Visiting UAE this summer? What every tourist must know about heat, safety, travel and more

TL;DR:

• Expect extreme summer heat, often above 43–45 °C, with high humidity and occasional sandstorms.
  
  
• UAE enforces a mandatory midday outdoor work ban—June 15 to September 15, 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM—to protect workers.
  
  
• Stay hydrated, avoid direct sun during peak hours, and choose light, breathable clothing. Tourism policies continue expanding: visa-on-arrival, Armenia visa-free entry, and future GCC Grand Tours Visa.

• With 99% compliance in safety protocols, the UAE balances summer tourism growth with public health and comfort.
  
  

Despite soaring temperatures, summer travel in the UAE remains full of possibility if planned carefully. As the country transitions into peak summer, marked by intense heatwaves and humidity, tourists can still enjoy beaches, indoor attractions, desert adventures, or island resorts. With established cooling infrastructure, robust labour welfare policies, and adaptable cuisine and entertainment options, smart travellers can avoid the discomfort and thrive in the Gulf environment.

What Summer Feels Like in the UAE
Temperature and Climate

• Summer in the UAE begins as early as April and extends into September, with peak heat from late June through August.
  
  
• Average daytime highs typically hover between 43–45 °C, often reaching up to 50.1 °C as recorded in Dubai. These temps combined with humidity can make conditions feel closer to 50–60 °C on humid days.
  
  
• Coastal humidity frequently exceeds 90%, with sea temperatures around 32–33 °C, making outdoor conditions feel more oppressive. Occasional sandstorms and lightning storms may also arise during summer months.
  
  

Safeguards in Place: Midday Work Ban & Cooling Measures
Regulatory Support

• The Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE) enforces the Midday Break every summer from June 15 to September 15, prohibiting all outdoor labor under direct sunlight from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Violations may result in fines of AED 5,000 per worker, up to AED 50,000 per employer.
  
  
• This initiative ensures worker safety, aligns with international occupational health norms, and reflects a humane labour ethos.
  

Worker Welfare Infrastructure

• Employers must provide shaded rest areas, air cooling, first-aid equipment, and hydration facilities. MoHRE reports a 99% compliance rate in recent years, demonstrating strong adherence.
  
  
• 6,000 rest stations were established across cities for delivery workers, supported by government and private sector partners, complete with interactive maps for ease of location.
  
  

Health & Safety Tips for Visitors
Hydration & Heat Precautions

• UAE’s Ministry of Health & Prevention recommends drinking 2–3 litres of water daily, consuming water-rich foods, wearing sunscreen (SPF 30+), and avoiding direct sun between 10 AM and 3 PM. Heat education campaigns in city hubs have served thousands to raise awareness.
  
  

Clothing & Sun Protection

• Tourists should choose loose, breathable fabrics, and cover shoulders and knees in public spaces. Hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing are strongly advised.
  
  
• Sunscreen application and wearing a refillable water bottle are essential as hydration stations are widely available in malls and key tourist zones.
  
  

Activity Scheduling

• Plan outdoor activities in early morning (before 10 AM) or after sunset, when the heat is manageable. Midday hours should focus on indoor attractions, shopping malls, indoor beaches, or ac climate-controlled tours.
  
  
• For high-exertion activities like desert safaris or mountain hikes, choose morning or evening windows, and notify guides of any health issues.
  
  

Visa & Travel Policy Updates
Entry Options for Tourists

• Many nationalities continue to enjoy visa-on-arrival access, while UAE residents enjoy visa-free entry to Armenia and flexible GCC travel.
  
  

Visa Renewals & Travel Advisories

• Tourists are advised to renew or extend visas in advance, especially given high travel demand and possible flight delays linked to regional disruptions. Several governments and agents recommend maintaining travel flexibility.
  
  

GCC Grand Tours Visa

• GCC nations have approved a Unified Tourist Visa, the GCC Grand Tours Visa, expected by late 2025. It allows entry to all six member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) under one permit. Validity periods (30–90 days) and multi-entry options are under discussion.
  
  

Destinations & Attractions That Beat the Heat
Coastal & Indoor Attractions

• Beach resorts in Jumeirah, Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, and Ras Al Khaimah’s luxury resorts offer cool retreats with water sports, pools, and clubhouses.
  
  
• Indoor attractions such as Mall of the Emirates’ Ski Dubai, Dubai Aquarium, Yas Mall, and interactive museums offer climate-controlled experiences.
  
  

Quieter Alternatives

• Desert tours, sunrise hikes to Jebel Jais, evening dune dining, and stargazing in Al Qudra or Liwa Desert remain manageable during cooler morning or evening hours and can be memorable pergifs.
  
  
• Mountain cooler zones like Jebel Hafeet in Abu Dhabi or northern Fujairah offer respite and scenic alternatives.
  
  

Packing Smart: Checklist

• Paperwork: Ensure valid passport and visa arrangements; avoid overstaying by tracking return flights or extension requirements.
  
  
• Packing List: Sunscreen SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses, light clothing, refillable water bottle, and cooling towel or spray.
  
  
• Apps: Download NCEMA and MoHRE (for violation reporting), local health apps, and air quality and weather apps.
  
  
• Hydration Points: Locate hydration stations available in malls, beaches, and attractions; intake electrolyte supplements if necessary.

FAQ

• Q1. Is it too hot to visit?

Yes, it gets extremely hot (often 45°C+), but indoor attractions are fully operational and air-conditioned.

• Q2. What are the best things to do?

Indoor activities like malls, museums, Ski Dubai, Warner Bros World, and Dubai Aquarium are ideal. Evening desert safaris are also available.

• Q3. Are tourist spots open?

Yes. Most major attractions, including Burj Khalifa and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, stay open year-round.

• Q4. What should I wear?

Loose, breathable clothes. Modesty is appreciated in public, though tourists have more flexibility in hotels and malls.

• Q5. Are hotel and flight prices cheaper?

Usually yes, many hotels offer summer deals and discounts, and flight fares often drop.