Whether you’re planning to book a trip to Dubai or you have one already booked, a desert safari should be an activity on everyone’s itinerary when they visit Dubai. The city lies directly in the spectacular sandy Arabian desert. Just about an hour’s drive outside the city limits lies the popular arid landscape.
Choosing the perfect desert safari Dubai outfit should be planned well ahead of time. Points to be taken into consideration when planning your safari trip are protection from the sun and sand, respecting the dress code that’s generally acceptable in Dubai, and getting a reliable tour operator from a marketplace like OneClickDrive. This guide will help you with the do’s and don’ts on what to pack for your desert safari along with extra tips and tricks to have at your fingertips and get the most out of your experience.
Let’s start with things to AVOID wearing on a desert safari in Dubai:
- Avoid tight and body-hugging clothes, as these can get pretty uncomfortable once you begin to sweat under the sun.
- You should also stay away from overly loose-fitting clothes, as the desert can get quite windy and they could also get snagged on other things.
- Leaving your head exposed to the sun is another big NO. To avoid the dangers associated with overheating, do well to carry a scarf, hat, or cap.
- Avoid shoes that make it hard to walk on sand. You will likely be walking a lot on your safari. Therefore, a pair of comfy sneakers could be your best friend as far as footwear goes.
- Heavy and dark-colored fabrics should also be avoided. They attract sun rays making you heat up faster and increasing your discomfort.
Now that we have a list of what to avoid, let’s get into the dress code for a delightful desert safari Dubai experience.
- Pack with lightweight fabrics: This can’t be stressed enough. Cotton and linen are the fabrics of choice in cases like these.
- Make sure to carry a jacket or light coat with you. Depending on the time of year, the weather in Dubai can go as low as 14° at night and early in the morning. Having extra layers on will help keep you warm on those cold desert nights.
- Long sleeves are essential during the day to prevent tanning and reduce the risk of sunburn. Long-sleeved tops are also the best option if you’re deciding on what to wear in Dubai as a woman—given the generally acceptable dress code in UAE.
- Comfortable trousers are a must. You might be tempted to wear shorts due to the heat, but desert safaris usually involve sandy activities like dune bashing and sandboarding, meaning you’ll be getting sand all over yourself. Trousers are also better for camel riding if that’s in your itinerary.
- Sunglasses and head coverings: Stay safe from sunburns, heat stroke, and overexposure to the sunlight with your hat or shawl and sunglasses.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking on your safari and choosing your footwear could be the difference between a scintillating adventure and a torture trek. A pair of closed-toe shoes help to keep your feet comfortable and sand-free. Opt for light and airy desert boots or sneakers that are easy to walk in.
Quick hacks and tips you will find handy
- Do not forget to pack sunscreen! Also, remember to reapply every few hours on your trip.
- For those who aren’t fans of excessive heat, visit Dubai in the winter months from November to February. It won’t be snowing, but it could get chilly enough to need extra layers early in the morning and in the evenings too.
- Skirts are an impractical choice for desert safaris. Short skirts in particular should be avoided, as most meals are eaten on the floor and can become uncomfortable for a woman.
Conclusion
With all these in hand, it goes without doubt that you’re fully equipped with information that will help you pack for your trip to Dubai appropriately and have the absolute time of your life on your safari!