The fascinating golden dunes are an integral part of Dubai’s culture and traditions. The desert safari provides a great opportunity to explore the heart of the grand dunes, exotic desert wildlife, unique experiences, and high-octane adventures. As you look to indulge in the perfect desert expedition, we bring you the right dress code for a desert safari in Dubai that you should follow.
Parameters to consider when finalizing your outfit for the desert safari
It is essential to first understand the obstacles that desert surroundings provide. There are some factors to consider when planning your trip through the desert.
Weather and Climatic Conditions
Deserts are well-known for their significant temperature changes. The temperature may reach to scorching heights during the day and drop to freezing lows at night. Dressing in layers is vital for adapting to these changes.
Dune Buggy Dubai
Dubai's Dunes Await Your Dune Buggy Ride
The desert weather is harsh and unforgiving, mainly during the day, and is just the opposite at night. When you are finalizing your outfit, it is necessary to consider which time of the day you want to go on a desert safari. Humidity, wind speed, and climatic conditions play a key role. If light and breathable attire is required during the day, warm and cosy clothes are apt for the night. The desert sun may be harsh, and UV radiation levels are high. It is critical to protect your skin and eyes from sunburn and injury. Choosing sun-safe clothing and accessories is vital. Fine sand and dust are prevalent in desert environments and can get into every nook and cranny, including your clothes. Opt for clothing that helps keep these irritants at bay. Desert weather can be unpredictable. Dust storms, sudden rain, and strong winds are all possibilities. Be prepared for anything.
Colors
It is suggestive to put on light pastel shades that works wonders to reflect sunlight and keeps the body temperature cooler over darker shades which absorb heat. Lighter hues feel cooler on the skin which means utmost comfort in scorching desert climate. Incorporating beige, white, or any light color will blend amicably with the milieu and at the same time uphold style.
Cultural Sensitivity
Even though Dubai is a modern metropolis, it still maintains the essence and charm of its glorious past, culture, and traditions. Maintaining cultural sensitivity and respecting the local culture, especially the dress code for women, is an absolute must. Avoid wearing revealing or transparent clothes. Prefer to cover your shoulders and knees.
Different Types of Indulgence
The desert safari Dubai offers different adventures and activities as part of its indulgence. For participating in sport adventures such as camel riding, sandboarding, or desert camping activities during the evening desert safari, you should dress modestly and smartly so that it does not interrupt your fun ventures. For example, wear comfortable and shoes or sandals that have a good grip and keeps your feet cool while providing adequate protection from the sand, grit, and rock. The question is what to wear for desert safari activities? In case of Dune bashing free-flowing attires like sarees or skirts are a big NO. It is suggestive to wear attires which stay on place. In case of camel riding wear shorts and pants over skirts and dresses. For sandboarding shorts as well as free-flowing attires are indeed best paired with comfortable footwear. Girls are suggested to tie their hair. Here sports-wear is ideal. In case of Quad Biking, sporty attires are best. For girls, short skirts, open hair, and heels are a big NO. During a BBQ dinner it is ideal to don loose pants complimented with t-shirts/shirts and flip flops.
Essentials to Consider for Your Desert Safari Outfit
The desert environment is dusty, rough, and harsh for travellers. Whenever you are indulging in a unique experience such as the Dubai desert safari, you should always consider your comfort and safety from the sun’s rays and be ready for the changes in weather and temperature in the harsh and rough desert terrain.
Fabric of the Clothing
Always wear light and breathable natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Loose-fitting clothes are comfortable and keep you cool all through the day. Lightweight and breathable natural fabrics help regulate body temperature, which is essential in a hot and relentless environment such as the desert. Your attire should be comfortable and give you the much-needed flexibility while navigating the sandy terrain.
Long-Sleeved Shirts, T-Shirts and Pants
Long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts, along with full-sleeve pants, are ideal for the safari day trip, as they will shield you from the hot sun rays and also keep you cosy and warm during the nights. In addition, these clothes are breathable and lightweight, and protect you from sunburns while being out in the desert. It is better to avoid wearing jeans for your desert excursion, as you can feel uncomfortable in them. You must choose to wear light weight trousers or shorts. Trousers are convenient if you plan to participate in sand activities such as, sandboarding, dune bashing, camel riding, etc.
Light Weight Jacket
A light weight breathable jacket is essential to carry for your desert safari trip. Choose the one that offers protection against the wind and dust, while allowing ventilation.
Invest in a Nice Set of Sunscreen, Shades, and a Hat
As you must have realized by now, the sun in the desert is relentless and unforgiving, especially during the daytime. Hence, you must take appropriate measures to safeguard your eyes and skin by using a good pair of shades and a good SPF-rated sunscreen. Taking the right precautions is essential to safeguard yourself from the blazing rays of the sun. The relentless sun rays can cause discomfort to your eyes and skin during the journey, especially when travelling during the afternoons or early evenings. In addition to this, wearing a hat can also help in keeping your head cool during the desert expedition.
Sturdy and Comfortable Footwear
It is not only comfortable clothes that matter but the right footwear too is equally crucial to keep injured feet and blisters away. Don shoes that give sufficient guard against prickly rocks as well as burning sand and simultaneously keep the feet fresh. Wear shoes that are idyllic to walk in uneven/sandy terrains. In fact closed-toe shoes work wonders in defending the feet against tan as well as desert creatures. Desert boots are also a smart choice. Light hiking footwear or even sandals can be worn but with proper grip to avert slipping. During camel rides put on shoes which do not easily fall off.
