I read your post first thing this morning. Engaging Doug's professional services would probably be a sound investment.

I am going to suggest that you equip the instructors and students with the following:
Parachute.
Survival vest
Contents:
2 litre bladder pack.
Torch, LED with spare batteries.
Signal Mirror.
Flares & Smoke Flares.
Broad brimmed Hat.
Sunblock.
Sunglasses.
Clasp knife.
Topographical map.
Sun compass.
Magnetic compass.
AMK heat sheet.
Basic First Aid kit.
Blood chit.
Lighter and cigarettes.
GPS,
SAT Phone.(instructor).
PLB.

Most of it is self explanatory, except for the sun compass, cigarettes and the blood chit.

Sun compass: Magnetic compasses are unreliable in that area. The SAS etc use a device that allows you to determine direction from the sun. Do a Google search for it.

Blood chit: This is a document that informs the reader that you will pay $0000 for the bearer. Provided that they are delivered to you alive and intact. Intact means still in possession of his family jewels. In a woman's case it means unmolested.

Cigarettes: One of the quickest ways to break the ice with a local is to offer him a fag. Its not PC but it works.

If you come down in the desert there is a fair chance that you will be found by the locals first. Depends on who they are, you will either be helped or murdered for what you have on you. A blood chit is to help persuade them that helping you is a lot more profitable.

I also think that a Desert Survival course should be a required part of the curriculum. Students should be also schooled in local culture, morals and mores. Specifically what not to do, how to avoid giving offence and how to greet people, showing them respect without appearing like a victim.