Complete Outfit & Clothing Guide For Dune Buggy Tours
Riding a dune buggy across Dubai’s golden desert is an unforgettable adventure — a perfect mix of adrenaline, sand, and stunning scenery. But to truly enjoy it, your outfit matters just as much as your driving skills.
Wearing the right clothes for a dune buggy ride keeps you comfortable, protected, and stylish no matter how wild the dunes get.
This guide explains exactly what to wear on a dune buggy tour in Dubai — from top to toe — with tips for men and women, summer and winter rides, plus local culture and photo-ready outfit advice.
🌤️ Understand the Desert Before You Dress
Before you decide what to wear, it’s essential to understand Dubai’s desert climate:
- Extreme temperature swings – Up to 45 °C in summer afternoons, dropping near 15 °C on winter nights
- Harsh sunlight & UV rays – The sun reflects off sand, intensifying heat
- Wind & dust – Fine sand gets everywhere; full coverage helps
- Cultural modesty – Covering shoulders and knees is respectful and practical
Your dune buggy attire should keep you cool, covered, and comfortable — with breathable fabrics and secure fits.
👕 Why Your Dune Buggy Outfit Matters
When you’re racing over dunes or stopping for a desert photoshoot, your clothing choice affects both comfort and safety. The desert weather changes fast — hot in the day, cool at night, and windy during the drive. The right outfit will:
- Protect your skin from sun, wind, and sand.
- Keep you cool during daytime rides.
- Offer flexibility and comfort while seated or driving.
- Help you look great in those Instagram-worthy photos!
👕 Choose the Right Fabric and Colors
✅ Best Fabrics
- Cotton and linen – Soft, breathable, and natural
- Technical quick-dry materials – Wick sweat and resist sand
- Lightweight blends – Ideal balance of flexibility and comfort
🚫 Avoid
- Heavy denim or thick jeans – trap heat
- Sticky synthetic fabrics – make you sweat
- Lace or sequined clothes – can snag or tear
🎨 Best Colors
- Light tones like beige, cream, khaki, sage, and white reflect heat
- Avoid black or very dark colors — they absorb sunlight
- Earth tones blend beautifully with the desert for stunning photos
🧍♀️ What to Wear for Women
Women should focus on comfort, coverage, and safety while keeping style in mind.
Top picks:
- Lightweight, long-sleeved cotton or linen shirts
- Breathable trousers, joggers, or stretch pants
- Leggings with tunic tops or short kaftans
- Fitted maxi dresses (only if secure and not flowing excessively)
Avoid:
- Flowing skirts or long dresses during the ride — risk of getting caught in wheels
- Strapless, sleeveless, or low-cut tops
- Sheer fabrics or decorative chains
💡 Pro tip: Pack a light scarf or shawl. It doubles as sun protection and looks great in photos.
👨🦱 What to Wear for Men
Men’s dune buggy outfits should be light, functional, and modest.
Recommended clothing:
- Breathable cotton or linen shirts with sleeves
- Loose chinos, cargo pants, or soft joggers
- A thin undershirt or T-shirt for layering
- Optional lightweight jacket for evening tours
Avoid:
- Jeans or thick pants — uncomfortable in heat
- Shorts — less protection against sun and sand
- Tight shirts or synthetic tops that cling when sweaty
👟 Footwear: Comfort Meets Safety
Your shoes are your foundation — and the desert is not sandal-friendly!
Best footwear for dune buggy tours:
- Closed-toe sneakers or hiking shoes
- Good grip soles for traction on sand
- Breathable socks (moisture-wicking if possible)
Avoid:
Flip-flops, slides, or open sandals — they fill with sand instantly and can slip off during the ride.