This fabric will serve as your trusted desert buddy, as it multitasks well, shielding your face and neck and helping to keep the desert dust away from your skin. Coughing and sneezing while inhaling the dust is something that you can be totally avoided with this head cover. In addition, you can also shield yourself from the blazing sun’s rays.
Essential Accessories
You should think about bringing a few extra items with you on your desert safari excursion. If you want to see exotic wildlife, flora and fauna, a decent set of binoculars might be quite helpful. Lip balm, a lightweight bag to hold water, medications, food and other necessities, and a deodorant to help you keep fresh throughout your safari.
Desert Safari Outfit – Men & Women
The desert safari outfit for men entails,
- An idyllic combo of khaki linen shirts, pants, boots & waist bag
- Checked shirt & pants complemented with sneakers and sunglasses
- Another smart desert safari outfit for malecomprise Capri pants, white t shirt, flip flops and safari hat
The desert safari outfit for men entails,
- For ultimate comfort women can put on wide leg culottes, light shade top, flip flops, and complemented with a belt and birch bag.
- Another smart combination of desert safari outfit for femalewill be pants with tank top, sneakers & silk scarf.
- Women can also try cotton shirt paired with belted long trousers, desert boots and glares
Besides traditional attires too are there for men and women, for men it is kandurah, gutra, shemagh, agal, and bisht while for women it is abaya, Sheila, jalaabiya, and burqa.
Dubai Desert Safari Seasonal Attire
Dubai Desert Safari Dress Code in Winter
For a desert safari winter season is prime, spanning November-February. Put on layers as the temperature gets cool. Jeans, cardigans/light jacket, hats, socks, ear protection, scarf, face cream, and lip balm will act as a shield against winter dryness and breeze.
Desert Safari Outfit in Summer
Dubai summers spanning April-September are sweltering and humid. So put on fabrics that are breathable, loose, and lightweight, preferably those of cotton. Dab some sun lotion to keep UV rays at bay.
Desert Safari Clothing in Spring
Dubai spring spanning March-May is pleasant and agreeable. Pack casual wear and also keep a jacket/light cardigan handy for cooler nights. Avoid layered clothing during a spring excursion in Dubai.
Desert Safari Attire in Autumn
Dubai autumn months a transition to November from September indicates a slight dip in temperature. Regardless of this, it is highly suggestive in donning lightweight clothes until winter knocks at the door.
What You Should Completely Avoid in your Outfit?
As you look forward to this thrilling desert expedition, you should also note what you should completely avoid in your outfit. Thereby, ensuring that your delightful desert journey goes off without a hiccup in terms of outfit.
Synthetic and Tight-Fitted Clothing
Avoid using synthetic and tight-fitted clothing during your desert safari journey. The flexibility and breathability factor of your outfit is very important when moving through the harsh desert terrain. Tight-fitted clothes retain and trap the sweat, and expose your skin to heat, which can eventually lead to extreme heat-related issues.
Dark Coloured Outfit
Dark colours absorb more heat, eventually heating your body in many ways. When you are in the middle of the hot sun’s rays and the harsh desert terrain, you need your body to stay cool so that your body temperature remains regulated.
Heavy Accessories or Fancy Jewellery
If you have a habit of wearing heavy accessories or fancy jewellery, we recommend leaving them at your hotel. Accessories or jewellery are quite delicate, and considering the ups and downs you will face in your desert journey, avoid them as much as possible. Accessories or jewellery can be easily damaged or lost in the rough sandy environment. You also do not want to garner unnecessary attention in an unknown desert territory. Your safety and comfort should be of paramount importance than your style statements.
Tips for Desert Safety
While your outfit is a crucial part of your desert safari preparations, there are other considerations to keep in mind for a safe and enjoyable experience:
Inform Others: Let someone know your plans and expected return time before heading into the desert. In case of emergencies, this information is invaluable.
Tools for Navigation: To help you navigate the desert environment and prevent getting lost, carry a map, compass, or GPS device.
First Aid Kit: Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and personal medications that you may need.
Respect Local Regulations: Ensure you know and adhere to any rules or permits required for desert exploration in your chosen location.
Staying hydrated: Desert environments can leave you dehydrated due to the high temperatures and dry air. Staying hydrated is essential to ensure your safety and comfort during a desert safari. Consider bringing electrolyte tablets or powder to add to your water. They can help replenish lost minerals through sweat.
Conclusion –
The desert safari is one of the most spectacular ways to explore the diverse desert landscape in Dubai. When planning this impeccable desert adventure, following the appropriate attire and quick hacks will be handy during your trip. When choosing specific clothing brands for your desert safari outfit, it is essential to look for those that prioritize quality, functionality, and durability. When going on a desert safari in Dubai, follow the appropriate dress code, enjoy the overall experience, and take back unforgettable moments from your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Are there any specific fabrics recommended for desert safari outfits?
Fabrics such as cotton and linen are best suited to wear on your desert safari tour.
2. What footwear is ideal for a desert safari?
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good ankle support are ideal for a desert safari. Boots or hiking
shoes protect your feet from the heat, sand, and any uneven terrain you may encounter.
3. How can I protect myself from the sand and wind during a desert safari?
Consider wearing a lightweight jacket or windbreaker to shield against sand and wind.
Goggles or sunglasses with side shields can protect your eyes, and a scarf or bandana can be
wrapped around your face to guard against blowing sand.
4. Are there any cultural considerations for desert safari attire?
Respect local customs by dressing modestly. Keep your shoulders and knees covered.
5. What are some additional tips for a successful desert safari outfit?
Dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Choose convertible
clothing that can be adjusted based on conditions. A wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap can
be practical in windy conditions. Always check for some specific requirements and
recommendations of your desert safari tour operator or local guides.