Unlike many other countries that have a tourism boom in the summers, the UAE, thanks to the crazy heat wave, goes through a relatively dull period during the summer – not only because tourists are far and few, but also because most of the population tends to fly off on holiday.
So if you’ve got nothing planned, why not enjoy your time in the UAE? Yes, we know it’s hot. And yes, we know it’s very, very hot. But hey, no one’s asking you to spend time out in the sun. There’s plenty to do around here if you’re staying put this summer. And it’s actually better than most other parts of the year.
1. Lesser road traffic
We’re not saying it’s a ghost town, but compared to most other seasons in the year, the summers provide a nice two months of ease in traffic, thanks to schools shutting down and fewer people around.
2. More daylight
This might seem generic, but considering that most people in the UAE work a 9-6 job, it’s another joy altogether when you leave the office and the sun’s still out, with another hour to go. Makes the drive home much sweeter.
3. Fewer entertainment options
Not to sound like a party-pooper, but living in the UAE can have your weekly schedules pretty filled up, what with all the concerts, the parties, the “must-be-seen-at” events, and the summer provides a nice short escape from all of that and just meet your friends at the local watering hole and just… talk.
4. Returning friends and relatives
Once you’ve done some time in the UAE, you’re bound to keep returning (yes, it’s that awesome!) and the summer means friends and relatives that went abroad come back to visit – for an extended vacation, in many cases.
5. Mangoes!
Although we get our variety of mangoes all year round, true South East Asian mango aficionados (and there’s a whole lot of them!) await the summer season for the endless crates of Indian and Pakistani mangoes that adorn the local supermarket shelves during the hot months, bringing with them a bite of nostalgia and a nibble of back home.
6. Shopping
Each new season brings about a wave of shopping offers and summer’s no less. Summer bargains on items ranging from clothing to electronics to cars entice the “stay-behinds” to engage even deeper in the country’s favorite pastime.
7. No queuing
Yes, believe it or not, one of the best things the summer slow-down brings with it is the absence of queues. Whether you’re at the bus stop, waiting for a cab, at a government office, at the hypermarket or basically any place where you’d generally queue up, you’re pretty much rid of the woes during these hot months.
WE SAID THIS: Have a great summer, people! Stay back and enjoy.
