Forget everything you know about Summer clothing. The desert isn’t the pool side if you wear nothing but swimming trunks and a loose t-shirt, even some of the darkest skin shades will burn under the sun’s unrelenting heat. Nor is there any air conditioning coming to save you.
But, if you follow some simple rules, you can dress to impress for your Dubai desert safari without submitting to the desert sun.
If you’re unsure what to wear for your Dubai desert experience, you’re not alone. We’ll help you navigate the cultural customs and weather conditions with our Dubai desert safari outfit ideas.
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Recommended Dress Code According to Season
The Dubai desert offers a unique experience across different times of the year. Preparing for your adventure means dressing appropriately for the weather, ensuring both comfort and protection. Here’s how to dress for sandboarding in Dubai, according to the season.
Summer Clothes to Wear in Dubai Desert
Braving the Dubai desert in summer means preparing for intense heat, with daytime temperatures climbing high. It’s crucial to choose lightweight, breathable clothing. Cotton t-shirts and loose cotton trousers are perfect as they offer both comfort and protection. These fabrics, including cotton or linen, are ideal for long-sleeve shirts and long pants, shielding your skin from the sun’s rays. While the heat might tempt you towards shorts and tank tops, it’s wise to resist as such choices leave you vulnerable to sunburn and sand abrasions.
- Pair of Desert Boots: Opt for closed-toe, breathable shoes. The desert sand heats up significantly, so your footwear must offer adequate protection.
- Headgear: A wide-brimmed hat or a lightweight scarf provides essential shade and shields you from direct sunlight.
- Eye Protection: Don’t forget UV-protected sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from the harsh glare and airborne sand particles.
- Sunscreen: An absolute must-have. Use a high-SPF sunscreen liberally on all exposed areas and reapply regularly to prevent sunburn.
- Lip Balms: The desert air can be dry. Keep your lips moisturized and protected from the sun with a good SPF lip balm to prevent chapping.
- Wet Wipes: A practical and refreshing way to keep clean and cool. Wet wipes can be a lifesaver for wiping off sand, sunscreen reapplication, or just to freshen up during your desert adventure.
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Dubai Desert Outfit During Winter
Winter in Dubai offers milder temperatures, making it a perfect time for desert adventures. Dressing in layers is key, as it can be warm during the day but significantly cooler in the evening.
- Base Layer: Start with a breathable, moisture-wicking base layer to keep you dry.
- Insulation Layer: Add a fleece or a lightweight insulated jacket that you can remove if it gets warmer.
- Outer Layer: Consider a wind-resistant jacket to protect against the chilly desert breeze.
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes remain the best option. Consider thicker socks for added warmth during colder mornings or evenings.
- Accessories: Don’t forget gloves and a beanie or ear muffs for added warmth, especially if you plan to be out around sunset.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in the Dubai desert is characterized by moderate temperatures, making it another ideal season for outdoor activities. The weather can still vary, with warmer mid-days and cooler mornings and evenings.
- Clothing: Opt for light layers that you can adjust throughout the day. A light, long-sleeved shirt and trousers will protect you from the sun while keeping you cool.
- Footwear: As always, closed-toe, comfortable shoes work best for navigating the sand.
- Headgear: A lightweight hat or scarf can offer protection from the sun without causing overheating.
- Eye Protection: UV-protected sunglasses will help you navigate the desert landscape comfortably.
- Sunscreen: A high-SPF sunscreen is still necessary to protect against UV rays during spring.
Regardless of the season, staying hydrated is crucial in the desert. Carry ample water with you, and take regular breaks to drink, especially during the hotter parts of the day. Dressing appropriately for the season will enhance your experience, making it enjoyable and safe.
Factors to Consider
Don’t choose your outfit blindly. Here are some key factors:
- Weather conditions
- Cultural sensitivities
- Dubai desert activities
Weather conditions
Dubai has a hot desert climate. In summer, temperatures soar to average highs of over 100 °F (~40°C). However, the desert is sometimes cooler than the city, particularly in winter, as the skyscrapers and concrete absorb the sun’s heat.
As the day ends, the nighttime temperatures can drop by over 20 °F (~10°C). That means during the winter months, the desert temperature can go as low as 41°F (5°C).
You won’t need any kind of coat as the very definition of a desert means there’s little to no rain.
Cultural sensitivities
While the city is a cultural melting pot, it’s still an ostensibly Muslim country. There are no hard and fast rules about what to wear, but you should, at the very least, cover your shoulders and knees. Most of all, it’s important to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
Follow these guidelines to balance practicalities with the local culture:
- Strive to keep shoulders and knees covered.
