Big midnight rush on beaches in UAE; Expatriates join new trend

ABU DHABI: With the temperature peaking to its highest in a decade, the residents of UAE had enough of the weather. The temperature recorded in the UAE this week is 51.6 degrees Celsius. The previous record was 50.2 degrees Celsius in May 2009.

People have started making changes in their routine plans to adjust to the torpid weather. Many have resorted to staying indoors to avoid coming in direct contact with the sun. Some others have opted to work from home to find little comfort.

Many people venture out of their homes only during the night when the climate is relatively cooler. Summer is intense this year in the Gulf countries and the climate is considered akin to what is seen in deserts.

“I used to go for a walk every morning before work. But now I can't even think about going out during morning hours. Nowadays, it has become necessary for us to visit the beach late at night to get some breeze. There's a nice breeze at night. That's the only escape from this scorching climate. Even at late night, we can see people jogging and children playing there. Things many used to do during early morning hours have been shifted to night.” Said an expatriate woman.

“People come out in droves after 10 pm. You can see many people on the streets with their families. It seems like everyone has started adapting to this weather. It's a completely different atmosphere now.” said Ali Mitnour, a 32-year-old Jordanian living in Sharjah.