Keeping hydrated is key to combatting the rising summer temperatures, and there are now myriad ways to maintain optimal hydration levels. As studies and wellness trends have shown over the years, there is more to it than merely drinking water, although gulping down glasses of it is the simplest way to remain hydrated.
It is recommended that adults in the UAE drink up to 3.7 litres of water per day, or 15 glasses, says Dr Nasrullah Jakhrani, an internal medicine specialist at Aster Clinic in Bur Dubai.
“Our body constantly loses water through various means, such as sweating, urine, waste, skin evaporation and even through breathing,” he explains, adding that water loss is higher during summer due to increased perspiration. Water also regulates body temperature and hunger, he says.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the specific time to drink water but Dr Salman Abdul Bari of RAK Hospital, says those going out in the heat should drink two full glasses before doing so and a glass every 15 to 20 minutes to remain hydrated.
The rise of gourmet water
Aqua Water Bar by Luqel, which opened in Dubai Media City this month, offers 30 different types of water, served by sommeliers.
The venue uses a patented filtration system that it says purifies tap water by getting rid of harmful chemicals and toxic metals. The water undergoes reverse osmosis purification and is re-enriched with natural mineral salts.
The recipes are created by altering the mineral composition of the water. For example, one of the dominant elements in the “wake up” drinks is sulphate. The drink's sodium content “awakens your taste buds and gently stimulates the stomach”, according to the bar's menu.
There are also recipes for people with different activity levels. For example, runners can choose water with high magnesium, sodium, potassium and hydrogen carbonate to replenish mineral levels.
The bar also serves water that is mineralised for specific meals and diets. Recipes include “vegan's choice” and “minato”, which the bar claims is the “perfect recipe to go with sushi or any of your seafood dishes”.
The opening of Aqua Water Bar by Luqel comes just weeks after Swedish start-up Wayout announced its entry to the UAE. The drinking water system purifies and remineralises tap water.
These companies are banking on natural minerals and their health benefits to boost people's hydration.
It's a different motivation altogether from the WaterTok trend on TikTok. The hashtag, which has gone viral, with videos having been viewed more than 145 million times, highlights a community of people mixing their water to make drinking it more exciting.
Creative users are turning iced jugs into colourful concoctions, using packets of powder and squirts of syrup, creating everything from pina-colada-flavoured water to a drink called “birthday cake”.
The fruity way
There are healthier ways to make a glass of water exciting, Bari says, such as the classic fruit-infusion method where slices of lemon, cucumber or orange are added for a nutrient boost.
“People who find it difficult to drink water can take coconut water, which is rich in potassium and low in calories. Flavouring water with fresh fruits like lemon, mint and orange is equally hydrating,” he says.
There are also many water-rich fruits and vegetables, and incorporating them into the diet can help to maintain hydration levels.
“Watermelon, strawberries, grapefruits and peaches are excellent sources of hydration, as are cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes, which also have high water content,” says Jakhrani.
Bananas can be a good addition to your summer diet, says fitness coach Adil Dhaloo, because they are rich in electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium. “These electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining hydration and help replenish essential minerals lost through sweating,” he says.
Those who work out can choose from several sports drinks on the market, as they are specifically designed to help replace the essential minerals lost through sweat. But it's important to check the sugar and calorie content, the experts warn.
Hydration requires a balanced diet, consisting of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and protein sources such as meat or plant-based alternatives, Dhaloo adds.
Fizzy and caffeinated drinks are a no-no, says Dr Bari, because they are “diuretics and are therefore dehydrating”.
Milk has recently been proven to have the opposite effect. Because of its lactose, protein and fat content, it reduces urine production and promotes fluid retention in the body. “The presence of milk in the stomach for a longer duration contributes to its hydrating effects,” says Jakhrani.
Other tips and tricks
Here are some pointers from Jakhrani to help you reach the recommended water intake each day:
- Carry a water bottle with you as a visual reminder to drink more water throughout the day
- Listen to your body's signals and drink water whenever you feel thirsty
- The colour of your urine can serve as an indicator of dehydration. Dark yellow urine indicates the need to drink more water, while clear and light-coloured urine suggests reasonable water intake
- Set hydration goals and track your water intake – this can be a fun challenge for yourself and your friends
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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%3Cp%3EDavid%20White%20might%20be%20new%20to%20the%20country%2C%20but%20he%20has%20clearly%20already%20built%20up%20an%20affinity%20with%20the%20place.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EAfter%20the%20UAE%20shocked%20Pakistan%20in%20the%20semi-final%20of%20the%20Under%2019%20Asia%20Cup%20last%20month%2C%20White%20was%20hugged%20on%20the%20field%20by%20Aayan%20Khan%2C%20the%20team%E2%80%99s%20captain.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EWhite%20suggests%20that%20was%20more%20a%20sign%20of%20Aayan%E2%80%99s%20amiability%20than%20anything%20else.%20But%20he%20believes%20the%20young%20all-rounder%2C%20who%20was%20part%20of%20the%20winning%20Gulf%20Giants%20team%20last%20year%2C%20is%20just%20the%20sort%20of%20player%20the%20country%20should%20be%20seeking%20to%20produce%20via%20the%20ILT20.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20is%20a%20delightful%20young%20man%2C%E2%80%9D%20White%20said.%20%E2%80%9CHe%20played%20in%20the%20competition%20last%20year%20at%2017%2C%20and%20look%20at%20his%20development%20from%20there%20till%20now%2C%20and%20where%20he%20is%20representing%20the%20UAE.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20was%20influential%20in%20the%20U19%20team%20which%20beat%20Pakistan.%20He%20is%20the%20perfect%20example%20of%20what%20we%20are%20all%20trying%20to%20achieve%20here.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20about%20the%20development%20of%20players%20who%20are%20going%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE%20and%20go%20on%20to%20help%20make%20UAE%20a%20force%20in%20world%20cricket.%E2%80%9D%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The figures behind the event
1) More than 300 in-house cleaning crew
2) 165 staff assigned to sanitise public areas throughout the show
3) 1,000 social distancing stickers
4) 809 hand sanitiser dispensers placed throughout the venue
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
The%20specs%3A%202024%20Mercedes%20E200
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20four-cyl%20turbo%20%2B%20mild%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E204hp%20at%205%2C800rpm%20%2B23hp%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C800rpm%20%2B205Nm%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7.3L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2FDecember%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh205%2C000%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The five stages of early child’s play
From Dubai-based clinical psychologist Daniella Salazar:
1. Solitary Play: This is where Infants and toddlers start to play on their own without seeming to notice the people around them. This is the beginning of play.
2. Onlooker play: This occurs where the toddler enjoys watching other people play. There doesn’t necessarily need to be any effort to begin play. They are learning how to imitate behaviours from others. This type of play may also appear in children who are more shy and introverted.
3. Parallel Play: This generally starts when children begin playing side-by-side without any interaction. Even though they aren’t physically interacting they are paying attention to each other. This is the beginning of the desire to be with other children.
4. Associative Play: At around age four or five, children become more interested in each other than in toys and begin to interact more. In this stage children start asking questions and talking about the different activities they are engaging in. They realise they have similar goals in play such as building a tower or playing with cars.
5. Social Play: In this stage children are starting to socialise more. They begin to share ideas and follow certain rules in a game. They slowly learn the definition of teamwork. They get to engage in basic social skills and interests begin to lead social interactions.
Score
Third Test, Day 2
New Zealand 274
Pakistan 139-3 (61 ov)
Pakistan trail by 135 runs with 7 wickets remaining in the innings
Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
The years Ramadan fell in May
The five pillars of Islam
Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry
4/5
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