding and quad biking.
Can I wear a dress on a desert safari?
Yes, a loose knee-length or longer dress works. You will be climbing in and out of a 4x4 and may sit on the sand, so loose trousers — or shorts under the dress — are more practical.
Do I need a headscarf on a desert safari?
Not for any dress-code reason. A scarf is still useful to keep sand off your face on windy dunes, and some camps will tie one for you in the local style.
What colours are best to wear in the desert?
Light or bright colours keep you cooler and look good in photos against the red dunes. Avoid white if you want to keep it clean — the sand is fine and reddish.
Written by the TripReview team from our own price benchmarks and the rules published by UAE authorities, and updated 22 September 2026. Figures are ranges, not quotes — check the latest rules with the official source before you travel. How we rate companies
