As temperatures rise in the UAE, spending the weekend indoors doesn't mean staying at home. There are many ways to beat the heat in the coming days, including participating in a run inside an air-conditioned mall, learning the art of traditional Emirati perfume making, or enjoying live music.
Here are seven activities worth including in your weekend plans.
On Friday, July 24th, morning, you can join the first series of New Balance x Common Grounds summer runs at Dubai Hills Mall. This free community run starts at 6:15 AM, and participants will cover a 5-kilometer route through the air-conditioned mall as part of the Dubai Mallathon. The first hundred runners will receive a free high-protein breakfast, coffee, and electrolytes at Common Grounds. Registration is not required; simply show up at the New Balance store before the run begins. Participants can also collect stamps throughout the summer cycle to receive a free coffee after completing all eight runs.
For those looking for something different, on Saturday, July 25th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, you can visit Souk Al Seef for a practical workshop dedicated to one of the UAE's oldest traditions. Participants will learn to create their own Emirati bakhoor by mixing aromatic ingredients and learning about the cultural significance of incense.
On Sunday, July 26th, another cultural event takes place at Souk Al Seef—a masterclass in creating traditional Emirati perfume. This seminar allows visitors to craft a personalized fragrance while learning about local perfumery techniques and ingredients.
Music lovers can head to the Digital Art Theatre in Souk Madinat Jumeirah on Friday evening, July 24th, for the performance 'Feeling Good: Soul, R&B & Jazz' with AJAY. This immersive show combines live music with ToDA's signature 360-degree visual effects, presenting classic soul, jazz, and R&B hits in a unique setting.
The music continues on Saturday, July 25th, with the 'Latin String Quartet Night.' Here, classical string instruments meet the sounds of tango, bossa nova, and Cuban music. The performance will take place at the Digital Art Theatre and offer a different perspective on a traditional concert.
For running enthusiasts looking to improve their personal best or simply stay active, the Dubai Mallathon Pro Race, sponsored by lululemon, will be held indoors at the Mall of the Emirates on Saturday, July 25th. This indoor race features prizes for winners, and all participants will receive a 25 percent discount on full-priced lululemon merchandise.
The weekend can conclude on Sunday, July 26th, at the lululemon x Girls Who Walk event in the Mall of the Emirates. The event will begin with a guided breathing session, after which participants will take a walk through the mall. Afterward, visitors can enjoy free protein smoothies, receive a 15 percent discount on purchases, and enter a draw for a lululemon set valued at 1500 dirhams.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has announced the launch of the 'A Dubai Invite' program, which will run from July 20 to October 31, 2026. This initiative allows residents of the emirate to access various offers, including hotel stays, dining discounts, and visits to attractions costing over 3000 dirhams.
To participate, residents must apply through the program's online form, providing details of the invited family members or friends and their expected arrival date. Although an unlimited number of nominations can be submitted, a maximum of five applications can be submitted simultaneously.
Once the invited guest arrives in Dubai between July 20 and October 31, 2026, their visit will be automatically verified. Residents will then receive an email with a package of benefits and instructions on how to use the offers. Unless otherwise stated, the bonuses are valid until December 31, 2026. The program is open to UAE citizens and residents holding a valid Emirates ID.
Invited guests must be non-residents of the UAE and enter Dubai using a valid tourist or visit visa during the campaign period. Guests are responsible for arranging flights, visas, accommodation, and all travel expenses themselves. Registration for residents closes on September 30, 2026, although guests can arrive until October 31, 2026, to meet the requirements.
The program is designed to encourage Dubai residents to share their experiences of the city with friends and family while providing visitors with additional incentives to explore the emirate.
The benefits package includes special offers from a range of Dubai hotels and attractions. It is important to note that participating hotels, attractions, and offers are subject to availability and may change during the campaign.
