Desert Safari Dress Code in Abu Dhabi: A Complete Guide to Comfort and Cultural Respect

Bruises, sunburns, and scratches on your arms and legs. Definitely not the kind of souvenirs you want to bring from your dream trip. For someone who is totally unprepared and is wearing unsuitable clothing, this adventure beloved by so many tourists can turn into a nightmare. No worries, we are here to warn and instruct you on what to wear on a desert safari in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Following our tips, you will still look stylish and nice in your pictures, yet fully protected and feeling comfortable. Importantly, you will get some tips on how to dress with respect to the local culture. So, let’s get started.

Climate – the first thing that determines your choice

You are anticipating your trip to Arabia and packing your suitcase while checking the weather forecast for the next two weeks. Be ready to see temperatures that you may probably have never seen before in your life. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are located in the Arabian Peninsula known for its arid and hot climate. In fact, there are no clear season distinctions like in other regions. The weather can be described as hot, hotter and unbearably hot. What is more, during summer months, the humidity levels could reach almost 93% while the temperature can go up to as high as 50°C. Just imagine this combination: you can hardly stay outside for longer than 3 minutes. The hottest time is between June and September and the mildest weather is observed between December and February. So choose your trip accordingly. 

With this in mind, we can outline the first recommendation for your safari dress code – keep your outfit light and bright. Choose breathable clothing made of natural materials like linen, silk, or cotton. Try to avoid synthetics and thick materials like jeans. Let’s discuss this in more detail below. 

What fabrics to choose and what to avoid?

When it comes to choosing clothes for a desert safari in Abu Dhabi, think of it as a strategic fashion game. You’ll need layers you can peel off or pile on depending on the mood of the weather. This will allow you to stay cool, comfy, and stylish while avoiding looking like a sweaty mess. Here’s the breakdown of the materials you should and shouldn't be considering: 

Fabrics That Will Be Your Best Friends

• Cotton: The superhero of desert dressing. Soft, natural, and a moisture-absorbing champ, cotton will keep you feeling fresh and cool. It’s also super easy to wash and dry (because let’s face it, desert dust is inevitable). Plus, with so many colors and styles, you can find something that screams “adventure chic.”
• Linen: Linen is like cotton’s cooler cousin. It’s lightweight, breathable, and practically a desert pro at keeping your body temperature regulated. What is more, it’s dirt-resistant and durable, so you won’t look like you rolled down a sand dune (even if you did). Plus, linen has that effortless “I’m stylish without even trying” vibe.
• Silk: Feeling fancy? Bring in the silk. Not only is it smooth and luxurious, but it’s also surprisingly practical. It keeps you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s chilly. Plus, silk adds a touch of glamour to your outfit—because who says desert safari outfits can’t have a little red carpet energy?

Fabrics You’ll Regret Wearing

• Polyester: Oh, no please avoid it. It traps heat, sticks to your skin, and basically turns you into a walking sauna. Add static cling and wrinkles to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
• Denim: Denim may be rugged and cool, but not in the desert. It’s heavy, stiff, and about as breathable as a plastic bag. Plus, it takes forever to dry, so one splash of water and you’re doomed. Save the jeans for your post-safari dinner.
• Wool: Unless you’re preparing for a snowstorm in the Sahara (unlikely), leave the wool at home. It’s bulky, itchy, and way too warm for desert temperatures. Plus, who wants to lug around a suitcase full of winter gear in the middle of the desert?

Now you’ll think twice before tossing your favorite jeans into your suitcase, won’t you?

Outfits that work best for desert safari in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Below we will talk about the sets of clothes that are most suitable as a dress code for a desert safari in abu dhabi. 

The general advice for both men and women sounds like this: long sleeves and lightweight long trousers are your best and universal choice for several reasons. They will keep you protected from the sun and will keep you warm when the temperature drops at night. It’s very simple and almost everyone has a pair of long pants and a basic shirt for outdoors. Of course, there can be variations and different styling, but we suggest you take this as a core set of your outfit. 

Now let's put together an outfit that keeps you cooled, comfortable, and looking sharp: 

For the Ladies:

• Wide-leg culottes or long linen pants – breezy and perfect for the desert heat.
• Beige top with a cotton white shirt – light, breathable, and effortlessly stylish.
• Fancy leather belt – adds a polished touch to the outfit.
• Sneakers or summer sandals – comfy enough for walking on sand without regrets.

For the Guys:

• Khaki linen shirt with pockets or a checked shirt– breathable, stylish, and practical.
• Lightweight trousers – because nobody wants sunburned legs.
• Waist bag – keep your essentials handy without stuffing your pockets.
• Light boots or sneakers – something sturdy for walking on sand.

What about a lovely dress? – girls may ask. Sure, you can take one with you to change there for a photoshoot. Yet, it's better to avoid wearing long dresses on a desert safari ride. Loose fitting parts can be dangerous as they can get stuck in the vehicle, get caught on things, or flap wildly in the wind during the ride, especially if you are on a quad bike tour. 

Some of you may wonder why shorts, the most popular summer clothes, are missing from the list. While shorts are great for hot weather, you’d better avoid wearing them on a safari ride because they leave your legs exposed to sunburn and scratches. At least, opt for knee-length models—anything shorter might leave you wishing you hadn’t.

