Best Activities for Staying Cool in the Dubai Heat
This summer, the UAE is experiencing one of its hottest summers on record. Temperatures have reached up to 51 degrees Celsius for multiple days in a row, and it’s expected to stay that way for the remainder of the summer months. August in Dubai is notoriously hot and dry - even the mean ocean temperature sits around 32 degrees Celsius.
While scientists are hesitant to officially label this summer as the hottest summer ever recorded in Dubai, residents believe that it deserves the title. Even though Dubai has more access to air conditioning than any other city in the UAE, the summer heat has proven unbearable for many.
General Summer Heat Safety Tips
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the most important ways to stay safe during a heatwave. Keep a bottle of water on you at all times, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Make sure that you’re regularly drinking to prevent dehydration and heatstroke. These conditions are very serious and can have long-lasting effects on your body; dehydration can cause urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and ureteric stones, making drinking enough water even more important.
Monitor your body for symptoms that could indicate you’re suffering from these conditions, such as:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Rapid heart rate
- Difficulty walking
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Shallow/rapid breathing
If you’re suffering from any combination of these symptoms while out in the summer heat, get inside and drink some water immediately. It would help if you also tried drinking electrolyte replacements or sports drinks to replace the salts and potassium that your body loses as you sweat.
Stay Indoors
Dubai officials have advised residents to avoid going outdoors during the heatwave, especially during the peak hours of 11 AM to 4 PM. If you have to go out, make sure that you’re applying sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection.
If you still want to exercise or play sports outside, schedule them during the cooler hours of the day to avoid heat-induced muscle pains and cramping. The best time for these activities is in the early morning (before 11 AM) or the evening (after 5 PM). If you can, try indoor activities such as aerobics, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, or working out at an indoor fitness facility.
Dress for the Temperature
It’s important to dress appropriately for any occasion, but it’s especially important when you’re trying to beat the heat. Choose clothing that’s light and loose so that it doesn’t trap heat around your body. Avoid dark colours like black and navy - they absorb a lot of sunlight and can make you feel even hotter.
This heatwave might be a great time to add linen fabrics to your wardrobe - linen is comfortable, breathable, and it’s even known to wick sweat away from your body, making it perfect for avoiding the summer heat.
And of course, you should always be wearing a hat and sunglasses while going outside. This ensures that your head and eyes are protected from the sun, and they’re also a great fashion statement!
Our Favourite Activities to Beat the Heat in Dubai
Now that we’ve shared our summer heat safety tips, here are some of the best activities for staying cool in Dubai.
1. Dubai Ice Rink
This Olympic-size skating rink located in the Dubai mall isn’t just a place to skate - it offers Emirates Hockey League games, an intensive skate course for kids, disco sessions, and even a snack bar! There’s so much to do; you’ll forget that you’re trying to escape a heatwave.
2. Fit Republik’s Swimming Pool
Fit Republik is one of the newest sports centres in Sports City, and it boasts a beautiful 50-metre long indoor swimming pool. Whether you’re a great swimmer or just starting, their pool is a great spot for beating the summer heat while staying fit. If swimming isn’t your thing, the centre also has facilities for CrossFit, spin classes, martial arts, gymnastics, and more.
3. Noire Restaurant
If you're hoping to beat the heat while you dine, Noire Restaurant is just the place. This unique restaurant is located in the Fairmont Hotel in the Trade Centre area. For this novelty dining experience, you're served a full course meal by waiters wearing night-vision goggles while you're left entirely in the dark. Depending on who you're with, the experience can be scintillating or comical, but it's a must-try for staying cool in Dubai.
4. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is one of the world’s hottest - or rather, coolest - new beauty treatments, and it’s the perfect way to beat the heat and give your skin a treat at the same time. Treatments involve immersing your body in extremely cold temperatures for a short amount of time, usually two to four minutes. This therapy is said to reduce the signs of ageing, speed up your metabolism, and even help with migraines and mood disorders.
5. Chillout Ice Lounge
If spending the heatwave in an igloo sounds like your idea of fun, you should check out the Chillout Ice Lounge. This ice-themed lounge is kept at -6 degrees Celsius at all times - it's so cold that you can even see your breath! The lounge is breathtaking, filled with ice sculptures and cosy amenities, perfect for photoshoots or just cuddling up with some hot chocolate.
6. Ski Dubai
A ski slope in the middle of the desert? It might sound like a fairytale, but it’s a reality at Ski Dubai. This 85-metre high indoor mountain offers a full skiing experience, with slopes for various skill levels, giant snowballs, and even snow bullet rides.
If you’re desperately missing the mountains while staying cool in Dubai, you might just need a day on these incredibly unique slopes. For an added experience, you can even meet their resident penguins!
And if you’ve exhausted all of these options or just want to chill out with some cool new looks, stop by any of our four Sand Dollar Dubai Fashion Boutiques - we’ll have the A/C ready!
