As we bid adieu to the breezy, cool temperatures, walking outside in the UAE lately feels like stepping directly into a sauna. With temperatures continuing to rise across the country, surviving summer is becoming less about ‘dealing with it’ and more about making your life easier to tackle the heat. Which is why we have rounded up some handy tips to stay cool and safe during the blazing summer season.
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1. Keep Hydrating & Don’t Wait Until You Feel Thirsty
One of the biggest hydration mistakes people make is drinking water only when they already feel thirsty. Health experts warn that thirst is usually a sign your body has already started to become dehydrated. Instead, it is better to sip water steadily throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts all at once. And if you are outdoors for long periods or sweating heavily, electrolytes matter too.
2. Electrolytes Matter
Drinking excessive plain water without replacing lost salts can sometimes dilute sodium levels in the body. This may lead to a dangerous condition called hyponatremia. It’s recommended to include electrolyte-rich drinks or foods in your hydration routine after prolonged sun exposure, workouts or outdoor activities. Starting the day properly hydrated also helps your body and skin cope better with heat stress throughout the day.
3. Avoid The Outdoors Between 11 AM & 4 PM
If there is one summer rule UAE residents should take seriously, it is this one. Medical professionals say the period between late morning and mid-afternoon is when temperatures and UV radiation are at their harshest. The safest times to head outdoors are usually before 9 AM or after 6 PM, once temperatures begin to drop. Going out at these timings dramatically increases the risk of:
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
- Sunburn
- Dehydration
- Skin damage
4. Your Outfit Can Make Or Break Your Day
Summer fashion choices genuinely affect how your body handles heat. Wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton allows sweat to evaporate properly and improve airflow around the skin. Moisture-wicking fabrics can also help, while thick or non-breathable materials trap heat and sweat against the body. Tight clothes increase friction, irritation and overheating. And yes, lighter colours really do help because they reflect sunlight better than darker shades.
5. Covering Up Can Actually Keep You Cooler
Contrary to popular belief, exposing more skin is not always the smartest move in the UAE’s summer heat. In fact, wearing lightweight long sleeves, loose trousers and breathable coverage can protect skin from direct UV exposure while still allowing airflow. Proper coverage may actually help reduce overheating, sunburn and skin irritation during peak heat hours.
6. Some Foods Can Help You Handle Heat Better
There may not be magical ‘cooling foods,’ but certain foods definitely support hydration more effectively. These foods help maintain hydration levels and support the body during extreme temperatures. Heavy meals can increase body heat and make you feel even more uncomfortable outdoors. It’s recommend to add water-rich foods like:
- Watermelon
- Cucumbers
- Citrus fruits
- Yoghurt
7. Caffeine & Sugary Drinks Can Work Against You
Iced coffees and sugary drinks may feel refreshing in the moment, but medical experts warn they are not always the best option during extreme heat. Too much caffeine and sugar may contribute to dehydration. Instead, consume cool fluids that encourage regular hydration without overloading the body. Similarly, spicy foods and herbal drinks have not been shown to significantly lower body temperature.
8. Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable
Experts and anyone you speak to in the UAE will stress that UV exposure during UAE summers is just as dangerous as the heat itself. If you need to be outdoors during hotter hours, doctors strongly recommend:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Hats or umbrellas
- Breathable protective clothing
- Cooling breaks every 30 to 60 minutes
- Spending time in shaded or air-conditioned spaces whenever possible
9. Don’t ‘Push Through’ The Heat
One of the worst things you can do during the UAE summer is ignore what your body is telling you. Watch yourself closely for symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, nausea, headaches, and a rapid heartbeat, as these may signal heat-related illness. To avoid heat-related injuries, plan your day around the heat instead of forcing yourself through it.
Because honestly, surviving the UAE summer is all about strategy. Schedule your errands early, keep electrolytes nearby, wear breathable clothes and let shade become your best friend! For more UAE survival hacks, stay tuned to Gulf Buzz.
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