Specifically, Melia Desert Palm offers a 45% discount on rooms, suites, and villas. Additionally, guests receive vouchers for spa treatments and dining worth 100 dirhams per person and per stay, respectively. At ME Dubai by Meliá, guests can benefit from a 35% discount on best available rates, as well as a complimentary room upgrade, with children under 12 staying free. A 35% discount is also provided for the daytime restaurant, room service, spa, and laundry. At the Mina Seyahi group of hotels (Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, W Dubai - Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi), guests receive a refund for the room cost, which they can use at various high-end restaurants and for relaxation at spa centers.
Guests can take advantage of an IHG offer allowing them to pay for two nights and receive the third free at participating properties. The hotel group also provides discounts on restaurants of up to 30%. The verification process is carried out by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) through authorized government systems after the guest's arrival. Bonuses are provided only after DET confirms that the invited guest meets the selection criteria and has arrived during the campaign period.
Visitors to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are invited to participate in a number of events this coming weekend that could bring significant winnings, including prizes such as AirPods, Ray-Ban sunglasses, gold bars, gift vouchers, and even a new car.
If you prefer intellectual games, the Rowley's Yas Bay Key Hunt quest will take place in Abu Dhabi. It starts on July 17, and participants will search for one of 12 hidden keys in two secret locations in Yas Bay. At 6:00 PM, mysterious clues will be posted on the restaurant's Instagram Stories, and registered participants will receive search zone maps.
Those who find the key can win prizes with a total value exceeding 13,000 dirhams. These include AirPods, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Polaroid cameras, annual Yas Bay passes, free meals at Rowley's, Red Tail membership, and the desired Birthday Steak Pass. Participation is free after registration.
Families can visit Arabian Center, where beloved Cocomelon characters like JJ and Cody will appear throughout the weekend. Children can meet these popular characters, take photos, and participate in a special summer program that includes slime-making workshops, storytelling sessions, face painting, and applied arts classes. These activities run daily until August 2 and offer a convenient indoor option during school holidays.
Furthermore, by visiting Arabian Center, shoppers can keep their receipts and enter a digital giveaway as part of Dubai Summer Surprises to win one of 10 Exceed LX cars, enjoying seasonal promotions and entertainment at the mall.
Residents and visitors heading to Sharjah can take advantage of the Sharjah Summer Promotions 2026 campaign. This campaign offers discounts of up to 75 percent in participating stores, hotels, and restaurants. Shoppers who spend 200 dirhams or more can enter digital raffles with a chance to win gold bars and gift vouchers. A luxury car will also be raffled off later as part of the campaign. Over 700 prizes will be given out during the summer, and the next major draw is scheduled for August 1.
If you prefer not to spend money on shopping, Dubai Summer Surprises organizes various free entertainment events across the city. Visitors can enjoy live performances in malls, explore Modesh World at Dubai World Trade Centre, watch a live performance by K-Pop Demon Hunters at City Centre Mirdif, or take part in the Indoor Dubai Mallathon, which turns shopping centers into air-conditioned tracks for walking and running.
Music enthusiasts can end the weekend at Coca-Cola Arena, where Michael Lives Forever will perform on Saturday, July 18. This tribute show recreates some of Michael Jackson's most iconic performances, including classic songs like Beat It, Thriller, Smooth Criminal, and Dangerous. Ticket prices start from 125 dirhams.
As temperatures in the UAE rise sharply this summer, many residents prefer to stay indoors to avoid the intense heat. While avoiding the scorching midday sun helps protect against heat-related illnesses, doctors note that spending most of the day sedentary with minimal activity carries its own health risks.
Health experts warn that a sedentary indoor lifestyle gradually negatively affects almost all body systems. This increases the likelihood of weight gain, muscle stiffness, impaired blood circulation, Vitamin D deficiency, sleep problems, and low mood. They emphasize that the solution lies in adapting daily habits by maintaining activity in safer ways.
