You’re planning a desert safari in Abu Dhabi, and now you’re wondering: what exactly should I wear to the desert? It’s a valid concern. The UAE’s desert environment presents unique challenges — scorching daytime heat, surprising evening coolness, fine sand that infiltrates everything, and activities ranging from camel riding to cultural dining experiences.
The secret to the perfect desert safari outfit? Balance comfort with practicality whilst still looking great in photos. This guide breaks down exactly what to wear for your Abu Dhabi desert adventure. Whether you’re exploring Abu Dhabi’s dunes or experiencing similar desert landscapes across the Emirates with operators like GoTrips DXB in Dubai, these clothing recommendations apply universally across UAE desert safaris.
The Essential Fabric Guide: What Works in Desert Sand
Fabric choice makes or breaks your desert safari comfort. The wrong material leaves you sweating, chafing, or covered in static-cling sand.
Best fabrics: Natural cotton breathes beautifully and stays comfortable during camel rides. Linen is even more breathable and perfect for the desert’s dry heat. Rayon offers a silky feel whilst remaining cool. Performance athletic fabrics work excellently for active participants planning serious quad biking.
Avoid: Heavy polyester traps heat and sweat. Silk can be damaged by fine sand particles. Heavy denim becomes uncomfortably hot and restrictive during activities.
The Perfect Desert Safari Outfit by Gender
What Women Should Wear?
A lightweight maxi dress or midi dress in breathable fabric works beautifully. Choose styles that cover your knees for comfortable camel riding. Alternatively, linen trousers or wide-leg pants paired with a cotton blouse offer maximum versatility and protect your legs from sand and sun.
Top choices: Light t-shirts, breathable blouses, or loose-fitting cotton tops that cover shoulders work best.
The secret weapon: A pashmina or large scarf serves as hair covering during windy dune drives, sun protection, warmth layer when evening temperatures drop, and makes a perfect photo prop. Choose colors that complement the golden desert: cream, terracotta, sage green, or dusty blue.
Avoid: Very short shorts (uncomfortable on camels), tight restrictive clothing, and anything you’d be devastated to see covered in desert dust.
What Men Should Wear?
Cargo shorts or lightweight chinos paired with a breathable polo shirt or linen button-down create the classic safari look. This combination works for all activities whilst looking put-together in photos.
Practical tip: If you’re planning hands-on activities like sandboarding, choose darker colors or earth tones. The desert sand creates subtle staining on white fabrics.
Evening layer: Even men need a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt for winter evening safaris. A simple zip-up hoodie or lightweight cotton jacket works perfectly.
Footwear: Navigating Sand Successfully
Best choices: Strappy sandals with back straps stay secure during walking and allow sand to fall through rather than accumulating inside. Quality flip-flops with arch support work well for less active safaris. Old athletic shoes are perfect if you’re planning serious quad biking or extensive sandboarding.
Avoid: High heels (you’ll sink with every step), brand new white sneakers (desert sand creates permanent discoloration), and hiking boots (too hot and heavy for standard safaris).
Seasonal Adjustments: Winter vs Summer in the UAE
Winter Safaris (November – March)
Daytime temperatures reach 20-28°C across the UAE, but evenings can drop to 12-18°C after sunset. A light jacket, cardigan, or hoodie is mandatory for evening portions. Your pashmina or scarf becomes essential for warmth, not just style.
Summer Safaris (April – October)
Temperatures hit 35-45°C during the day throughout the Emirates. Most operators shift to evening-only safaris starting around 4:00-5:00 PM to avoid peak heat. Choose the lightest fabrics possible, wear light-colored clothing to reflect heat, and make sunglasses and SPF 50+ sunscreen non-negotiable. A hat with chin strap prevents it from blowing away on windy dunes.
Essential Accessories
Sunglasses: Polarized lenses reduce glare from sand. Secure them with a sport strap for quad biking.
Sun protection: Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen before leaving. Reapply before activities. Don’t forget ears, back of neck, hands, and feet.
Hat: Wide-brimmed or baseball cap with chin strap. Desert winds are surprisingly strong atop dunes.
Small bag: Crossbody styles stay secure during activities. Bring phone, wallet, sunscreen, and lip balm.
Cultural Considerations for Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is known for being slightly more traditional than Dubai, though desert safari camps across the UAE maintain relaxed, tourist-friendly atmospheres. Cultural awareness enhances your experience wherever you choose to explore the Emirates’ deserts.
Keep shoulders covered or bring a light cover-up for the evening camp. Ensure shorts and dresses reach at least mid-thigh. Both men and women should avoid overly revealing clothing. Most tourists wear standard Western casual clothing without issue, but slightly more modest options show respect and photograph better in traditional Bedouin settings.
Your Complete Packing Checklist
Clothing:
- ☐ Breathable outfit (dress, trousers + top, or jumpsuit)
- ☐ Light jacket or cardigan (November-March essential)
- ☐ Comfortable footwear (strappy sandals or old sneakers)
- ☐ Pashmina or large scarf
Accessories:
- ☐ Sunglasses (polarized recommended)
- ☐ Hat with chin strap
- ☐ Small crossbody bag
- ☐ SPF 50+ sunscreen
- ☐ Lip balm with SPF
Leave at hotel: Expensive jewelry, designer handbags, excessive valuables, and high-maintenance clothing.
Instagram-Ready Color Palette
Colors that photograph best: White and cream (classic but expect dust), terracotta and burnt orange (harmonize with landscape), sage green and olive (beautiful contrast), dusty blue and teal (stunning against sunsets), neutral beiges and tans.
Avoid: Bright neon colors, all black (absorbs heat), and busy patterns that compete with the dramatic landscape.
Ready for Your UAE Desert Adventure?
Now that you know exactly what to wear for your Abu Dhabi desert safari, you’re prepared to focus on experiencing the magic of the UAE’s legendary desert landscapes. These same outfit principles apply perfectly across all Emirates desert experiences.
Looking for an expertly organized desert safari in the UAE? GoTrips DXB offers premium Dubai desert safaris with professional guides, top-quality equipment, hotel pickup and drop-off, and authentic Arabian hospitality. The clothing advice in this guide works perfectly for our Dubai desert adventures.
