What to Wear for an Abu Dhabi Desert Safari: The Ultimate Seasonal Packing Guide

Desert Safari Essentials: Clothing Tips for Every Abu Dhabi Adventure

Standing in front of your suitcase, wondering what to pack for a desert safari in Abu Dhabi? You’ve probably read all of the reviews about how it can get hot in the daytime, cold at night, and sandy all the time – how do you get it right? It’s a familiar dilemma. Whether you’re heading off for adrenaline-pumping dune bashing in Abu Dhabi or a peaceful evening under the desert stars, choosing the right clothing can define your experience.

When it comes down to it, packing the right clothing for an Abu Dhabi desert safari isn’t too complicated, but it requires a bit of insider knowledge. Once you know what to expect, however, you can balance comfort, practicality, and respect for local culture without losing your sense of style. This guide breaks down what to wear for every holiday season in Abu Dhabi, from the sweltering heat of summer afternoons to the crisp cool winter evenings.

General Clothing Guidelines for a Desert Safari

When planning what to wear on your Abu Dhabi desert safari, it’s important to keep things practical. Here’s how to stay comfortable while respecting cultural norms:

Lightweight and Breathable Fabrics

Stick to natural materials like cotton or linen. These fabrics allow your skin to breathe and help regulate your body temperature, especially in the scorching sun. Avoid synthetics, as they trap heat and sweat, unless they are specialised sportswear that are designed to reduce uncomfortable sweat build-up and keep you cool.

Loose-Fitting and Comfortable

Loose clothing allows air to flow through your clothing, which prevents chafing and sticky sweat patches. Choose relaxed-fit trousers or flowy skirts and tops that don’t cling to your body. This also allows ease of movement, especially during activities like camel riding or climbing dunes, where you may need to stretch your limbs more than usual.

Respect for Local Culture

Abu Dhabi, while modern, still values modesty, and anyone dressed in shorts and crop-tops will be noted as a tourist with no respect for the customs of the region. Cover your shoulders and knees, especially at campgrounds or communal rest areas. This shows cultural awareness and keeps you safe from the glaring sun.

Footwear That Handles the Sand

Closed-toe shoes are essential. The sand can get blisteringly hot during the day, and open footwear invites discomfort and burns. Sneakers or breathable hiking shoes are ideal. Flip-flops might seem comfortable in heat, but they won’t survive dune bashing, so leave them at home.

Keep It Simple and Safe

Avoid flowing scarves or long jewellery pieces, especially during active excursions. They may get caught in machinery or flap uncomfortably in strong desert winds.

Abu Dhabi’s desert isn’t just hot; it’s dynamic. From sudden gusts of wind to steep sand dunes, your outfit needs to handle both the elements and the experience.

What to Wear in Summer (late May–September)

Climate Snapshot

Expect relentless sun, minimal shade, and temperatures consistently above 40°C (104°F). The dry heat can be draining, and the hot sand can scorch your skin.

Recommended Outfit

• Tops: A long-sleeved, lightweight top in a light colour will help you avoid sunburn without weighing you down.
• Bottom: Loose, breathable pants or long shorts (below the knee) will protect your legs while keeping airflow steady.
• Footwear: Lightweight sneakers or breathable hiking shoes with socks are recommended. Avoid sandals entirely as they will trap sand beneath your feet and leave you trying to kick it out the entire time.
• Accessories:
  • Wide-brimmed hat for shade
  • Polarised sunglasses to reduce glare
  • Lightweight scarf for dust protection in case of strong winds

Packing Tips

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) is ideal for those prone to sunburn. Reapply frequently.
• Small towels or a sweat cloth are recommended, as sweating is inevitable.
• Hydration packs or a strap-on bag can ensure you always have water close.

Why It Works: This outfit combats the harsh sun, supports hydration, and prevents heatstroke. Lightweight materials and full coverage create a barrier between you and the sun’s intensity without stifling you.

What to Wear in Winter (December–March)

Climate Snapshot

During this season, daytime highs hover around 20–25°C (68–77°F), but nights can dip to a brisk 10–15°C (50–59°F). The transition between day and night is quite noticeable.

