Summer weather in the UAE can get intense, but that doesn’t mean tourists need to avoid visiting here. In fact, it can be one of the best times to come since it’s less busy and there are a number of deals to be found at hotels, restaurants, malls and spas.
With world-class indoor attractions, subsidised room rates and modern infrastructure built to withstand the heat – perhaps you’ll even find yourself wishing for a jumper when in the mall – the Emirates welcomes plenty of visitors even in July and August.
Here’s what you need to know before stepping off the plane.
How hot is it, really?
Make no mistake, it is hot. Temperatures regularly cross the 45°C mark, and on some days it can feel even hotter due to the humidity levels, especially near the coast. Meanwhile, overnight lows stay well above 30°C and, again, humidity levels often make it unpleasant to be outside even when the moon is out.
The sun can be particularly unforgiving between 11am and 4pm. Outdoors, especially without shade or hydration, it can quickly become uncomfortable and even dangerous. The government issues regular warnings for heatstroke risk and encourages people to stay indoors during peak hours.
Does that mean everything shuts down during the day?
Not at all. Shopping malls, indoor attractions and restaurants are bustling even during the summer.
You’ll find many malls hosting summer festivals, notably Dubai Summer Surprises, an annual shopping and entertainment event that brings discounts, raffle draws and children’s activations across myriad malls, plus a number of indoor concerts.
There are also dedicated summer entertainment programmes to keep families engaged. For example, Dubai Sports World takes over Dubai World Trade Centre’s exhibition halls in August, with more than 40 courts and pitches across 300,000 square feet of indoor space. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of sport, from badminton to basketball and padel to pickleball, plus spinning, CrossFit and even zones for children.
Elsewhere, many restaurants cover up their outdoor sections with air-conditioned tents, from beach clubs such as Barasti and Baoli to family-friendly Phileas Fogg's.
What summer deals are there?
Dubai Summer Surprises aside, the first Great Dubai Summer Sale will take place for three weeks from July 18. It offers majors discounts at more than 800 brands, with up to 90 per cent off during flash sales, as well as cashback offers and prize draws.
Discover the best hotel rates of the year across many of the properties in the UAE, as well as excellent summer offers. At Palazzo Versace Dubai, until September 30, guests spending a minimum of Dh1,000 across the hotel – whether on room rates, at the restaurant or in the spa – will receive a guaranteed flight ticket to a destination of their choice, depending on departure location.
At JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, anyone spending at least Dh150 in one of the restaurants will get 50 per cent off on room rates for a stay that same night.
In Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island has a range of packages for visitors, including a deal where two children under 12 can stay, play and dine for free with two paying adults at participating luxury hotels on the island. There’s also the Stay & Play package, where guests get free entry to Louvre Abu Dhabi and a Yas Island theme park for each night of their stay.
Yas Island has a similar Kids Go Free offer valid until September 30, which allows up to two children under 12 complimentary accommodation, theme park access and dining when two adults book a package at participating hotels.
Outside the hotels, the UAE’s theme parks also have special offers. For example, at Dubai Parks and Resorts, get access to two of the parks – from Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World, Legoland Dubai or Legoland Water Park – for the price of one (Dh295).
Then there are restaurants, where attractive dining deals and special menus launch at this time of year. W Dubai's Taste of W offers exclusive set menus across four of its outlets, including Michelin-recommended Akira Back, for Dh220 per person. Elsewhere, at Catch at St Regis in The St Regis Abu Dhabi, a new menu inspired by South American-style ceviche is on offer throughout July.
Spa deals are also prevalent during summer, allowing guests access to some of the city’s most luxurious havens for a fraction of their usual price. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, for example, is offering complimentary day passes to its beach and pool with all couples’ treatments until September 30.
In Dubai, at Five Palm Jumeirah, get a 30-minute body exfoliation and 60-minute cold stone massage for Dh695 with its new Snatched for Summer treatment.
Elsewhere, Kalm Grooming Salon at Riva Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah has 30 per cent off on all its barber and grooming services.
What are some of the best indoor activities to try?
The UAE excels at indoor entertainment, so you’re absolutely spoilt for choice. In Abu Dhabi, don’t miss a visit to Saadiyat Cultural District’s fabulous museums, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, an interactive digital art experience.
Over on Al Qana, there’s The National Aquarium, while Reem Mall has an indoor snow park. And you can't leave Abu Dhabi without a visit to Yas Island, where you’ll find some of the capital’s best indoor attractions, such as Warner Bros World theme park, Yas Mall, Etihad Arena and Clymb Abu Dhabi, home to the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall and where you’ll get 20 per cent off with your Yas theme parks tickets this summer.
In Dubai, a visit to Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world, is a must for any tourist. Inside, you’ll find everything from an underwater zoo to a virtual-reality park and an ice rink.
Mall of the Emirates is also worth a visit for Ski Dubai, the famous indoor ski resort with real snow year-round.
Elsewhere, the Green Planet is an indoor tropical rainforest with more than 3,000 plants and animals. For a spot of culture, a visit to the Museum of the Future, where the exhibits explore our planetary future, is a must.
