A Survivor’s Guide to Dubai in July: Free and Fun ways to Beat the Heat
Daily Routine
Rise Before the Heat: 6:00am - 9:00am
Outdoor walks: Spend your morning walking at one of the many free public parks or beaches in Dubai. I enjoy Palm West Beach, a 1.6 kilometer promenade with beachfront views, beach clubs, and restaurants. It has conveniently shaded parking for a fee. You can extend your walk by crossing over to Al Ittihad Park for a 3.2 kilometer track. Rest your eyes and senses beneath the shade of over 100 unique plant and tree species that line the pathway. There are many other parks and beach walks to discover -but beware- not all of them offer shaded parking.
Breakfast: If you want an early outdoor breakfast after your beach walk I recommend Maison Mathis for people watching or Flow Kitchen at the Fairmont for an open-air-conditioned experience. If you continue your walk to Al Ittihad Park, opt for a nutrient-rich bite at Healthy & Co in Golden Mile Galleria, or Joe & the Juice in Nakheel Mall.
Pro Tip: Wear a hat, carry a hand-held fan and mist spray. Always have water with sliced cucumbers for an extra refreshing twist.
Indoor Rhythm & Light Hustle: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Working Spaces: Spend your morning working at one of the many free libraries in Dubai. My personal favorite is the largest public library in Dubai, the Mohammed Bin Rashid library. Designed to resemble an open book from the outside, this seven-story library features a distinctive architectural style that sets it apart from typical library designs. The top floor holds a collection of curated first editions, illustrations, and journals that are worth a peruse. Meanwhile, there are many quiet spaces to study and a cafe if you want a bite to eat while you work.
A quick 5-minute drive from the Mohammed Bin Rashid library is the Jameel Art Center. This space doesn’t have covered parking, so I don’t recommend staying long, but the three-story gallery is worth a check. They also have a tiny library with a few tables and views of Dubai Creek.
Detox Tip: Sip iced herbal teas or coconut water instead of caffeine
Heat Lockdown Hours: 12:00pm - 17:00pm
A Mood-Boosting Summer Salad with Honey-Mustard Dressing Recipe
What to AVOID: Walking outdoors, running errands, or long drives without shade
What to do instead: Make a thoughtfully prepared lunch, take a leisurely walk in the mall, settle into a co-working space, or do a midday workout. Spend time at home working, reading a book, painting with watercolors, listening to a podcast, arranging flowers, or treat yourself to an at-home spa.
Places to be: If you're driving, be sure to choose a destination with shaded parking - a must during Dubai's hotter months. Most major shopping malls in the city offer reliable, shaded parking facilities.
Cool Down Culture: 17:00pm - 22:00pm
Evening activities:
For the creatives: A film at Cinema Akil then wandering through Alserkal Avenue’s galleries and restaurants, offers a soulful unwind for the creatively inclined. During my visit, by nine o’ clock, BKRY had attracted a sizable line, reflecting its popularity among locals. Nearby, Kokoro also drew a steady stream of patrons, known for its fresh fish and handrolls.
For the explorers: Go for a FREE night-swim at Umm Suqeim 1 beach, Jumeirah 2 and 3 beach, or Kite beach. For a paid experience, head to one of the many hotels, beach clubs, or restaurants offering experiences.
For the strategists: The grind never stops, even for an unwind. Networking events in the evening are a nice way to meet like-minded professionals, especially the exclusive and pricey, CEO Clubs Network, The Arts Club, Ambassadors Club, and Neera. For a little less exclusivity, but still requires a vetting process, Capital Club, and YP Club. For a mostly free and inclusive networking experience, V Club, DIFC events, Dubai business events, and of course Eventbrite.