Recommended Outfit

• Top: Start with a long-sleeved cotton shirt and layer on top with a light jacket – you can tie this around your waist if the day is too hot.
• Bottom: Comfortable trousers or leggings are best. Jeans are acceptable for an evening or overnight desert safari in Abu Dhabi, but choose stretch material if you’ll be active.
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes with socks will keep your feet warm in the evening and in the night.
• Accessories:
  • A scarf or shawl will allow you to ensure neck warmth and provide sun protection
  • A beanie will be ideal for overnight camps to cover your ears and keep your head warm

Packing Tips

• Layer smartly. Days may feel warm, but don’t underestimate the chill after sunset.
• A small travel blanket can help you a lot if you’re sensitive to cold.
• Lip balm is recommended, as the dry desert air can chap your lips quickly.

Why It Works: You can stay comfortable throughout the day’s temperature swings while keeping things casual and mobile enough for any safari activity.

What to Wear in Seasonal Gaps (April–May, October–November)

Climate Snapshot

Between the main seasons, you can expect a pleasant middle ground, with daytime temperatures between 25–35°C (77–95°F) and cooler evenings, without the extremes of summer or winter.

Recommended Outfit

• Top: A breathable T-shirt or blouse, paired with a light cardigan for cooler mornings and nights, can help you stay ready for temperature highs and lows alike.
• Bottom: Lightweight trousers or a long skirt will prevent sweat from building up by keeping things breathable. Flowy fabrics offer both style and function.
• Footwear: Sneakers or trekking sandals with socks can give you traction and protection without overheating.
• Accessories:
  • Baseball caps and sunglasses to combat glare
  • Thin scarf for dust or harsh sunlight

Packing Tips

• Bring both warm and cool options to adjust as the day progresses.
• A compact backpack helps carry extra clothing, water, and personal items easily.

Why It Works: These transitional months demand flexibility. With mixed layers and comfortable clothing, you’ll be ready for everything from morning excursions to sunset dinners.

Essential Packing List Beyond Clothing

Even the perfect outfit won’t help if you’ve forgotten the basics. Here’s what else to bring for a smooth Abu Dhabi desert safari experience:

Must-Haves

• High-SPF sunscreen – a must if your skin is prone to sunburn
• Reusable water bottles or hydration packs will ensure you remain hydrated at all times
• Mini first-aid kit – to carry blister patches, band-aids, and antiseptic wipes
• A dustproof case for your camera or smartphone

Nice-to-Haves

• Binoculars – these are especially great for wildlife spotting and stargazing
• A portable fan – this can come in handy during summer trips
• Moisturising lotion – the desert can dry out skin fast, so staying moisturised will prevent chafing and rashes

Quick Points to Remember

When packing for a trip to Abu Dhabi, desert safari included or not, you should consider the activities you plan on experiencing during your stay. Is it more of a cultural tour, with visits to monuments like the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque? In that case, you’d want to pack long clothes that don’t expose too much skin for culturally appropriate outfits.

If you’re going to be engaging in adventurous activities like an Abu Dhabi dune buggy ride, or a sandboarding excursion, you’ll want to have clothes that cover your skin to avoid sunburn, while being stretchy enough to allow freedom of movement, and without excessive folds and pockets for sand to collect.

Above all, a simple sun hat or baseball cap can prove to be your best friend when it comes to staying comfortable in the dry heat – without one of these, you might find yourself constantly raising one hand to cover your face when travelling in the open. If you are prone to headaches and migraines, be sure to include a pair of sunglasses in your carry-on, as they will help you overcome the glare of the afternoon sun.

If you happen to forget any of the above when packing, don’t stress over it – the countless shopping malls in Abu Dhabi will have a range of options when it comes to clothing and accessories designed to help make your Abu Dhabi desert safari all the more comfortable. From sunscreen and lip balm to sunglasses and trekking gear, everything you need can be purchased with a quick stop-off at the nearest mall. You could even run through the list of things you might need with your tour guide while on the way to your Abu Dhabi desert safari excursion, and they would be willing to help you stock up on anything you might have missed!

All Packed? Book Your Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Today

Whether you’re preparing for scorching afternoons in summer or chilly winter nights, packing for a desert safari in Abu Dhabi becomes straightforward with the right know-how. Think breathable fabrics, modesty-conscious layers, and durable footwear, and then supplement these with smart accessories and season-specific extras.

Now that you have your wardrobe aligned, book an Abu Dhabi desert safari filled with the ideal excursions for a memorable journey – packages can be customised to ensure you embark on the trip you’ve always dreamed of!