Getting ready

What to wear on a desert trip

Light clothes that protect you from the sun, shoes that suit the sand and a warm layer for the night: a short guide from our team.

Reading time: 1 minute Written by the السعودية بأختصار guide team

Footprints across rippled sand
Footprints across rippled sand

Almost every guest asks us before a trip: what should we wear? The answer is simpler than you might think, but small details make a big difference to your comfort.

By day: light, pale and long

Choose loose cotton or linen clothes in pale colours that reflect the sun, with long sleeves and long trousers if you can; they protect you from both sun and sand. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are not a luxury but a must.

Sand ripples on the dunes near Dubai
Soft ripples on the dunes in Saudi Arabia

Feet: closed shoes or sports sandals

The sand is soft and hot at midday and cool early in the morning. Closed trainers are best, and strapped sports sandals work well too. Flip-flops sink and slip off easily, so leave them at the hotel.

After sunset: a warm layer

From November to March the temperature drops fast after sunset and can reach 14°C or less at the camp. Bring a light jacket or a scarf, and warm sleepwear for an overnight stay.

Quick list

  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Sunglasses and a hat
  • A water bottle (we also keep cold water in the car)
  • A charged phone and a cover to keep sand out

For your safety: These are general tips from our guides. Always follow the driver's and guide's instructions on the trip, and never go into the desert alone without experience. In an emergency call the police on 999 or an ambulance on 997.

Desert tips