Amidst the intense heat in the UAE, some residents opt for trips to the mountains on summer weekends to escape the stuffiness and high temperatures. Instead of staying home or traveling abroad, they head to places where the evening air is fresher and more comfortable for outdoor stays.
On Friday around 1 AM, the temperature in Dubai was felt at 43 degrees Celsius due to humidity. However, in the Jebel Jais area, located about a two-hour drive away, locals enjoyed a cool 22 degrees Celsius, and the feeling matched the actual temperature. Later, on Friday evening, Dubai recorded a temperature of 34 degrees Celsius, while in Jebel Jais it was only 24 degrees Celsius, which is 10 degrees Celsius cooler.
Besides Jebel Jais, other popular spots include Jebel Hafeet, which showed temperatures in the range of 30–33 degrees Celsius, and Hatta, where the temperature fluctuated between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius. These three destinations proved significantly more pleasant than the cities after sunset.
Located about two hours from Dubai, Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the UAE and is known for recording some of the lowest temperatures in the country throughout the year. Even in mid-summer, evenings can feel surprisingly cool compared to the urban environment. Many visitors simply come to the viewpoints to admire the mountain landscape, have tea or coffee, and spend a few hours outdoors before heading home.
Ahmed Al Karam, a Dubai resident who regularly visits Jebel Jais in the summer, noted that the change in weather is almost instantaneous. He said: 'The difference is obvious as soon as you start climbing. In Dubai, even late at night, it is still hot, but there is a cool breeze, and you can sit outside comfortably. We usually drink tea and have snacks, enjoy the view, and spend a few quiet hours before returning. It feels like you've left summer behind, even though you are still in the UAE.'
Jebel Hafeet, located in Al Ain, is also popular among residents looking to escape the urban heat. Thanks to the winding mountain road, scenic views, and cooler evening temperatures, this place has become popular for weekend trips, especially after dark.
Hatta, located just over an hour's drive from Dubai, offers a different atmosphere than the city's high-rise buildings. This area, surrounded by mountains, becomes more comfortable in the evening, attracting families and groups of friends looking for time to relax outdoors. Locals choose Hatta for a relaxing trip, a walk near the dam, or simply to enjoy the cool weather before heading home.
Sameed Shah, who frequently visits mountainous areas in the summer, emphasized the importance of timing. He stated: 'We usually leave after 4 PM to arrive around sunset. That's when the weather gets much better. We often stay until 10 PM or even midnight because it is quiet, the mountain views are beautiful, and the air feels completely different from the city. When we want a break without spending on flights or hotels, this is our first choice.'
For many residents, these trips have become a simple way to make the most of summer evenings. Instead of spending another weekend indoors, a short trip can provide lower temperatures, fresh mountain air, and a few hours under the stars, all without leaving the UAE. Residents who frequently visit these places advise leaving after 5 PM to arrive at sunset when the temperature begins to drop. It is also recommended to bring enough water and snacks, fill up before starting the journey, and ensure the vehicle, especially the brakes and tires, is in good condition before driving on mountain roads.
According to the National Center of Meteorology, Sunday in the United Arab Emirates will feature clear or partly cloudy weather.
The country is expected to experience a light to moderate southwesterly or northwesterly wind blowing at speeds from 10 to 20 km/h, with the possibility of reaching 30 km/h.
Air temperatures may rise to 47°C in the country. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the mercury will reach 42°C. However, minimum temperatures will be around 31°C in Abu Dhabi, 30°C in Dubai, and 28°C in inland areas.
Humidity levels in Abu Dhabi are forecast to be between 25 and 80 percent, while in Dubai they are expected to be between 25 and 75 percent. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea will be minor.
The National Center of Meteorology reported that Wednesday in the United Arab Emirates will be predominantly clear or partly cloudy, with possible periods of cloudiness at night.
During the day, a light or moderate southwesterly or northwesterly breeze is expected, which will occasionally intensify. This will lead to dust being raised in the western direction during the day, with wind speeds of 10–25 km/h, reaching 40 km/h.
Air temperatures in the country may reach 48°C. In Abu Dhabi, the mercury column will reach 40°C, and in Dubai—39°C. However, at night and on Thursday morning, high humidity is expected in some coastal areas. Temperatures may drop to 30°C in Abu Dhabi, 31°C in Dubai, and 27°C in inland areas.
Humidity levels at night and on Thursday morning in Abu Dhabi will range from 20 to 60 percent, and in Dubai—from 25 to 70 percent. Sea conditions will be slight or moderate, becoming occasionally rough in the western part of the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Gulf of Oman.
According to the bulletin of the National Center of Meteorology, clear or partly cloudy weather is expected across the UAE tomorrow, with low clouds possibly appearing over the eastern coast.
In Abu Dhabi, air temperatures will fluctuate between 31°C and 41°C. In Dubai, a temperature range of 33°C to 42°C is forecasted, while Sharjah is expected to see values from 32°C to 41°C.
The humidity level is expected to be from 25 to 70 percent in Abu Dhabi, from 20 to 60 percent in Dubai, and from 20 to 71 percent in Sharjah. The wind will blow moderately or weakly, from the southwest or northwest, at a speed of 10-25 km/h, with the possibility of strengthening up to 40 km/h.
The sea in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea will be in a state of slight or moderate swell. The UAE has entered the period of Jamrat Al-Qait, which is the hottest and driest time of the year and lasts from July 3rd to August 10th. According to the Emirates Astronomical Society, this period marks the peak of summer across the entire UAE and the Arabian Peninsula.
Despite the onset of the most intense heat of the season, some areas of the UAE experienced precipitation on Friday, providing a welcome relief from the rising temperatures.