🧢 Essential Accessories & Gear
These small details make a huge difference:
- 🧣 Scarf / Bandana / Shemagh – Protects face from sand and dust
- 🕶️ UV-proof sunglasses or goggles – Keeps eyes safe during windy rides
- 👒 Wide-brim hat or cap – Shields from harsh sunlight
- 🧤 Light gloves – Improve grip on steering wheel and avoid blisters
- 🧴 Sunscreen (SPF 30+) & lip balm – Must-have for desert dryness
- 🎒 Small backpack or waist pouch – Carry essentials, phone, and water bottle
- 🧥 Light jacket or hoodie – Handy for evening desert chill
🧥 Dress by Season & Time of Day
Understanding Dubai’s Four Seasons and How They Affect Your Dune Buggy Attire
Dubai experiences four main seasons, each with its own weather conditions and temperature ranges:
- Summer (June to August): Dubai’s summer is sweltering, with temperatures often exceeding 48°C (118°F). To stay comfortable, opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable materials like cotton or linen. Don’t forget essential sun protection gear, including a helmet, sunglasses with UV protection, and high-SPF sunscreen. Choose closed-toe shoes with good grip for safety and comfort.
- Autumn (September to November): As autumn sets in, temperatures gradually cool down. You can transition from your summer attire to slightly warmer clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, while still favoring lightweight, breathable fabrics. Closed-toe shoes remain a good choice for foot protection. Continue to use sun protection gear to shield yourself from the sun.
- Winter (December to February): Dubai’s winters are mild during the day, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Nights can be cooler, around 15°C (59°F). For the winter season, choose slightly warmer clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially for cooler evenings. Stick to breathable fabrics for comfort. Closed-toe shoes are still the best option, and sun protection gear remains essential to protect against the sun’s rays.
- Spring (March to May): In spring, the weather is moderate and comfortable. Start with light, comfortable clothing that allows air to circulate. You can gradually transition to lighter attire as the weather warms up. Closed-toe shoes should still be your preferred footwear for safety and comfort. Keep up with sun protection to ensure you’re well-guarded against the sun.
By adapting your attire to the specific season in Dubai, you’ll be well-prepared for a fantastic dune buggy adventure, no matter when you decide to explore the captivating desert landscape.
| Season | Clothing and Accessories | Footwear | Sun Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable materials such as cotton or linen.
Don’t forget a helmet, sunglasses with UV protection, and sunscreen with a high SPF. |
Closed-toe shoes with good grip and support. Avoid sandals or flip-flops. | Protect your skin and eyes from the intense sun. |
| Autumn | Similar to summer, but you can gradually transition to slightly warmer attire, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow air circulation. |
Closed-toe shoes are still the best choice. | Continue using protective gear to shield yourself from the sun. |
| Winter | You can wear slightly warmer clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially for cooler evenings.
Choose breathable fabrics for comfort. |
Closed-toe shoes remain the best option. | Keep using protective gear to guard against the sun’s rays. |
| Spring | Light, comfortable clothing that lets air circulate.
You can gradually transition to lighter attire as the weather warms up. |
Stick with closed-toe shoes for safety and comfort. | Maintain sun protection to stay safe and comfortable. |
Remember that Dubai’s desert can be quite extreme, so it’s essential to adapt your attire based on the specific season you plan to visit.
What Not to Wear on a Dune Buggy Ride in Dubai
Here are some things you should avoid wearing:
- High Heels or Open-Toed Shoes: Steer clear of high heels or open-toed shoes; they can be unsafe and don’t offer much protection. Choose shoes that cover your toes and have a good grip.
- Tight or Uncomfortable Clothes: Tight-fitting or uncomfortable clothes are a no-go. Go for loose and comfy outfits that let the air in and keep you cool.
- Jewelry: Avoid wearing necklaces, bracelets, or earrings that dangle. They could get tangled up during the ride.
- Long Dresses or Skirts: Long dresses or skirts aren’t practical or safe for dune buggy rides. Stick to more suitable clothing.
- Heavy or Bulky Accessories: Don’t bring heavy or bulky stuff like big backpacks or purses. They might get in the way and make things uncomfortable while you’re driving.
