Surviving Your First Dubai Summer: A Guide for New Expats

So you’ve moved to Dubai… and summer is coming. Welcome to the season of 45°C heat, melted sandals, and becoming best friends with your AC remote.

But here’s the good news: thousands of expat women have made it through their first Dubai summer — and so will you. This guide is here to help you actually enjoy it (or at least not suffer through it).

1. It’s hot. Like, really hot.

Yes, everyone told you. No, you didn’t believe them. But when the temps hit 40+°C and stepping outside feels like opening an oven, you’ll understand.

What helps:

• Invest in breathable linen or cotton clothes
• Always carry water, sunscreen, and a fan (yes, a fan)
• Try not to be outside between 11am–4pm if you can help it

2. Indoor life becomes your new reality

Luckily, Dubai does indoor really, really well. You’ll find entire entertainment hubs, malls, cafés, and play areas that are fully air-conditioned — and honestly, pretty fabulous.

Summer-friendly activities:

• Weekly coffee shop meetups (CWAE has plenty!)
• Art classes, museum visits, or escape rooms
• Indoor wellness events or gentle movement sessions
• Catching up on books, journaling, or simply slowing down

3. Hydration is a lifestyle

We’re not just talking water. Coconut water, electrolyte tablets, and cooling sprays will save your life.

Summer tip: Add fresh mint and lemon to your water, and keep a chilled face mist in your bag — especially if you’re out with kids or on the go.

4. Your social circle might disappear — and that’s normal

Between school holidays and travel plans, Dubai gets noticeably quieter in the summer. If your usual crowd jets off, it’s not just you.

What to do:

• Join smaller community events or try a new group
• Use the quiet to reset, reflect, and go inward
• Take advantage of summer discounts for solo staycays or wellness days

5. Slow is the new productive

There’s a natural invitation in the heat to pause, go slower, and soften your pace.

Let yourself:

• Sleep in
• Say no to over-scheduling
• Create new rituals that feel nourishing

You’re not “falling behind” — you’re just adapting.

6. Stay connected, even if it’s quiet

The best part of getting through your first summer? Knowing there are women doing the exact same thing — and you don’t have to do it alone.

At Coffee With An Expat, we keep our community active year-round. Whether you’re around for the summer or just want to connect before things pick back up, there’s always someone here who gets it.

Join our upcoming events, browse interest groups, or just come for coffee. You’ll find people who stay — and that’s its own kind of comfort.

Click here to start your 7-day free trial 💛

Dubai summers might be intense, but they’re also a reminder that slowing down can be powerful. You’ll adjust. You’ll sweat a little. And by the time October rolls around, you’ll have officially earned your stripes as a full-season expat.

You’ve got this.