7 Ways To Beat The Dubai Heat This Summer -That Don’t Involve A Mall!

Let’s just get one thing straight: Dubai in the summer is not for the faint of heart. With May clocking in temperatures of over 51°C, breaking the previous record set in 2009, and April officially going down as the hottest on record, the city has turned into what feels like a solar-powered pressure cooker set to “aggressively boil.”

And while meteorologists are cautiously optimistic that June and July might ease up a bit on the fiery assault, let’s not forget that summer in the UAE comes with another charming twist: humidity. The kind that wraps around you like cling film and makes walking from your front door to your car feel like an act of survival. But before you book that one-way flight to Iceland or commit to a three-month hibernation under your AC unit, hear us out. There are ways to actually enjoy Dubai in the heat. Gasp! Yes, really. With a little creativity (and a strong commitment to indoor living), you can still find joy in the heat - no shopping centre laps required.

Here are 7 non-lame, surprisingly chill (literally and figuratively) ways to beat the Dubai heat this summer:

Cool off under the moonlight

Sun? Overrated. Night swims? Superior. Dubai’s after-dark scene is heating up in the best way, with a new breed of pool parties that start when the sun clocks out. One standout is Dip After Dark, Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis’ newly launched midnight pool party. Every Saturday from 4pm, the REDRoof transforms with beats from resident DJ Pedro, smooth shisha, flowing drinks, and most importantly - no UV in sight. It’s all the fun of summer without the scent of sunburned regret. You’ll find a surprisingly unpretentious crowd and just the right amount of chaos. 

Seek solace in the snow

It’s not a groundbreaking suggestion, but it is a classic for a reason. Ski Dubai remains one of the few places where you can scream “I’m cold!” in July without sounding delusional. Whether you're genuinely snowboarding or just there for the penguin meet-and-greet (no judgment), there’s something deeply satisfying about flipping the middle finger to the desert by renting snow boots.

Laugh it off

Sometimes, all you really need to cope with the heat is a good laugh—and a functioning aircon. Comedy nights are having a moment in Dubai, with intimate gigs popping up across the city. One worth checking out is the weekly Thursday stand-up night from Mad Cat Comedy at Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis. The line-ups are sharp, the crowd is down-to-earth, and the humour is delightfully politically incorrect.

Indulge your inner child

Remember the thrill of running around an amusement park as a kid, sugar-high and sunburnt? Well, now you can recreate that but with air conditioning, adult beverages, and significantly more self-awareness. IMG Worlds is the kind of over-the-top, ridiculous fun that only makes sense in a city like Dubai. Ride a rollercoaster. Eat a churro. Scream into the void from a haunted hotel. All without ever sweating through your shirt.

Slow down with the stingrays

Yes, it’s inside a mall. No, it’s not the same as a mall crawl. There’s something genuinely calming about drifting through the depths of the Dubai Aquarium. Watch stingrays glide past like they have somewhere important to be, marvel at sharks who seem equally unimpressed with the heat, and let yourself decompress in the cool, quiet depths. Aquatic escapism at its finest.

Get lost in time

Part art installation, part science experiment, and entirely unlike anything else in the city. The Museum of the Future is more than just a photogenic façade. It’s a thoughtful, beautifully executed journey through AI, sustainability, and human imagination - housed in a hyper-modern space that’s mercifully climate-controlled. Ideal for an afternoon of exploration (and escape).

Embrace the great indoors

Sometimes the smartest way to beat the heat is not to fight it but to fully surrender in style. Book a weekend staycay (or just a cheeky night away from your flat  with Radisson RED’s 24-hour stay package), crank the AC to “arctic tundra,” wrap yourself in a robe that feels like a hug, and let room service take it from there. Because honestly, what’s more luxurious than doing absolutely nothing? Preferably with fries… and a late checkout.

Summer in Dubai doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your sanity to the sun. Whether you’re floating under the stars, cackling at a comedy show, or simply enjoying the miracle of central air, there are plenty of ways to make it through the heat without losing your cool.

Just maybe leave the long walks on the beach until, say… November.