What Should You Wear on a Desert Safari in the UAE?

Heading into the dunes? For a UAE desert safari, wear something light, loose and modest in an earthy colour — a flowing abaya you can move easily in, closed comfortable shoes, and one light layer for when the sun drops. The desert is hot and bright by day and genuinely cool after sunset, so the whole trick is comfort, sun cover, and one extra layer you can add later.

Here is a simple, head-to-toe way to dress for a desert day in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or anywhere across the GCC — from an afternoon dune drive to a dinner under the stars.

Choose something light and easy to move in

A desert trip means a lot of movement: climbing a dune, sitting on low cushions, getting in and out of a 4x4, maybe a camel ride or a bit of sandboarding. Stiff, tight clothing fights you the whole time. Pick something loose and flowing that lets you step, sit and bend without thinking about it.

This is exactly where an abaya shines. It covers you fully, moves with you, and still looks put-together in photos. If you want an easy daytime piece, a light leaf-print abaya like the Summer Leaf Abaya in green keeps things airy and relaxed for a warm afternoon.

Go for desert colours (earth tones win)

Earthy shades — sand, beige, warm brown, soft olive — just belong in the desert. They sit beautifully against the dunes, they hide the fine dust that gets on everything, and they look stunning in golden-hour photos when the light turns everything warm.

A soft, neutral piece like the Dream Abaya in brown is an easy choice here: it is long, relaxed and completely at home in a sandy setting. If you like a bit of print, the Tiger Abaya in beige or olive keeps that same earthy feel with a little more character.

Think about weight, not just coverage

Covered does not have to mean hot. The desert feels most comfortable in pieces that are light and breathable rather than thick and heavy, so air can move and you do not overheat on the dunes. Looser cuts help too, because the fabric floats away from your skin instead of sticking to it. Save your heavier, warmer abayas for cool winter evenings in the city, and keep your desert pieces on the lighter, airier side.

Cover up — the sun is stronger than it feels

Even in the cooler months, the desert sun is strong and there is almost no shade. Long sleeves and a full-length hem are your friends here: they keep the sun off your skin and keep you cooler than you would expect, because they stop the heat hitting you directly. A modest, covered look is both the respectful choice and the practical one.

Add a light scarf or shayla you can pull over your head and neck, a pair of sunglasses, and a little sunscreen on your face and hands. Loose and covered beats short and exposed every single time out there.

Pack one layer for the evening

This is the part first-timers forget. From about October to March especially, the temperature drops quickly once the sun sets, and an evening in the dunes can feel genuinely chilly. Bring one light layer you can throw on — a soft shawl, a pashmina, or a thin cardigan — and you will be comfortable right through dinner and the evening show.

If your abaya is a lighter daytime piece, a darker layer over the top also makes the look feel a touch dressier for the evening part of the trip.

Shoes, bags and the small stuff

Skip the heels. Sand swallows them, and you will spend the whole time sinking and wobbling. Go for flat, closed shoes or sturdy flat sandals you do not mind getting sandy — easy to slip off if you are climbing a dune or sitting down to eat.

Keep the rest simple: a small crossbody bag leaves your hands free, and minimal jewellery means nothing to lose in the sand. Tie long hair back, because the desert breeze will have opinions about it.

The quick checklist

Light and loose, earthy colours, sleeves and length for sun cover, a scarf, flat shoes, a small bag, and one warm layer for the evening. Get those right and you are set for a comfortable, easy day from the first dune to the last cup of tea.

For a soft, neutral abaya that feels right from a sunny afternoon to a cool desert evening, Shop the look →