What to Wear on a Desert Safari in Dubai: Complete Packing Checklist
- Wear loose, breathable clothing in cotton or linen that covers shoulders and knees.
- Choose sandals or trainers you do not mind filling with sand — you will take them off for sandboarding anyway.
- Bring sunglasses, a hat or scarf, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
- From November to March pack a light jacket for the evening; overnight guests need a warm layer.
After thousands of camp nights, our team can spot a first-timer by their shoes. White trainers come home orange; heels sink straight into the sand. Here is what actually works in the Lahbab Red Dunes, season by season.
Clothing: comfort and respect
The UAE is relaxed about tourist dress, and the desert camp is informal. That said, modest, loose clothing is both more comfortable in the heat and appropriate for a Bedouin-style camp.
- Tops: T-shirts or long-sleeve linen shirts. Long sleeves protect from sun and sand.
- Bottoms: Light trousers, cargo pants, maxi skirts or knee-length shorts.
- Colours: Mid tones hide red sand dust better than white. Bright colours look fantastic against the dunes in photos.
- Avoid: Very short shorts or see-through fabrics, and anything you would be upset to get sandy.
Footwear
Sand gets everywhere. The best options are sports sandals with straps, slip-on trainers, or flip-flops you carry while walking barefoot. Avoid heels, expensive suede and brand-new white shoes. For quad biking and dune buggy rides, closed shoes are required.
What to wear by safari type
Evening desert safari
For the evening safari, dress for warm afternoon dunes and a cooler camp after sunset. In winter, a light jacket or pashmina is enough for most people.
Morning desert safari
The morning safari gets hot quickly. Prioritise sun protection — hat, sunglasses, long sleeves — and sunscreen applied before pickup.
Overnight desert safari
Desert nights from December to February can feel cold. Pack a fleece or hoodie, long trousers, socks and a change of clothes. Bedding is provided on the overnight safari, but a warm layer makes sunrise far more enjoyable.
Buggy or quad bike add-on
Long trousers, closed shoes and a scarf or buff for your face. Helmets and goggles are provided; bringing your own sunglasses helps with glare.
Desert safari packing checklist
- Sunglasses
- Hat, cap or scarf (a scarf doubles as a sand mask on windy days)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm
- Refillable water bottle
- Phone with charged battery, plus a power bank
- Small zip-lock bag to protect your phone from sand
- Light jacket (November–March)
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
- Motion-sickness tablets if you need them
- Some cash for optional extras at camp
What not to bring
- Expensive jewellery or watches — easy to lose in sand.
- Large bags; space in the 4×4 is shared.
- Drones — flying them requires permits in the UAE.
- Glass bottles.
Camera tips from our photo-stop regulars
Keep your phone in a zip-lock bag during dune bashing, and only take it out at the photo stop. Fine sand can scratch lenses, so wipe with a microfibre cloth rather than your sleeve. For the best light, shoot towards the sun just before sunset with the dune ridge as a silhouette.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for a desert safari in Dubai?
Loose, breathable clothes that cover shoulders and knees, sandals or trainers you do not mind getting sandy, sunglasses and a hat. Add a light jacket in winter evenings.
Can I wear shorts on a desert safari?
Yes, knee-length shorts are fine. For quad bikes and dune buggies, long trousers are more comfortable and protect against sand.
Is there a dress code at the desert camp?
There is no strict dress code, but modest, comfortable clothing is respectful and practical for the Bedouin-style camp.
Do I need a jacket for the desert safari?
From November to March, yes u2014 a light jacket for evening safaris and a warm layer for overnight safaris. In summer you will not need one.
What shoes are best for sand dunes?
Strapped sports sandals or slip-on trainers. Many guests walk barefoot on the dunes in the cooler months.
Planning your desert day? Message our team for today’s availability and pickup time from your hotel.
WhatsApp to bookCall +971 55 450 8825
