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.
What to Wear in Dubai Desert Safari
Never been to the desert before? It’s vast, beautiful, and unyielding. You’ve never experienced the sun’s heat until you’ve stood in the Dubai desert. Like heading into any other extreme climate – think rainforests or snow-capped mountains – you’ve got to wear the right clothes.
You wouldn’t go skiing in jeans and a jumper. Nor would you hike a mountain without the right equipment.
There are a few things to consider:
- You won’t be able to change all the time.
- Sand is everywhere
- The desert is sweltering during the day and cool at night
- There are tons of desert activities in Dubai
Your desert safari outfits should factor in all these aspects. You’ll want to wear something cool, versatile, and comfortable. Just keep in mind modesty and cultural sensitivity.
Factors to Consider
Don’t choose your outfit blindly. Here are some key factors:
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.
- Falcon Show: 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.
5 Tips for Dubai Desert Safari Outfit Ideas
1. Go Traditional
Take a leaf out of the local Bedouin dress. Loose, lightweight fabrics are common in the regional culture. Often in white or light colors, they’ve evolved over centuries to help locals cope with the summer sun. Cotton or linen clothing is usually best – and you can also opt for a head shawl to protect your head and neck.
2. Comfortable, Close-Toed Shoes
Summer doesn’t mean sandals – at least not in the desert. A reliable pair of comfortable sneakers should form the foundation of every Dubai desert safari outfit idea. They’ll protect your feet from the sand whether you’re on dune buggies or sand surfing.
3. Hat and Sunglasses
Your head is the first to be hit by the sun. Bringing a trusty hat, sunglasses, or a light shawl will shield your most vulnerable region, decreasing the risk of heat stroke and protecting your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays. Just keep them secure as you ride the dunes or have a bash at dune buggies.
4. Light Colors
White reflects the sun’s rays. There’s a reason why most local clothes involve light colors – they keep you cool. Opt for whites, creams, light blues, and other pastel shades. Avoid black at all costs. It will absorb the heat and become extremely hot if left in the sun.
5. Long-Sleeved Tops and Trousers
Not got any long, flowing clothing? If in doubt, a long-sleeved top and a sensible pair of lightweight trousers is the best option. Doing so helps meet the modesty standards while ensuring you don’t drown in sweat. It’s also the best clothing for all the Dubai desert safari activities.
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.
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