Water scarcity and soil salinisation are becoming increasingly severe in desert regions. With extreme changes in global climate, desert plants are at an increased risk of drought and salt stress, as well as combined salt-drought stress. Desert plants have developed a series of adaptive mechanisms to withstand the multiple effects of drought and salt stress. In this review, we summarise the physiological, morphological, and genetic adaptations of desert trees, shrubs, and herbs under drought stress, salt stress, and combinations thereof. Physiological adaptations include osmotic regulators such as proline, soluble sugars, and soluble proteins, whereas antioxidant enzymes include superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase. These adaptive mechanisms are primarily reflected in the phenotypic plasticity of roots, stems and leaves. Genetic adaptations to salt and drought stress include the expression of regulatory and functional genes that increase drought and salt tolerance. Based on a comprehensive compilation and analysis of relevant literature, we expect future research to focus on the details of drought and salt tolerance mechanisms in desert plants. This type of research can offer a scientific basis for the restoration of desert plants and the maintenance of stable ecosystems.