Lost in the Heat: My Summer in Dubai

They say you haven't truly felt the sun until you've stood in the middle of a Dubai summer. After spending three unforgettable weeks in the city of gold this July, I can confirm: the heat is real—but so is the magic.

First Impressions: Blinded by Gold and Glass

Landing at Dubai International Airport was like stepping into the future. The air-conditioned airport, sleek architecture, and lightning-speed efficiency gave me a quick taste of what was to come. As I exited into the shimmering daylight, the heat hit me like a wall—50°C (122°F) and rising. I was instantly grateful for the bottle of water in my backpack and the taxi’s aggressive AC.

Driving past skyscrapers that twisted into the sky, desert stretches in the distance, and flashy sports cars zipping through eight-lane highways, I realized: this city doesn’t do anything halfway.

Chasing Shade in the Urban Jungle

Exploring Dubai in summer requires a certain level of strategy. Mornings were spent darting between malls, museums, and shaded streets. The Dubai Mall became my personal oasis—not just for shopping, but for its surreal attractions like the indoor ice rink and the giant aquarium.

Later, I visited Al Fahidi Historical District, where narrow alleyways offered brief moments of shade. Walking through the souks with the scent of oud and spices swirling around me felt like time travel—minus the sweat dripping down my back.

Desert Heat & Dune Dreams

No trip to Dubai is complete without a desert safari—even in summer. I booked an evening tour, thinking the heat would ease by sunset. It didn’t. But it didn’t matter.

Riding over golden dunes in a 4x4, sand spraying everywhere, felt like being in a Mad Max movie. We stopped for a camel ride, traditional Emirati dinner, and a fire-dancing show under a sky full of stars. It was hot, wild, and unforgettable. I’ve never appreciated a cold drink so much in my life.

Beating the Heat: Poolside & Sky-High Views

When temperatures soared past 45°C, I found refuge in rooftop infinity pools. One of my favorites? Address Sky View Hotel, where the pool overlooks the Burj Khalifa. Swimming in cold water while gazing at the tallest building in the world felt like luxury on another level.

Another escape was Ski Dubai—yes, a full-on indoor snow park in the Mall of the Emirates. Wearing thermal gear in the middle of a desert was surreal, but surprisingly refreshing.

The Night Comes Alive

Dubai truly comes alive after sunset. The streets light up, the temperature drops (slightly), and people pour into night markets, restaurants, and beach clubs. I spent nights strolling through La Mer, trying local street food, and dancing at White Dubai, a rooftop nightclub that turns up the energy under the stars.

Even late into the night, the air still felt like a warm oven. But in a weird way, I’d grown to love it.

Lessons from the Heat

Dubai in summer isn't for the faint of heart. The sun can be brutal, your clothes stick to your skin, and sometimes all you want is an ice bath. But it’s also when you get to experience the city without the usual tourist crowds. Prices drop. Locals rule the streets. And everything feels just a little more raw and real.

Being “lost in the heat” was more than a physical experience—it was a reminder that sometimes, discomfort brings out the most unforgettable adventures. I left Dubai with sunburned shoulders, a camera roll full of surreal moments, and a heart full of wonder.

Would I do it again?

Yes. But next time, I’m packing more sunscreen—and maybe a portable fan.