Dr. Salma Khanam Patan, an internal medicine specialist at Medicare Hospital Sharjah, stated that the main point is that avoiding daytime heat does not mean completely giving up movement. She noted that incorporating regular activity throughout the day, even indoors in air conditioning, can significantly improve both physical and mental well-being.
Patan explained that prolonged sitting or lying down reduces muscle activity, slows blood flow, and contributes to stiffness, back and neck discomfort, as well as reduced flexibility. Furthermore, prolonged time indoors can limit exposure to natural daylight, which is vital for regulating internal biological clocks and ensuring healthy sleep.
According to Dr. Patan, physical inactivity also affects emotional well-being. She pointed out that limited movement and long periods indoors can lead to decreased energy levels, reduced motivation, and mood changes, as physical exercise promotes the release of substances that support emotional state.
Doctors also warn that maintaining a sedentary lifestyle for weeks or months can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. Reduced physical activity leads to fewer calories burned, making weight gain more likely and increasing the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
Another issue is impaired blood circulation, especially in people who spend most of the day sitting. Dr. Patan explained that insufficient physical activity slows blood flow, particularly in the legs, which can cause swelling, discomfort, and, in some individuals with additional risk factors, increase the probability of clot formation.
Moreover, without regular movement, muscle strength and joint mobility decrease, and inactivity leads to poorer sleep quality, which in turn affects overall energy levels and health.
Dr. Zara Ahmed, an emergency medicine specialist at RAK Hospital, reported observing patients who become noticeably less active during hotter months. She noted that reduced activity in the summer can trigger weight gain, muscle stiffness, poor circulation, and flare-ups of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Ahmed added that much of the time spent indoors often means less sunlight, which increases the risk of Vitamin D deficiency, essential for bone, muscle, and immune function. She also highlighted the growing problem of excessive screen time.
In Dr. Ahmed's opinion, whether it is working on a laptop, scrolling through a phone feed, or binge-watching television, prolonged screen use can contribute to hypodynamia, cause eye strain, headaches, poor posture, and disrupt sleep, especially if screens are used late in the evening.
Doctors reassure residents that they do not need intensive workouts to stay healthy in the summer; consistency is more important than intensity. The safest times for outdoor activities are shortly after sunrise or late in the evening when temperatures are lower. Intense exercise should be avoided between late morning and late afternoon when peak heat and humidity are reached.
For many people, there are safe indoor alternatives. Experts advise walking in shopping malls, exercising in gyms, swimming in temperature-controlled pools, attending fitness classes, practicing yoga or Pilates, or following home workout programs.
Dr. Ahmed advised that even 20–30 minutes of walking daily, combined with stretching and strength exercises, can help maintain physical fitness, improve sleep, and support heart health. She also mentioned the growing popularity of mall walks and indoor fitness events in the summer, suggesting online yoga and Zumba classes as practical ways to stay active at home. For children, she recommended indoor summer camps that encourage movement and reduce excessive screen time.
Dr. Somaya Shamsai, an internal medicine specialist at Aster Clinic JLT, recommended that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, supplemented with strength training two or more days a week. She advised conducting workouts in air-conditioned spaces, pools, or at home during the summer, while maintaining hydration.
Shamsai added that people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart conditions should consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program. She also noted that despite the sunny climate of the UAE, Vitamin D deficiency remains common because many people avoid being outdoors. She believes that brief exposure to the sun outside peak UV hours, combined with testing and supplementation if necessary, can help maintain healthy Vitamin D levels.
Doctors insist that residents carefully monitor for signs of heat exhaustion during outdoor activities, including dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion, muscle spasms, and excessive fatigue. If symptoms appear, activity must stop immediately, the person must move to a cool place, rehydrate, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Their advice is simple: avoid dangerous heat, but do not give up movement. By choosing cooler times of the day, utilizing indoor fitness options, and maintaining consistent activity, residents can protect their physical and mental health throughout the long summer in the UAE.
