Planning a desert safari Dubai? Nice. You’re in for something pretty special. There’s just something about the desert—miles of golden sand, total silence, and skies that turn pastel as the sun sets. It doesn’t feel real until you’re there.
But here’s the thing: if you don’t wear the right stuff or pack smart, it can get… let’s say, uncomfortable fast. Sweaty shoes, sunburned skin, sand everywhere—you get the idea. So before you jump into that 4×4, or get too excited about dune bashing and camel rides, take a breath. This guide’s here to help.
We’re not here to tell you what looks best on Instagram. This is about feeling good. Moving freely. Staying cool. And enjoying every bit of the ride. Because the desert doesn’t care how stylish you look—it just wants you to show up ready.
First, Think About the Weather
Dubai is hot. We all know that. But the desert can surprise you. During the day, it’s warm—sometimes blazing hot. At night? It cools down fast. If you’re doing an evening desert safari Dubai, expect both sunshine and a bit of a chill after sunset.
Also, sand gets everywhere. Into your shoes. Into your clothes. Sometimes your mouth if you’re laughing with your head back on a windy day. So whatever you wear or carry should help you stay cool, covered, and comfortable.
What to Wear on a Desert Safari in Dubai
Let’s go step-by-step. This isn’t a runway show, but comfort can still look great.
1. Light, Breathable Clothing
Go for loose, airy clothes. Think cotton or linen. These fabrics let your skin breathe and don’t stick when you sweat.
- For women: A flowy top with cotton pants or leggings works well. Long skirts are okay, but avoid ones that drag in the sand.
- For men: A short-sleeved t-shirt or a breathable long-sleeve shirt with cargo pants or joggers is a good idea.
Avoid anything too tight. Or too short. The desert sun is strong. Sleeveless tops might seem like a good idea, but long sleeves actually protect you from sunburn and sand.
2. Comfortable Shoes (Not Fancy Ones)
You’ll be walking on sand. Lots of it. So, what should you wear on your feet?
- Closed-toe shoes like sneakers are fine.
- Sports sandals with straps also work well.
- Flip-flops? Maybe for the car ride, but not ideal for walking through dunes.
Tip: Don’t wear your favourite white shoes. Sand will get inside and change their colour forever. I wore white sneakers once—big mistake. Took weeks to clean.
3. Sunglasses
This one’s a must. The sun in the desert is no joke, and the glare from the sand makes it worse. Choose UV-protected sunglasses. Not just for the style, but to actually protect your eyes. Also—wraparound styles work better. Regular ones let sand in from the sides if it’s windy.
4. Hat or Scarf
The sun hits hard from above. A wide-brimmed hat gives your face, neck, and ears a break from direct sunlight. No hat? A light cotton scarf does wonders. You can wrap it around your head, neck, or even use it as a face cover if it gets dusty.
I once forgot to pack one. Ended up tying a spare t-shirt around my head like a bandit. It worked—but it looked odd in photos.
What to Pack for a Desert Safari in Dubai
Clothes are one part of it. The other is what you bring along. You won’t need a huge bag, but a few things can really help you enjoy the trip.
Here’s a handy list of what to pack:
1. Small Backpack or Crossbody Bag
Leave your big purse or heavy backpack behind. You won’t need much, and you’ll thank yourself later for going light. A small sling or crossbody bag that zips up is perfect. Keeps your things safe and sand-free.
2. Sunscreen
Evening safaris start mid-afternoon, and the sun can still burn your skin. Go for SPF 30 or higher. Apply it before you leave, and keep a small bottle to reapply if needed. I once skipped sunscreen thinking the sun was soft. Came back with a forehead that looked like it was glowing—in a bad way.
3. Wet Wipes or Face Mist
Sand sticks to sweaty skin. You’ll feel sticky. Tired. Wipes save the day. A small pack of wet wipes or a face mist can help freshen up before dinner or after dune bashing. If you’re wearing makeup, don’t expect it to last. A face mist will help keep it together—or just skip makeup altogether.
4. Lip Balm
Dry air = dry lips. Simple. Carry a lip balm with SPF if you can. Your lips will thank you.
5. Portable Charger
Phones drain fast when you’re clicking a hundred sunset pictures or videos of quad biking. A small power bank ensures your phone doesn’t die just when you’re trying to record the fire show or call your driver.