- Refrain from exposing the midriff and cleavage.
- Avoid transparent or excessively tight clothing.
- If requested to cover up further, kindly comply without resistance.
Dubai desert activities
Our Dubai desert safari isn’t just a trip out into the desert. We invite our attendees to get involved in some of these activities:
- Buggy Ride: Experience the exhilaration as 4x4s navigate through rugged dunes. Wear loose clothing, comfortable closed-toed shoes, and eye protection.
- Camel Riding: A desert staple. Wear practical attire; shorts or trousers are preferred over skirts. Secure loose items.
- Sand Boarding: Expect a lot of sand! Wear closed-toe shoes; trousers are recommended over skirts or shorts.
- Spectacle de faucon: Experience the majestic desert bird up close. Stay calm, and don’t make sudden moves. It’s an ideal moment for photography.
- BBQ Dinner & Entertainment: Meals are typically on floor rugs. Dress for comfort and possible light dancing. Consider bringing a change of shirt and deodorant after desert activities.
Depending on your itinerary, you’ll want to ensure you’ve got the right clothes for the occasion. Shoes, in particular, can make or break an experience.
Accessories to Complete Your Desert Look
The desert’s vast beauty comes with its own set of challenges, including intense sun and shifting temperatures. The right accessories not only add to your aesthetic but serve practical purposes, ensuring you’re well-equipped to enjoy the adventure comfortably.
Wide-brimmed Hat
A wide-brimmed hat is an indispensable accessory for any desert safari. Here’s why it’s a must:
- Sun Protection: It provides extensive shade, protecting your face, ears, and neck from the harsh sun, reducing your risk of sunburn.
- Visibility: By shading your eyes, it improves visibility in the bright desert landscape, making navigation and sightseeing more enjoyable.
Tips: Select a hat that fits well to prevent it from blowing away in the desert wind. Hats with chin straps can be particularly useful in this environment.
Sunglasses
The importance of a good pair of sunglasses cannot be overstated in the desert, where the sun’s glare is magnified. Consider the following when choosing sunglasses:
- UV Protection: Ensure your sunglasses offer 100% UV protection to safeguard your eyes from harmful rays.
- Fit and Coverage: Opt for sunglasses that fit close to your face and cover the entire field of vision to prevent sunlight from entering.
Pashmina Shawl
A pashmina shawl is a versatile accessory that serves multiple purposes on a desert safari:
- Warmth: As temperatures drop in the evening, a pashmina shawl can provide warmth and comfort.
- Protection: During the day, it can be draped over your head and shoulders for additional protection against the sun.
Choose a shawl that’s lightweight yet warm, and consider carrying it in your daypack for easy access whenever you need it.
What color to wear during the desert tour?
Light-colored clothing, such as whites, beiges, or pastels, reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, like darker colors do. This reflection helps keep your body cooler under the intense sun that characterizes desert environments.
What to AVOID wearing on a Desert Safari in Dubai?
When planning for a desert safari in Dubai, knowing what not to wear is just as important as knowing the right items to pack. Here’s a list of things to avoid wearing to ensure your comfort, safety, and enjoyment during the adventure:
- Dark-Colored Clothing: Dark shades absorb more heat, making you feel hotter under the scorching desert sun.
- Heavy Fabrics: Avoid materials that don’t breathe well, like polyester or nylon, which can cause you to overheat.
- Tight Clothing: Tight apparel can restrict movement and airflow, reducing your comfort level.
- Flip-Flops or Open Sandals: These offer little protection against the hot sand and are not suitable for activities like sandboarding.
- High Heels: They are impractical for walking on sand and can be a safety hazard during activities.
- Expensive Jewelry or Watches: There’s a risk of losing valuable items or getting them damaged during outdoor activities.
- Heavy Makeup: It can melt and be uncomfortable in the heat. Opt for sunblock instead.
- Large, Bulky Bags: They can be cumbersome to carry and manage. A small backpack or crossbody bag is more practical.
- Fragile Sunglasses: The desert can be harsh on delicate items. Opt for durable, high-UV protection sunglasses.
- New Shoes: Avoid wearing them to prevent discomfort or blisters. Choose well-broken-in footwear for comfort.
Packing appropriately for a desert safari by avoiding these items can greatly enhance your experience, allowing you to focus on the beauty and excitement of the Dubai desert.
Closing Thoughts
Wondering what to wear on a Dubai desert safari to enhance your experience? Gear up for the most enchanting journey as you book the premier desert safari in Dubai with Go Trips DXB today! Make sure your attire is both comfortable and apt for the desert conditions as you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
