What to Wear in Dubai Desert Safari in 2026? Read This Before You Step Into the Sand

If​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you are thinking on what to wear in Dubai desert safari, just don’t think it too much. In case you wear something inappropriate, and the desert will heat you, cool you or cover you with dust. Therefore, this brief Dubai safari clothing guide is enough to understand the right and the wrong and the comfortable ways of dressing while still being able to take good pictures. Honest answers and no sugar ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌coating.

The Real Dubai Desert Safari Dress Code

Clothing​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ in Dubai might be of no concern to you, but the desert definitely cares. You need wear that allows air to pass through, shields you, and is not made of such material that sand will stick to it.

Essential non-negotiable items:

  • Light cotton or linen top
  • Loose trousers
  • Closed shoes
  • Sunglasses + scarf
  • A light jacket to keep you warm if the temperature drops during the night

This is the foundation of a well-planned desert safari outfit and by far the best clothes for desert safari Dubai in ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌2026.

Tops: Light, Loose, Sun Friendly

Don’t​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ wear heavy clothes. Use cotton t-shirts, linen shirts, or breathable sportswear. Long sleeves will protect your skin from the sun and keep you cool.
Feeling of polyester in the desert is very uncomfortable, as if you are being punished. Just avoid ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌it.

Bottoms: Anything But Jeans

Jeans​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ are bad for the heat and sand situation. You can wear joggers, cotton trousers, or leggings. Shorts are okay, but long pants will be better for dune bashing and quad biking.
Just don’t think of a thick ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌denim.

Footwear: Closed Shoes Only

Sneakers​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ will always be the best choice. Sandals, and especially flip-flops, will make your day miserable in no time.
Closed shoes mean that you will have a better grip, better protection, and you won’t sweat as much.

Evening Layer: Bring It Or Freeze

The desert temperature drops significantly in the evening. A light jacket or hoodie will be enough, but you’ll definitely regret not taking it if you decide to leave it at home.

Essential​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Accessories
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap
  • Scarf/shemagh for sand
  • Sunscreen
  • Small bag

These little things make your whole desert outfit better and can be considered suitable clothing for a desert safari.

What Not to Wear

Heavy, tight, or flowy type of clothing should be avoided:

  • Jeans
  • High heels
  • Long skirts
  • Leather ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌jackets

Quad​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Biking & Dune Buggy Riders: Extra Rules

How to dress if you are on ATVs or buggies:

  • Closed shoes
  • Long sleeves
  • Long pants
  • Scarf for face protection

Losing dresses or hanging accessories are very unsafe near engines. So, keep it tight and controlled.

Desert Safari Quick Checklist of What to Wear (2026)

  • Light, breathable top
  • Loose long pants
  • Shocked shoes
  • Sunglasses + scarf
  • Light jacket
  • Zero heavy ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌fabrics
  • Zero long flowy outfits