6. Camera (If You’re Into Photography)
While phones are great, the desert has moments where a real camera can do better—like low light shots at sunset or the fire show at night. If you’re carrying one, don’t forget extra batteries or a lens cloth. Sand is sneaky.
7. Water Bottle
Most tours offer bottled water, but it’s still smart to carry one—especially if you get thirsty often. Reusable bottles with good insulation work best. I always carry a cold one with lemon slices. Feels fancy. Works great.
Optional Items You Might Want to Consider
These aren’t must-haves, but depending on your comfort, they might help.
- Change of clothes – If you’re doing sandboarding or get dusty, you might want to switch.
- A light jacket – Desert evenings can feel chilly. Especially in winter.
- Travel pillow – Some people nap on the ride back. It’s bumpy. A small pillow helps.
- Snacks – Just something small. Dates, nuts, energy bars. Most tours serve dinner, but it’s later in the evening.
What You Don’t Need to Bring
Now, a few things you should probably leave at home:
- Jewellery – It can get hot, sticky, or lost in the sand.
- Heels or dress shoes – The desert isn’t the place.
- Heavy makeup – It’ll melt. Go for sunscreen and lip balm, maybe a light tint.
- Fancy clothes – You’re not walking into a hotel lobby. You’ll be sitting on carpets, walking on sand, maybe even rolling around in it.
What to Expect During a Typical Desert Safari
Just in case it’s your first time, here’s how a typical desert safari Dubai usually goes:
Afternoon Pick-Up
A 4×4 picks you up from your hotel or meeting point. You drive toward the desert—usually takes 45 minutes or so.
Dune Bashing
Now it gets fun. The vehicle zooms up and down the sand dunes. It’s bumpy. It’s wild. Some love it. Some scream the whole time. If you get motion sickness, eat light before and sit in the front.
Camel Rides, Sandboarding & Quad Biking
There’s usually a short camel ride included. Some camps offer sandboarding or quad biking for an extra cost. It’s worth trying at least one. I did sandboarding once—slid halfway, fell, laughed. No regrets.
Sunset Photos
Don’t miss this. The desert at sunset is unreal. Soft golden light. Orange skies. Perfect for pictures—or just standing still and soaking it all in.
Evening Camp
Then you reach the camp. There’s tea, snacks, shisha (optional), henna art, and sometimes even falcon photography. As the sun sets, performances begin—belly dancing, Tanoura shows, and fire acts. It ends with a buffet dinner under the stars. Then it’s back to your hotel.
What Not to Expect (So You’re Not Surprised)
Let’s set the right expectations. A desert safari in Dubai is exciting, but it’s not luxury travel. Don’t expect spotless restrooms or five-star dining in the middle of sand dunes. Camps are designed to feel traditional and earthy—more “authentic Arabian night” than high-end resort.
Also, be ready for a little dust on everything. It’s the desert. Even your dinner might come with a sprinkle of sand if it’s windy.
There can be waiting time too—before the shows start or while others take turns on camels. It’s normal. Just relax, enjoy the setting, and maybe sip on some Arabic coffee. And remember, mobile signal might be weak. So take it as a break from screens. Just be present. That’s kind of the whole point.
Final Tips to Make the Most of It
- Hydrate, but don’t overdo it before dune bashing.
- Go with the flow—sometimes things aren’t perfect. A little sand in your shoes won’t ruin the day.
- Ask your guide questions. Most love sharing stories about the desert.
- Respect the culture. Wear modest clothes if unsure. Avoid public display of affection in the camp.
- Soak it in. Don’t just click pics. Look around. Listen. Feel the breeze. The desert has a quiet magic of its own.
Conclusion
A desert safari Dubai is more than a checklist of activities. It’s an experience. Something that stays with you—because of the views, the energy, the stillness, and yes, the sand in your shoes.
If you dress smart and pack light, you’ll enjoy it fully. You’ll laugh harder during the dune rides. You’ll sit more comfortably during the camp. You’ll move easier, sweat less, and worry less about what’s in your bag or on your feet.
So wear what lets you breathe. Pack what helps you feel good. And leave space for the fun. Because the desert doesn’t care how stylish you look. It just wants you to enjoy the ride.