The Five Stages of Dubai Summer Denial
Jul 23, 2025
“It’s fine. It’s just a little warm.”
Famous last words.
If you’ve lived in Dubai for more than one summer, you already know. There’s a very real, very funny, very denial-filled journey we all go through between May and August. We decided to break it down — for fun, for solidarity, and maybe to remind ourselves we’re not actually melting alone.
Stage 1: “It’s not that hot.”
You’re still wearing jeans. You walk outside at noon like it’s nothing. You’re in complete denial that summer is creeping in. You say things like: “Last year was hotter, no?” You lie to yourself. And that’s okay. We all start here.
Stage 2: “Okay maybe it’s a little hot.”
You’re googling portable fans. The sun hits different. You find yourself choosing shaded parking like it’s a matter of life and death. You still go out, but only if there’s valet. Or AC. Or both.
Stage 3: “I’m not built for this.”
You’re sweating in places you didn’t know had sweat glands. The walk from your front door to your car is now a full cardio workout. You now say yes to indoor play areas, mall laps, and iced matcha runs.
Stage 4: “I’m living indoors now.”
Your calendar is filled with: Zoom calls, grocery delivery, mall meetups. You haven’t touched your steering wheel without oven mitts in weeks. You daydream about places like Iceland. Or just anywhere under 40°C.
Stage 5: “Full surrender.”
You’ve stopped making plans. You wear linen like a personality trait. You're timing your errands to sunset and questioning all your life choices. You’ve accepted your fate. Summer is here. And it’s a journey.
But Seriously…
Dubai summer is no joke — physically, mentally, emotionally. It’s easy to feel isolated when the heat is high and half the city’s gone. That’s why community matters.
At Coffee With An Expat, we’re still here with you. From our Summer Step Challenge to the group chats that never go silent, we’re staying connected through it all.
And if you’re still in the denial stage? Don’t worry — we’ve all been there.
Wherever you’re reading this from a sunny beach or under your AC vent — just know you’re not the only one going through it.
We’re in this together. Stay cool, stay kind, and stay connected.