🏁 Safety & Practical Clothing Tips
- Avoid dangling scarves, skirts, or jewelry that can get caught
- Use safety gear (helmet, goggles) correctly — tie hair neatly under helmet
- Bring a change of clothes if you plan to relax at the camp after riding
- Hydrate often and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
- Always choose secure fits — nothing loose near moving parts
📸 Photo-Ready Outfit Tips
Want Insta-worthy photos without compromising safety? Try this:
- Stick with earthy tones — beige, olive, or light brown pop against red dunes
- Avoid pure white — it reflects too much glare
- Add a color accent like a scarf, hat, or bandana for style
- Couples or groups: coordinate neutral outfits for clean aesthetic
- Remove large logos — they distract in photos
🧳 Packing Checklist for a Dune Buggy Tour
- ✅ Long-sleeve shirt or blouse
- ✅ Breathable trousers or leggings
- ✅ Closed-toe shoes with socks
- ✅ Hat/cap
- ✅ Sunglasses or goggles
- ✅ Scarf or shemagh
- ✅ Light jacket or hoodie
- ✅ Gloves
- ✅ Sunscreen & moisturizer
- ✅ Small backpack for essentials
🏜️ Final Thoughts
When planning your dune buggy tour outfit in Dubai, think of three words: Breathable. Practical. Protective.
Your dune buggy outfit can make or break your desert adventure. The best dress to wear for a dune buggy ride in Dubai combines comfort, protection, and desert-style aesthetics. With the right attire, you can stay cool, ride safely, and capture amazing moments that reflect the true spirit of adventure in Dubai’s dunes.
Here’s a practical breakdown of what to wear:
👕 1. Lightweight, Breathable Tops
Opt for cotton or moisture-wicking shirts that cover your arms. Long sleeves are ideal to prevent sunburn and protect against flying sand. Avoid tight or synthetic fabrics that trap heat.
👖 2. Comfortable Bottoms
Choose loose-fit trousers, joggers, or cargo pants instead of shorts. Pants offer better leg protection against heat and possible scratches from the buggy frame or desert plants.
🧣 3. Head and Face Protection
A scarf or shemagh (kufiya) is a must-have. Wrap it around your head and face to block dust and sand — and it doubles as a stylish desert look. Most tour operators, including ours, provide one before the ride.
🕶️ 4. Sunglasses with UV Protection
Go for wrap-around sunglasses to shield your eyes from sand and harsh sunlight. Avoid designer glasses with delicate frames — durability matters more than fashion here.
🧤 5. Gloves
Wearing driving gloves gives you a firm grip on the steering and protects your hands from vibration and heat. Lightweight mesh gloves work perfectly.
👟 6. Closed-Toe Shoes Only
Skip flip-flops or sandals. The best shoes for dune buggy rides are sneakers or sports shoes that protect your feet and keep sand out.
Dress light, stay covered, and pick secure fits to enjoy every dune jump without worry. With the right dune buggy attire, you’ll look great, feel cool, and stay safe — all while capturing the perfect desert adventure photos.
❓ FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I wear shorts for a dune buggy ride?
It’s not recommended. While shorts may feel airy, sand and heat can irritate your skin. Lightweight long pants provide much better protection and comfort. - Do I need to bring my own scarf or goggles?
Most tour companies, including Dubai Dune Buggy Tours, provide safety gear like scarves, helmets, and goggles free of charge. But you can bring your own if you prefer personal items. - Are dresses or abayas allowed for women?
Traditional abayas or dresses aren’t suitable for driving dune buggies. It’s safer to wear pants and long-sleeved tops underneath your abaya if you prefer modest attire. - What kind of shoes are best for desert rides?
Closed shoes with firm soles — such as sneakers or sports shoes — are the best choice. They protect your feet and keep sand out, unlike open footwear. - Can I wear jewelry or accessories?
Keep it minimal. Dangling jewelry, long necklaces, or bracelets can catch on seatbelts or helmets. Small earrings or watches are fine. - Is it cold in the desert at night?
Yes, temperatures can drop significantly after sunset. Always bring a light jacket or hoodie if you’re going for an evening or night dune buggy tour. - What colors are best for desert outfits?
Neutral or light shades — like beige, white, or khaki — help reflect sunlight and look great in photos. Dark colors absorb heat and make you sweat more quickly.
Ready to ride in comfort and style?
Book your next adventure with us, Dubai’s trusted experts for safe, scenic, and stylish desert buggy experiences.
We’ll guide you through every step — from what to wear to where to drive.