As surprising as it may sound, the desert can get pretty chilly in the evenings, especially in winter. So, if you are wondering what to wear on a desert safari during the winter, grab a poncho or a hoody with you. Remember we talked about layers? That’s where they step in. You will feel much more comfortable and cozy, sitting by the evening fire, watching the show while wrapped up in your soft shawl or a warm hoodie. 

What about shoes?

If flip-flops and fancy sandals are the first foot wear that comes to your mind when you picture sandy dunes and heat, forget about it. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and probably a camel ride, so these shoes are more likely to slip off, fill with sand, or leave your feet unprotected from the heat. From the experience of many travelers, light boots, hiking shoes or a pair of comfortable sneakers are the best way to go. Closed-toe shoes will protect your feet and ensure sand won’t stick to them. Additionally, you will feel more stability and balance when walking in the sand. 

Besides sneakers, sturdy safari sandals with adjustable straps can also be a good option. They provide breathability while keeping your feet secure, making them a comfortable alternative for walking on sand without worrying about them slipping off.

We hope it goes without saying that any high-heeled shoes must be avoided during your safari trip. Save them for a fancy place with a solid surface, something both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have no shortage of.

Cultural aspect – the second thing to consider

As most of you know, the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country with a certain dress code. The region is highly multicultural and tourist-oriented, with respect to diversity and freedom. At the same time, the country expects visitors to be respectful to its traditions and religion. No one will force you to wear abayas and be covered from head to toe, but following some basic etiquette and dressing modestly will help you stay in line with cultural norms and be respectful. 

The general guidelines are the following: avoid wearing tight clothes that expose your body. Something too short may also be viewed as inappropriate. Short skirts and dresses, tops with low-cuts should also be avoided. Swimwear in public places is a strict no.  

In the context of a desert safari, all the clothes discussed above would be inappropriate in both cultural and practical sense, so you would probably leave it in your hotel room anyway.

Accessories to add

Going to a desert poorly equipped is a bad idea. Remember that it is a wild place with no shops around to buy you some water and other essentials. Apart from the right outfit you need to think of some useful accessories and add-ons to make your trip even more convenient and safe.

First and foremost – water. With a guided tour, you'll probably have some water included but it’s always a good idea to bring an extra bottle with you. Staying hydrated is important even if part of your trip is spent in a 4x4 crossover. The desert air is extremely dry, and you might not even realize how quickly you're losing moisture.

Make sure you wear a hat or a scarf to cover your head and protect yourself from sunstroke. It will also shield your face from the wind which often carries sand with it.

To look cool in your pictures, wear a pair of sunglasses. Of course, they are not just for your style but mainly for protecting your eyes from harsh sunrays. You don't want to miss those picturesque sceneries while squinting at the sun the whole time.

Your skin needs protection too, so a good sunscreen with SPF 50 is a must. In the desert, UV rays are especially intense, so make sure to apply it generously. A lip balm with SPF is also a smart addition to keep your lips from drying out in the heat and wind.

For your safety and the comfort of other fellow travellers, avoid wearing sharp or pointy accessories. Things can get pretty bumpy on the dunes, and you don’t want to accidentally hurt someone.

Think of a backpack or other sturdy bag to carry everything you might need on the trip: wet wipes, a warm layer for the evening, a bottle of water and other personal belongings that may come in handy.

Some extra tips for safari activities

Your desert safari in Abu Dhabi or Dubai will most likely include a mix of different activities. 

It usually starts with a dune ride on a 4X4 crossover. Most of the time, the program also includes camel riding, something that you don't do everyday. So you might be wondering what to wear for this occasion. Women should avoid skirts, dresses, and tunics, as they can be inconvenient and impractical. Shorts aren’t the best choice either. The best options are light leggings for women and longer-length shorts or breeches for men. If you need to bring personal items, it's best to pack them in a backpack rather than a handbag for convenience.

In case you will be doing some sandboarding, think of dressing as if you're going for a workout. Wear breathable, lightweight fabrics that aren’t too loose, so they don’t get in the way while moving. Choose comfortable footwear like sneakers or sports shoes, and don’t forget sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

After such an action-packed day, you will finally have some time to relax during the traditional dinner and evening show. Many assume that desert nights are as hot as the daytime, but that's not the case. As soon as the sun sets, the heat disappears, the wind picks up, and temperatures drop. We’ve mentioned it before and we’ll repeat it again – don’t forget to pack warm clothes. A light jacket won’t take up much space but will make a difference when the night gets chilly.

If your trip involves an overnight stay, you will need a bit more clothing. Grab thick socks and some thermal underwear for extra warmth inside the tent. The overnight stay usually happens in a Bedouin-style camp, where the stone-built shelters provide warmth. However, you’ll need warm clothes for dinner and late-night gatherings by the campfire.

With the right outfit, you’ll stay comfortable and fully enjoy every part of your desert adventure.

Bottom Line

We hope our tips help you make the most of your desert adventure! Now that you’re all set for a desert safari in Abu Dhabi, let’s do a quick recap:

• Wear natural materials
• Choose long pants and long-sleeved shirts 
• Apply sunscreen with at least 30SPF 
• Cover your head
• Wear sunglasses
• Opt for shoes with a closed toe

 Have lot’s of fun and see you in the dunes!