How Do Expats In Dubai Stand The Summer Heat?

When the emirates are mentioned to potential expats, exotic images of camels, sand dunes, upscale shopping malls, eye-wateringly high salaries and luxury residences spring immediately to mind.

In many ways, the vision is true, but there’s far more to Dubai and its surroundings than meets the eye, as newly-arrived expatriates soon find out. However, there’s one issue which causes concern to those from temperate climes – the summer heat. Peak summer temperatures arrive in July along with very dry air, soaring as high as 49 degrees Celsius, with winter lows averaging out at just nine degrees Celsius. Apart from these two extremes, the Dubai weather is easily manageable as the ultra-modern city’s infrastructure was created to withstand both extremes, allowing residents to do the same.

For new expat arrivals, doing their weatherwise homework is recommended, taking in to especial account the dry air which magnifies the experience of very high temperatures. Obviously, air conditioning is everywhere and even swimming pools have temperature controls, as do the walkways and city bus stops giving access to public transportation. For shorter distance journeys, expats and nationals alike take short cab rides for which fares are set low. For health freaks, gyms and other recreational areas are also air-conditioned, as are indoor exercise areas such as ski slopes and ice-skating rinks.

For would-be expats unsure about Dubai’s climate, a visit during the cooler winter months can help, as it gives a close-up and personal glimpse of how the emirate deals with the summer heat. If the visions of Bedouin tents under the stars won’t go away, there are two and three day safaris which include sleeping in tents, riding camels and other fun activities such as sand-boarding. It’s all somewhat touristy, but does give a prequel of the history and culture of this amazing place for those considering making it their home.