Heading out on a thrilling desert safari adventure in Dubai? If so, the first question that probably comes to mind is, What to Wear in Dubai Desert Safari? You’ll want to dress appropriately for this exciting excursion into the Arabian Desert. The desert climate can get extremely hot during the day and surprisingly chilly at night. Dressing in lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover your skin from the blazing sun yet provide warmth after dark is key. Are you ready to find out what to wear in a Dubai desert safari for a memorable safari adventure? Read on for tips on putting together the perfect desert-ready ensemble.
The Most Important Factor: Cover Up and Block the Sun
The Arabian Desert receives intense sunshine with UV indexes frequently off the charts. It’s important to protect your skin. Loose lightweight pants, a lightweight long-sleeve shirt or jacket, and closed-toe shoes are musts. Favor light cotton, linens, and moisture-wicking performance fabrics over heavy materials that could become stifling. Neutral tans, khakis, and lightweight denim are ideal choices.
Avoid flimsy synthetic fabrics that could tear on rugged terrain. Sturdy fabrics that won’t snag on truck seats are best. Ditch the short shorts, tank tops, flimsy dresses, and open-toe flimsy sandals. The desert is no place for flimsy fashion statements. Desert-worthy styles fully cover and protect. If you’ll be riding ATVs, dune bashing, or camel riding, wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty or dirty.
Choosing the Right Fabrics
Focus on natural fibers and fabrics when selecting attire for the desert. Materials like cotton, linen, wool, and silk will be the most comfortable in the hot, arid climate. They breathe well and soak up perspiration. Synthetics tend to get hot, clingy, and uncomfortable when you sweat.
Lightweight cottons in pops of color are fun yet practical for desert safaris. Try a breezy cotton maxi dress or loose cotton pants paired with a bright cotton tee. Linen pants and shirts keep you cool while providing durability and protection.
For extra warmth, merino wool is an excellent natural choice. It regulates body temperature in both hot and cold conditions. A lightweight merino cardigan, sweater, or shawl adds warmth after sunset without overheating you during the day. Fabric weight matters too. Heavier fabrics get bogged down in heat while sheer flimsy ones won’t hold up to the desert terrain. Lightweight to medium-weight natural fabrics around 4-9 oz offer the best blend of protection and comfort.
Shield Your Eyes, Head and Neck
Sunglasses are a necessity in the desert, ideally with UV protection and polarization to cut glare. Visors, hats with wide brims, or head scarves like traditional shemagh provide relief from the harsh rays. Drapey lightweight cotton scarves around the neck give protection without added warmth.
For Women: Pick Flowing Fabrics
Lightweight maxi dresses and skirts in breezy fabrics are perfect for desert safaris. Pair with a long-sleeved lightweight top for coverage and warmth when the sun goes down. Long flowy pants made of lightweight fabrics like rayon or linen paired with a cotton tee shirt on top work well too. For a more conservative dress, harem pants with a matching long tunic top are ideal. Leave short shorts and mini skirts behind and opt for ankle-length maxis.
For coverage when riding ATVs or dune bashing, wear leggings or yoga pants under your dress or long skirt. You’ll want your legs protected from flying sand. Bring a large cotton scarf or pashmina to use as an impromptu head covering if you need more protection from sand, wind, and sun.
For Men: Go Lightweight Too
Lightweight, light-colored linen or cotton pants are perfect for men, paired with long-sleeved cotton or moisture-wicking shirts. Neutral shirts that won’t show dirt will stay looking fresher longer. A versatile cotton utility jacket works for cooler evenings. Sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking shoes stand up to desert terrain better than flimsy footwear.
Leave the heavy jeans behind and opt for lighter harem pants if you prefer a loose fit. Shorts don’t provide adequate coverage or protection for a desert safari. Long lightweight pants are called for. Pack a cotton scarf that can be wet and worn around the neck for portable evaporative cooling when the temperatures soar.
Sun Protection Essentials
Don’t forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats when prepping for a desert safari! The desert sun is intense, with UV indexes frequently at their maximum levels. Sunburns and sun damage can occur quickly without proper protection.
Slather on a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen. Reapply often, especially if swimming or sweating. Wear wide-brimmed hats and caps to shield the face, ears, and neck. Baseball caps only protect the front so opt for all-around coverage.
Invest in good polarized sunglasses to cut glare without distorting colors. Look for UV protection too. Choose strapbacks or opt for a neck cord so your shades don’t blow away in desert winds.
Hydrate!
The desert air is extremely dry. You’ll need to drink far more water than you normally would to avoid dehydration. Make sure to bring a large water bottle and refill it frequently during your safari. Drinks with electrolytes replace salts lost through sweating.
Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks which have dehydrating effects. Water, electrolyte drinks, and diluted juices are best. You want to replenish fluids, not lose more through the diuretic effects of alcohol, caffeine, or sugar.
As Evening Approaches, Add Layers
Desert temperatures drop dramatically after sunset, sometimes plummeting as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. What felt hot during the day will become chilly at night. Packing extra layers is key for comfort and warmth.
For women, bring a wool pashmina shawl, sweater, or lightweight jacket. A versatile cotton hoodie layers well over dresses. For men, a lightweight fleece or sweatshirt layers nicely over a tee. Wool blend travel blazers add warmth without weight. A lightweight down vest provides cozy insulation without bulk.
