How To Not Go Mad In Dubai During Summer Heat

by Sophie She

How To Not Go Mad In Dubai During Summer Heat

27 Jul 2024

Photo: Fellipe Ditadi

How to mentally survive summer in Dubai?

Leave.

Just kidding. Last year, I personally proved to myself that Dubai can be a home town for any time of the year. Though, there are some rules to keep your sanity.

Surviving the summer without going mad requires a combination of practical strategies and mental resilience.

Let’s dive in into how we can keep you alive this summer season.

Photo: Andrew Neel

Separate Work and Living Spaces

One of the most effective ways to cope with the intense summer heat is to create distinct work and living spaces within your home. This separation helps maintain a sense of normalcy, structure, and routine — and God, people need a routine to feel okay.

Set up a dedicated work area away from distractions and cosiness, ensuring it is well-ventilated and comfortable. Place only work-related and thought-provoking items there, no cosy pillows.

This division not only enhances productivity but also allows you to relax more effectively in your living spaces (you will remember these words once you obey this tip), reducing the feeling of being trapped indoors because you will feel like you’ve changed the scenery several times!

Instagram: @25hourshoteldubai

Stay Social

People are first social beings, then human beings — that is my favourite conclusion by Aristotle. Social interaction is crucial for mental well-being, especially when outdoor activities are limited by the heat.

Online:

Summer is the time to legitimise all your time spent inside devices, as technology helps you to stay connected with friends and family through video calls and social media. Join online communities or local clubs (anyone remembers club house?) to meet people with similar interests (even online).

Offline:

Stay tuned for offline pop-ups and events like parties at SOON and supper clubs in 25Hours. Embrace the night life and try to motivate yourself to be as social as possible, as the networking time is still limited and you will definitely need people at some point.

Dubai offers a vibrant expatriate community, providing ample opportunities to build a social network. Engaging in social activities, even virtually, can significantly alleviate feelings of isolation.

Photo: Spacejoy

Invest in Your Home Space

Buy that damn air purifier. Transforming your living space into a sanctuary can make spending long hours indoors more enjoyable. Invest in comfortable furniture you actually like, own some good cooling systems, and indoor plants (ZZ plant can survive anything) to create a refreshing environment.

Personalise your space with items that bring you joy, such as art, books, or cute candles, or essentially anything that will make your Wayne Manor more bearable for longer.

Consider home improvement projects that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your living space. This could also be fun and a great sublimation of energy, so if you wanted to re-make that bathroom door — summer is the time.

A well-designed home can provide a sense of satisfaction and make indoor time more pleasant.

Photo: Getty images

Embrace the Nightlife

Dubai's summer days are very hot, but the nights can be surprisingly pleasant. Be the bat and shift your outdoor activities to the evenings. Picnics can be romantic and nice during nights too!

Explore the city's vibrant nightlife, including late-night cafes, restaurants, and cultural events. Take advantage of outdoor spaces such as beaches and parks during the cooler hours.

The sea, in particular, can be a great respite from the heat, providing a refreshing escape and an opportunity for socialising.

Surviving in Dubai during the summer is a challenge, but let me tell you, it is a time that could actually be very useful — enjoy your alone time and learn things about yourself — what you hate and what you like. Use this time like a pause for contemplation and creative work. Get inspired with movies and finally give yourself a green light on staying at home on your couch with 0 guilt. Find pretty things in this complex situations and try to nurture your soul with good food and as much social as you wish.

by Sophie She