Abu Dhabi is known to have year round sunshine making it an ideal place for tourists and residents. However, with that sunshine, also comes a gruesome summer where temperatures rise to 50 degrees Celsius and humidity levels can reach up to 90%. Having lived in this country for 7 years, adapting to these conditions, has not been easy, and I must admit that summer is my least favourite time of the year. However, I would rather be here sweating my bum off while sitting under the A/C, rather than shivering to my bones from the European winters, so I suppose its all about balance.
Here are my top tips to survive summer in Abu Dhabi:
Hydrate! Drink water all day long, and as much as you can because all the sweat that our bodies generate during summer, has to be replenished.
Protect yourself from direct sunlight by wear a hat, using an umbrella, wearing lose fitting cotton clothing, and above all – always wearing sunscreen. If possible, try to avoid direct contact with sunlight between 10 am – 4pm.
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and avoid heavy food if possible, as the body needs even more vitamins and minerals.
Avoid heavy make-up and try to switch to a gel or water based facial cream. For the body, hydrate your skin with moisturizing lotion, body cream, or coconut oil.
Stay fit! I have seen lots of people exercising on the Corniche after sunset, however with the high humidity levels, I personally feel extremely uncomfortable so I keep fit with group fitness classes at Abu Dhabi Country Club and BodyTree Studio.
Melt away the heat by chilling in a temperature controlled swimming pool, rather than going to the beach, trust me, the sea will feel like a hot Jacuzzi.
It’s tough, I’m not going to lie and year after year, I feel I am becoming less tolerant than I was before, but that could also be an effect of global warming, as 50 degrees Celsius is NOT A JOKE. The positive side is that there are lots of offers throughout the city to keep the energy going, from staycation deals to F&B discounts, entertainment activities, and lots of shopping discounts!
xo,
Marina
Disclaimer: All views are my own and all photographs are © My Sweet Escapes.
Comments