The desert air can feel quite brisk after sundown so an extra layer is crucial. Having to wrap up in just a flimsy cotton scarf would quickly get uncomfortable. A proper lightweight jacket, sweater, or hoodie ensures you’ll stay nice and cozy by the campfire under the starry desert skies.
What to Wear in Dubai Desert Safari: Don’t Forget the Accessories
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes – flimsy flip flops spell disaster in the desert. Low-profile hiking shoes, riding boots, or athletic shoes work well.
- Socks – protect feet and ankles from irritation in shoes. Breathable moisture-wicking varieties keep feet comfortable in the heat.
- Bandana or shemagh – can be soaked in water and worn around the neck or head for natural cooling relief.
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm – Sunscreen is essential to protect against harmful UV rays. Use a lip balm with SPF to prevent sunburn and dryness.
- Extra hair ties – windswept tangles happen in the desert.
- Water bottle – stay hydrated in the dry desert conditions.
- Portable battery charger – keep devices powered up for photos out in the desert.
- Plastic bags – keeps valuables like phones protected from sand and moisture.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes – clean hands after activities before eating.
With the proper information about what to wear in Dubai desert safari, you’ll be ready to take on any desert activity in comfort. Avoid flimsy fashion choices prone to rips, tears, or exposure to the harsh desert elements. Stick to durable, protective fabrics and closed toe footwear and your Dubai desert safari experience will be that much more enjoyable. Don’t let worries about your clothes distract you from soaking up the magnificent desert scenery. Follow these tips so your attire enhances rather than detracts from desert adventuring.
Skincare Tips for Post-Dubai Desert Safari
As we already know about what to wear in Dubai desert safari, now it’s the time to dive into this mesmerizing safari adventure. But after this adventurous trip, all you need to know a post-safari skincare tips for your lovely skin. Follow these post-safari skincare tips to regain your flawless beauty:
- Remove Sand and Dirt – Once back from the desert, wash your face and body to remove all traces of sand, dirt and grime. Take a warm shower or use cleansing wipes. Be gentle when scrubbing caked-on dirt as harsh rubbing can irritate skin.
- Apply a Soothing Face Mask – The desert climate can leave skin feeling dry and parched. Replenish moisture with a hydrating face mask after cleaning skin. Look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil or shea butter. Leave on for 10-15 minutes then rinse.
- Moisturize from Head to Toe – Smooth on body lotion and facial moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp after cleansing. The desert air strips moisture; replenishing it is key. Hydrating body lotions containing shea butter, vitamin E or plant oils are ideal.
- Use a Lip Scrub and Balm – Dry, chapped lips are common post-safari. Gently exfoliate with a lip scrub to rid flakes and soothe irritation. Follow with a rich lip balm or mask to deeply moisturize. Reapply liberally and often.
- Don’t Forget Eye Cream – The sensitive skin around the eyes prone to dryness. Gently tap in a nourishing eye cream morning and night. Look for hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
- Treat Sunburns – If you’ve got a burn, take a cool bath and apply aloe vera gel liberally. Anti-inflammatory oils like lavender and chamomile also soothe. Ibuprofen reduces swelling and discomfort. Seek medical treatment for severe burns.
- Stay Hydrated – Keep drinking extra water post-safari. Hydration combats irritation and helps restore supple skin. Infuse water with berry, citrus or cucumber slices for moisture-boosting flavor and nutrients.
- Get More Rest – Your body works hard to combat desert dehydration. Recharge with extra sleep after an active safari day. Skin repairs itself at night so rest is a beauty essential.
With tender loving care, you’ll have your skin glowing again in no time after a fun but harsh desert escape. Follow these tips to undo damage and irritation so you can look and feel refreshed until your next Arabian adventure!
How to Book a Desert Safari in Dubai
So, what are you waiting for? As you have gathered all the information regarding what to wear in Dubai desert safari, now it’s time for a seamless Dubai desert safari booking experience, check out Arabian Desert Safari Tours. As a top desert safari operator in Dubai, Arabian Desert Safari Tours offers a wide range of packages to match any traveler’s interests. Enjoy luxury desert camping with live entertainment and delectable barbecue dinners. Try thrilling dune bashing in a rugged 4×4. Master sandboarding on towering golden dunes. Camel trek at sunset or ride a fiery Arabian horse at full gallop. Pamper yourself with an overnight desert stay at a Bedouin-style camp. With experienced guides and top equipment, Arabian Desert Safari Tours ensures a magical desert experience executed to perfection. Book your personalized Dubai desert safari directly on our user-friendly website.
Embarking on an Emirati Desert Safari Adventure
It is good to be ready and prepared for the worst when you travel to any part of the world. Now that we know what to wear in the Dubai desert safari and the booking procedure, we are ready for this expansive Arabian Desert which provides the perfect landscape for desert safari adventures. Miles of rolling dunes, interspersed with oases, make for an alien yet beautiful landscape ripe for exploration. Get a taste of traditional Bedouin life during a desert safari packed with cultural experiences. Try classic Arabic dishes while watching exhilarating Tanoura dances. Get intricate henna designs drawn on your hands and feet. Enjoy an unforgettable Emirati desert experience on an Arabian Desert Safari Tour.
With the perfect knowledge of what to wear on the Dubai desert safari, you’ll be ready to seize the day on an exciting Dubai desert safari tour. Just be sure to pack smart so you can fully enjoy all that a desert safari excursion has to offer. Book your tour with Arabian Desert Safari Tours for a hassle-free, action-packed experience. Then get ready to make some incredible memories amidst the magical dunes and endless Arabian skies.