Moving to the Emirates is exciting—it’s a country that offers an incredible quality of life, from high salaries to world-class infrastructure, excellent healthcare services, and a thriving multicultural expat community. But, one major challenge exists: the intense summer heat. The UAE is known for getting extremely hot in the summertime, with temperatures often above 40°C (104°F) and humidity levels reaching 90% or higher.
Remitly is here to help—check out our guide to learn how to adjust to the climate and keep yourself safe and healthy.
Understanding the UAE’s summer climate
Geographically, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in the northern desert belt of the Arabian Peninsula, in Southwest Asia.
The Arabian Peninsula is surrounded by the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf) on the east, the Red Sea on the west and southwest, the Arabian Sea on the south and southeast, and the Gulf of Aden on the south. It is home to seven countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The peninsula merges with the Syrian desert, influencing the UAE’s climate. Generally, the area is extremely dry, with little to no vegetation, has low rainfall, high humidity, mild winters (December to March), and high temperatures (especially in the summer). You’ll also experience shamal winds—occasional, violent dust storms.
These conditions intensify in the summer, usually from June to September. Temperatures can reach highs of 50°C (122°F). Most likely, this is far above your nation’s average temperatures, so preparation and adaptation are key.
Importance of preparedness and awareness of extreme heat
With the intense summer heat in the UAE, being prepared is crucial for staying safe and healthy. Here are topics to bear in mind while navigating the harsh summer climate and ensuring your well-being during the hottest months.
- Reduce the risk of heat-related sickness: Heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps (painful muscle cramps due to dehydration) are common in extreme heat and can be life-threatening.
- Protect those most sensitive to extreme heat: People with pre-existing conditions, the elderly, and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health problems.
- Take action to reduce the impacts of climate change: Due to climate change, issues like heat waves are worse, more frequent, and last longer—preventing and reversing the negative impacts of climate change requires everyone’s collaboration to make a real difference.
- Help your local expat community: You’re likely not the only newcomer adjusting to the UAE’s very intense summer season. Check in on your fellow foreigners, help each other stay safe during the season, and report any issues.
- Know how to identify emergencies: Monitor heat events to stay safe, and learn to identify the medical resources and actions to take in case something does go wrong.
- Dress appropriately for the heat: Learn how to adapt to the extreme weather conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing.
- Plan your work or school schedule accordingly: Doing the more complex and vigorous tasks early in the morning, before temperatures worsen as the day progresses, will help you to stay safe and cool.
- Practice safer driving: Extreme heat makes it more important than ever to monitor your vehicle’s parts—particularly tires. Tire blowouts and overheating are common car problems in extreme heat.
Essential tips for remaining cool in the UAE heat
Beating the intense summer heat in the UAE means keeping both yourself and your living space cool. From choosing a heat-appropriate wardrobe to optimizing air conditioning, here are some tips for staying comfortable and safe in the summertime.
Choose clothes and fabric adapted for extreme heat
- Light-coloured clothes, e.g., white or cream, are good options because they reflect instead of absorb heat, maintaining your body temperature.
- Select breathable fabric, e.g., linen, cotton, or bamboo. They keep you cool by circulating air and absorbing sweat.
- Avoid tight clothes that stick/cling on your body. Choose loose-fitting clothes that further improve air circulation by helping to evaporate sweat faster, keeping you cool.
- Wear a hat. It cools your head and neck, by acting as a shade.
- Accessorise with sunglasses, as they do more than enhance your style. They protect your eyes from harmful sun (UV) rays and reduce the glare from reflective surfaces like water, roads, sand, and pavements. You’ll also drive more comfortably when wearing sunglasses.
- Consider wearing long-sleeved, ankle-length clothes to reduce your skin’s contact with the sun.
Use sun protection
Apply sunscreen before going out in your summer-appropriate clothes to prevent sunburn. You’ll also enjoy other benefits when you protect yourself from the sun:
- Reduced risk of skin cancer.
- Premature aging prevention.
- Eye damage prevention.
- Sunspot prevention.
Stay hydrated
Drink water to stay hydrated. Consider carrying a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic pollution caused by single-use plastic water bottles.
If you can, drink cold/cool water because it helps you to cool down faster, and encourages you to drink more water.
Remind yourself to drink water frequently to avoid dehydration, which may lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Fruits and vegetables with high water content are a great choice. Water-rich foods like watermelon, pineapple, oranges, cucumber, lettuce, broccoli, and celery are good options.
While you may be tempted to drink sugary drinks to improve your water intake, remember that beverages high in sugar can actually worsen dehydration—your body will draw water out of your cells to dilute the sugar in your blood. If you struggle to consume enough water because you find plain water tasteless, try infusing it with mint, basil, berries, or cucumber to make it more appealing.
Use air conditioning effectively
Optimise your indoor experience by using air conditioners to maintain a cool temperature. You don’t have to buy one because the UAE government has made it mandatory for all landlords to install and maintain air conditioners in their buildings.