Sharjah is also an excellent place to visit come summer due to its focus on indoor cultural attractions and fantastic museums, where a seasonal programme of exhibitions is ongoing. Head to Sharjah Art Foundation, where you’ll find Rain Room, a permanent immersive art installation that invites visitors to walk through a downpour of continuous rain without getting wet.
Is there anything I can’t do?
We don’t advise spending much time outside during peak daylight hours, between 11am and 4pm, so you won’t be walking around sightseeing or sunbathing on a beach.
Desert activities such as dune bashing, camping and camel riding aren’t possible in the daytime during the hottest weeks of the year.
Some outdoor attractions will have reduced daylight hours, while seasonal events and venues will be closed altogether, such as Global Village, Dubai Miracle Garden, Ripe Market and Dubai Safari Park.
What should I pack in my suitcase?
Pack for the heat, but also plan for being indoors where it can be quite cold because of the superior air-conditioning systems, so a light jacket or shawl is essential. Breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton are imperative but remember modest dress is appreciated as this is still an Islamic country, so be respectful – avoid short shorts, crop tops and transparent fabrics in public areas unless you’re at a beach or swimming pool.
Also, don’t forget your high-SPF sun cream, hats and UV-protection sunglasses. Bring a refillable water bottle as you’ll find refill stations dotted around the country and it’s crucial to stay hydrated in the UAE summer.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
How to tell if your child is being bullied at school
Sudden change in behaviour or displays higher levels of stress or anxiety
Shows signs of depression or isolation
Ability to sleep well diminishes
Academic performance begins to deteriorate
Changes in eating habits
Struggles to concentrate
Refuses to go to school
Behaviour changes and is aggressive towards siblings
Begins to use language they do not normally use
The years Ramadan fell in May
Results
Catchweight 60kg: Mohammed Al Katheeri (UAE) beat Mostafa El Hamy (EGY) TKO round 3
Light Heavyweight: Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) no contest Kevin Oumar (COM) Unintentional knee by Oumer
Catchweight 73kg: Yazid Chouchane (ALG) beat Ahmad Al Boussairy (KUW) Unanimous decision
Featherweight: Faris Khaleel Asha (JOR) beat Yousef Al Housani (UAE) TKO in round 2 through foot injury
Welterweight: Omar Hussein (JOR) beat Yassin Najid (MAR); Split decision
Middleweight: Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) beat Sallah Eddine Dekhissi (MAR); Round-1 TKO
Lightweight: Abdullah Mohammed Ali Musalim (UAE) beat Medhat Hussein (EGY); Triangle choke submission
Welterweight: Abdulla Al Bousheiri (KUW) beat Sofiane Oudina (ALG); Triangle choke Round-1
Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) beat Saleem Al Bakri (JOR); Unanimous decision
Bantamweight: Ali Taleb (IRQ) beat Nawras Abzakh (JOR); TKO round-2
Catchweight 63kg: Rany Saadeh (PAL) beat Abdel Ali Hariri (MAR); Unanimous decision
The Specs
Engine 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 582bhp (542bhp in GTS model)
Torque: 730Nm
Price: Dh649,000 (Dh549,000 for GTS)
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
Day 1 results:
Open Men (bonus points in brackets)
New Zealand 125 (1) beat UAE 111 (3)
India 111 (4) beat Singapore 75 (0)
South Africa 66 (2) beat Sri Lanka 57 (2)
Australia 126 (4) beat Malaysia -16 (0)
Open Women
New Zealand 64 (2) beat South Africa 57 (2)
England 69 (3) beat UAE 63 (1)
Australia 124 (4) beat UAE 23 (0)
New Zealand 74 (2) beat England 55 (2)
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
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- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Company profile
Date started: Founded in May 2017 and operational since April 2018
Founders: co-founder and chief executive, Doaa Aref; Dr Rasha Rady, co-founder and chief operating officer.
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: Health-tech
Size: 22 employees
Funding: Seed funding
Investors: Flat6labs, 500 Falcons, three angel investors
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Friday Stuttgart v Cologne (Kick-off 10.30pm UAE)
Saturday RB Leipzig v Hertha Berlin (5.30pm)
Mainz v Borussia Monchengladbach (5.30pm)
Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)
Union Berlin v SC Freiburg (5.30pm)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (5.30pm)
Sunday Wolfsburg v Arminia (6.30pm)
Werder Bremen v Hoffenheim (9pm)
Bayer Leverkusen v Augsburg (11.30pm)
Sam Smith
Where: du Arena, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday November 24
Rating: 4/5
Match info
Liverpool 4
Salah (19'), Mane (45 2', 53'), Sturridge (87')
West Ham United 0
Director: Romany Saad
Starring: Mirfat Amin, Boumi Fouad and Tariq Al Ibyari
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Upcoming games
SUNDAY
Brighton and Hove Albion v Southampton (5.30pm)
Leicester City v Everton (8pm)
MONDAY
Burnley v Newcastle United (midnight)
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Sonchiriya
Director: Abhishek Chaubey
Producer: RSVP Movies, Azure Entertainment
Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Manoj Bajpayee, Ashutosh Rana, Bhumi Pednekar, Ranvir Shorey
Rating: 3/5