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Gearing up for a desert safari in the UAE

When you imagine an international assignment in the United Arab Emirates, do you picture yourself racing through the desert on a dune buggy, the sun high in the sky? Or do you see yourself riding a camel, camera in hand? Either way, we commend your sense of adventureand we have just the tour for you. A locum tenens opportunity in the UAE means you can take a desert safari if you want, complete with quad bikes (sort of like four wheelers), camel rides and a starlit barbecue. That said, most explorers who venture on one of these treks don't quite know what to wear. Here are some recommendations.

Calm, cool and collected

Staying cool and sweat-free in the middle of the desert seems, perhaps, impossiblebut there are ways you can help keep yourself cool while you're zipping across sand dunes. Here are a few guidelines for getting dressed for the big day:

  • Loose pants, which will protect you from the sand and sun. Your best bet? Linen.
  • A light, loose T-shirt or tank top
  • Sporty sandals that strap around your heel, which will stay on well but keep all that sand from getting stuck in your shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • A light sweater for nighttime
  • A hat
  • A protective layer of sunscreen

It's best to wear white or another light color to deflect the heat, as well. Tours will be predominantly filled with visitors, so the modesty required in the majority of the UAE isn't of concern during your desert safari.

Don't forget the details

You'll want to bring just a few more things with you on your expedition of course. A camera is a no-brainer, but here are some extras you may want to consider before you embark: 

  • An extra change of clothing, just in case you get really sandy
  • A water bottle (there will be places to buy refreshments, but it never hurts)
  • A fanny pack or other little bag to carry your credit card, keys, etc. You don't want to have too many possessions with you!

Other than that, all you'll need is your sense of adventure. After all, you're going to need to bring home a few locum tenens stories, right?