Proper attire for team building activities in corporate events ensures comfort, safety, and participation. Clothing should match the activity type, venue, and Dubai’s climate. This guide explains exactly what to wear for team building activities, from outdoor adventures and desert safaris to indoor sessions, so you can stay focused on the experience.
General Team Building Dress Code Guidelines
Comfort Over Style
Here’s the truth: nobody cares about your designer outfit during a scavenger hunt. Prioritize movement-friendly clothing over fashion.
Team building activities involve physical engagement. You’ll be bending, reaching, running, and participating in ways your typical office attire wasn’t designed for. Choose breathable materials like cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics.
Avoid these clothing mistakes:
- Tight pants or restrictive jeans
- Form-fitting shirts that limit arm movement
- Stiff fabrics that don’t flex
- Anything labeled “dry clean only”
Safety Considerations
Activity-appropriate footwear is non-negotiable. Period.
Proper shoes prevent injuries, provide necessary support, and enable full participation. Most activities require closed-toe athletic shoes with good grip and ankle support. We’ll get into specifics below, but understand this: your footwear makes or breaks your experience.
Sun protection is essential in Dubai’s climate. We’re talking high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Dubai sun doesn’t play around.
Cultural sensitivity also matters in Dubai’s business environment. Modest dress demonstrates respect for local customs while maintaining professional appropriateness. Learn step by step how to organize a corporate event that aligns with your goals, engages attendees, and delivers measurable results.
Outdoor Team Building Activities Attire
Clothing Recommendations
Top 3 fabric priorities:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Moisture-wicking capability
- Quick-drying properties
Cotton and athletic materials work best. Long pants beat shorts for sun protection and cultural appropriateness.
T-shirts or athletic wear provide the flexibility you need. Skip white or very light colors—they show every dirt smudge and sweat mark. Dark or medium tones hide the evidence of a good workout.
Temperature differences between outdoor activities and air-conditioned indoor spaces can shock your system. Bring a light layer for transitions.
Footwear Essentials
Athletic shoes with good grip are mandatory. Not recommended. Not preferred. Mandatory.
Never wear these to outdoor team building:
- Flip-flops (safety hazard)
- Sandals (no protection)
- Dress shoes (you’ll twist an ankle)
- Brand new shoes (hello, blisters)
Break in your shoes before the event. Nothing ruins a team building experience faster than painful feet two hours in. Choose shoes you’ve worn multiple times and trust for extended periods.
Sun Protection
Dubai sun is intense. Protect yourself properly:
- Wide-brimmed hats or caps for face/neck coverage
- UV-protection sunglasses (not just fashion ones)
- SPF 50+ sunscreen applied before activities
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours without exception
- Long-sleeve shirts in light fabrics for extra protection
Many athletic brands make UV-protection clothing that combines coverage with breathability. Worth the investment if you do frequent outdoor activities.
Desert Safari Team Building Attire
Clothing Requirements
Desert safaris need specific preparation. The environment is harsh—hot sand, intense sun, temperature swings, and cultural considerations all factor in.
Your desert safari clothing checklist:
- Loose, lightweight cotton tops and bottoms
- Long pants (mandatory, not optional)
- Modest tops covering shoulders and décolletage
- Dark or medium colors (light colors = instant sand stains)
Long pants aren’t just cultural—they protect your legs from hot sand burns and provide sun coverage during extended exposure.
Evening temperatures drop dramatically. We’re talking 15-20°C difference from daytime highs. Pack a light jacket, cardigan, or fleece for comfort during dinner and entertainment when the desert cools fast after sunset.
Essential Footwear
Closed-toe sneakers or hiking shoes. No exceptions, no alternatives, no “but I prefer sandals.”
Sand infiltrates everything. Open shoes fill with sand within minutes, causing extreme discomfort. Athletic shoes with good grip handle both sand dunes and vehicle entries safely.
Desert footwear rules:
- Wear socks (prevent sand-friction blisters)
- Choose broken-in shoes (not testing new ones here)
- Bring spare shoes if space allows (sand gets everywhere)
Accessories and Protection
Scarves or shemagh protect your face and hair from blowing sand during dune bashing. They double as warmth during cool evenings and show cultural appreciation.
Secure your sunglasses with straps. You don’t want them flying off during a bumpy ride across dunes. Small backpacks hold personal items, water bottles, and layers. Protect cameras with cases—sand is the enemy of electronics.
Indoor Team Building Activities Dress Code
Workshop and Conference Settings
Business casual works for workshop-style team building. Comfortable yet professional clothing maintains appropriate business atmosphere while allowing participation in interactive activities.
One warning: Dubai venues blast air conditioning. Bring a light sweater or jacket. What feels refreshing initially becomes freezing after two hours.
Active Indoor Activities
Different indoor activities have different requirements:
Escape rooms: Comfortable casual clothing, practical footwear. You might crawl, reach, or move quickly. Restrictive clothing kills your performance.
Cooking classes: Closed-toe shoes mandatory for safety. Avoid loose sleeves near heat sources. Wear clothes that handle potential spills. Most venues provide aprons.
Sports facilities: Proper athletic wear and non-marking shoes required. Check facility requirements beforehand.
Creative workshops: Casual wear you don’t mind getting messy. Paint, glue, and craft materials happen.
Seasonal Considerations in Dubai
Peak Season (October – April)
Pleasant temperatures ranging 20-30°C make this the golden period for outdoor activities. Light layers handle transitions between outdoor fun and air-conditioned indoor spaces.
Mornings and evenings feel genuinely cool. Bring light jackets or long sleeves for early starts or sunset activities.
Sun protection still matters but isn’t as critical as summer months. Comfortable clothing without excessive sun gear works perfectly during this optimal window.
Summer Season (May – September)
Extreme heat. We’re talking 35-45°C regularly. Maximum sun protection required.
Summer survival gear:
- Moisture-wicking fabrics (cotton gets soaked, stays wet)
- Light-colored clothing (reflects heat)
- Multiple water bottles (hydration is critical)
- Hat with neck coverage
- High-SPF sunscreen reapplied constantly
Indoor activities become preferable during peak summer. Companies organizing summer events should schedule any outdoor portions for early morning or late evening when temperatures moderate slightly.
What NOT to Wear for Team Building
Inappropriate Clothing
The never-wear list:
- Flip-flops or open-toe shoes (safety hazards)
- Tight/restrictive clothing (limits movement)
- Heavy fabrics (overheating guaranteed)
- Brand new shoes (blister city)
- Excessive jewelry (loss or injury risk)
- Expensive clothing (damage potential high)
Save your designer pieces for different occasions. Team building involves sweat, dirt, and unpredictable situations.
Cultural Considerations Dubai
Dubai maintains professional standards. Respect them.
Overly revealing clothing doesn’t belong in corporate settings here. Very short shorts, crop tops, or low necklines are inappropriate. Save beachwear for actual beach venues.
Offensive graphics or slogans on clothing show poor judgment in professional environments. Understanding corporate event culture in Dubai ensures appropriate choices respecting local customs while maintaining comfort.
