What to do in the UAE in summer

The concept of seasonality for us and for UAE residents does not coincide: if summer is vacation time for us, for them it is a non-tourist period. The unbearable desert heat deters foreigners accustomed to the highest level of comfort in everything. We decided to find out if it's really that bad in the Emirates at this time of year, why you might go there during the off-season, and what to do.

Weather in Dubai in Summer

Jokes about hellish heat take on a new level here. What is Dubai like in summer? An air temperature of +50°C is quite a reality, though not as frequent as one might assume. And 40-45°C are stable thermometer readings. However, the heat from the scorching sun is offset by the abundance of air conditioners indoors. Step inside and cool down.

If you tolerate heat well, June is a relatively acceptable month for a trip to the UAE. During the day, the air temperature reaches +40-42°C, dropping to +28-30°C at night. The water in the Persian Gulf warms up to 30°C, so it doesn't bring the desired coolness. But hotel pools with cooling systems are a different story.

July and August bring serious heat with temperatures of +42-48°C and high humidity due to the proximity of the Gulf. Water evaporates from the surface and remains in the air, which hinders our natural thermoregulation. At night, the situation is only slightly better – the temperature remains at +32-36°C. The sea water reaches +35°C. In such hot water, the risk of overheating sharply increases. It's better to swim in shallow water, where the water has a chance to cool down a bit during the night hours. At depths of two meters or more, it's only hotter. Therefore, the daily routine during the summer season in Dubai is as follows:

•       wake up at 5-6 AM,
•       beach relaxation until 8-9 AM,
•       breakfast,
•       rest in the room, lunch at a restaurant, shopping, museums,
•       dinner,
•       evening swim,
•       early bedtime.

A summer vacation in Dubai is not suitable for those suffering from cardiovascular diseases, anyone who tolerates heat poorly, and families with children.

Why Go to the UAE in Summer

And yet – planes fly, hotels welcome guests, museums await visitors. This means that a summer vacation in the UAE has its notable aspects. And it can even be advantageous! If you're asking yourself, "Is it worth going to Dubai in the summer?", we've brought you five compelling reasons why it is.

Fewer Tourists

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are most popular with tourists during the winter months, but in summer, beaches and shopping malls become emptier. So if you don't like standing in lines, waiting for your table at a restaurant, or crowding in the hotel at breakfast, then summer is the right season for you.

Sea Temperature

No "get out of the water – your lips are already blue!" because freezing in the waters of the Persian or Oman Gulf in summer is simply impossible. Swimming here in summer is like taking a bath at home. Yes, it's not refreshing at all, but some people enjoy the lack of a significant difference between water and air temperatures.

Discounts on Flights and Accommodation

Peak prices for holidays in Dubai are also reached in winter, while in summer, discounts are necessary. And so it becomes easier to find cheap Moscow – Dubai tickets, and advantageous offers from hotels appear, such as free accommodation for children, or additional spa access. Admission to attractions, museums, and various exhibitions is reduced thanks to these seasonal discounts.

Sales in Stores

To stimulate sales during the low season, stores hold sales in summer. Clothes, shoes, cosmetics, perfumes, and electronics can be purchased with discounts of up to 70%. Also, Dubai Summer Surprises takes place in summer – an annual shopping festival with advantageous promotions, lotteries, discounts, and various offers. In 2025, it will run from June 28 to September 1. Where to look for discounts? In Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates.

Time for Attractions

Usually, on vacation, one has to choose between relaxing on the beach and visiting all the museums and other points of interest. In summer, this dilemma disappears: the peak heat should be spent indoors.

What to Do in the UAE

The breaks between early morning and late evening swims need to be filled with something. Here are our options.

Shopping

What to do in Dubai in summer, if not leisurely stroll through the endless avenues of giant Dubai malls? It's an ideal activity for a July afternoon. Especially since there are many shopping centers here, enough for every day of your vacation. When choosing a hotel, find out in advance if shuttle buses run from it to popular shopping malls and outlets to make it easier to get there and back.

Safari

To the desert? And in summer? Yes! All safari tours are conducted in the morning or late evening; no one will drive you over the dunes in the scorching midday sun. And at sunset, you'll get the most beautiful photos amidst the endless sands.

Museums

Museum of the Future, Madame Tussauds Museum, Museum of Illusions, Coffee Museum, Etihad Museum – is that enough, or do you need more? The Aquarium in Dubai Mall and Sharjah Aquarium can also be included in this category.

At any time of year, you'll find things to see in Dubai, especially if you have our list handy.