In Dubai, for example, the government considers air conditioning equipment an essential amenity, so your landlord legally cannot disconnect it if you delay your rent payment. They are also not allowed to disconnect basic water and electricity services.
Rent a home that protects you from the heat
When renting in the UAE, consider issues beyond location, rent, and size of the house. Find one that’s cool throughout the year, especially in the summer. Although your home may not have all of these characteristics, ensure it has as many of them as possible:
- Doesn’t face the sun at the hottest time of the day.
- Has double-glazed windows. These windows prevent heat gain during the summer and heat loss during the winter, reducing energy consumption to cool or heat the house. So, you keep your indoor temperature stable and save money by paying lower energy bills.
- Doesn’t have dark paint. The darker the paint, the more the house absorbs heat.
- Has sunshades to reduce the heat that enters your home.
- Is well-insulated to allow cool air into the house.
Activities and strategies to beat the heat
In other parts of the world, summer is a time of fun outdoor activities. Unfortunately, in the UAE, staying outdoors could become a serious health and safety issue. Life doesn’t have to be boring in the summer, however—you can participate in plenty of exciting indoor activities. Let’s look at some activities to avoid and to seek out so you can stay cool:
Avoid outdoor activities in the afternoon
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) prohibits employers from allowing workers to perform outdoor tasks from 12:30 pm until 3:00 pm in the summer every year. Your employer risks paying a fine ranging from 5000–50,000 AED (approximately 1300–13,000 USD or 1000–10,000 GBP) if they violate this law.
Legally, however, outdoor work at this time is allowed, in specific cases when:
- It’s impossible to postpone the task until after the break, e.g. pouring concrete.
- You’re conducting repair services such as fixing the water supply.
- You’re doing work that requires a government permit.
Additionally, your employer must provide a shaded resting area for workers to take a break, to safeguard your health and safety.
The law mainly applies to industrial and construction workers, but you can ask your employer for a break if you work outside these sectors.
Also, arrange your schedule to escape being outside during hours of peak heat. Avoid running errands, e.g. going to the bank, at this time. If you must, opt for online services.
Popular indoor recreational spots and attractions
Fortunately, the UAE offers plenty of fun-filled indoor attractions. Here are just a few ideas, but there are many, many more:
- If you’re a certified diver, enjoy a guided scuba dive at Deep Dive in Dubai. You can snorkel too at this location.
- Go skiing at Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates.
- Visit the waterpark at Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi.
- Take your children to the Warner Bros. World theme park in Abu Dhabi to see family-friendly attractions themed with well-loved characters like Scooby-Doo, the Flintstones, and Batman.
- Get a live experience of fan favourites like the Marvel Universe and Cartoon Network, at IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai.
- Nature lovers can be treated to an amazing indoor rainforest experience at the Green Planet in Dubai.
- Satisfy your curious mind at Dubai’s Museum of the Future. The exterior is an architectural marvel and a taste of what to expect inside—a look into the future of science, technology, and innovation.
As for when to time your visits, whether you choose to check out these attractions in the morning or the evening, their indoor environments are regulated to be comfortable regardless of the time of day. However, you may prefer to arrive at your chosen recreational spot before noon and leave later in the evening to avoid travelling when the afternoon heat is at its most extreme.
Health and safety precautions: recognising heat exhaustion and heatstroke
The extreme heat of UAE summers presents health and safety issues such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion happens when your body struggles to cool down in extreme heat, while a heatstroke is an extreme case of heat exhaustion where the body fails to cool itself, leading to fever, nausea, and even loss of consciousness.
These issues can be life-threatening for people with pre-existing medical conditions such as kidney, heart, and lung disease. Recognising the signs and understanding preventive measures can be life-saving.
Identifying signs of heat exhaustion
It may be necessary to seek medical attention if you or someone else is experiencing the following symptoms:
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid but weak heartbeat
- General weakness and dizziness
- Cold, moist, and pale skin
- Muscle cramps
- Core body temperature between 38.3°C and 40°C
- Nausea/vomiting
- Extreme thirst
- Headache
- Fainting, which may happen when your blood pressure drops
Preventive measures for heatstroke
You can prevent heat exhaustion and manage it when it occurs, to avoid heatstroke by staying under a shade/accessing air conditioning, frequently hydrating with pure water, loosening your clothes if they fit tightly, relaxing, and avoiding strenuous activities.
Embracing the summer in your new home
Staying safe in the UAE’s intense summer heat requires preparation, awareness, and a little extra care. With the right precautions, however, you will soon start to feel at home in the UAE, even in the hottest weather!
FAQs
How can I reduce my body heat/keep cool in Dubai summer?
Wear loose-fitting light-coloured clothes, hydrate frequently (preferably with water), stay indoors, and avoid strenuous activities.
What is the summer rule in UAE?
Workers aren’t allowed to perform outdoor tasks from 12:30 pm until 3:00 pm in the summer every year. Employers who violate this law face fines.
What should I do if I feel overheated?
If you begin to feel overheated, immediately find shade or air conditioning, hydrate with cool water, loosen your clothing, and rest. If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention