This is when summer will officially start in Abu Dhabi
While humidity levels have started to soar, summer in Abu Dhabi hasn't actually started yet.
The official start date for summer in the capital and the rest of the UAE has been announced and it doesn't officially get underway until near the end of June.
According to astronomical calculations, the Abu Dhabi summer officially begins on Saturday June 21 this year.
The summer start date is marked by the summer solstice, which is also the day with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year in the hemisphere.
In the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences its maximum tilt towards the sun, resulting in the sun appearing at its highest point in the sky at noon. This phenomenon leads to the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year.
During the Abu Dhabi summer, temperatures can often be in excess of 40°C – and in some parts of the UAE, it was as high as 50°C last year.
Current astronomical predictions state that summer in Abu Dhabi will last until Monday September 22 – which marks the Autumnal equinox.
So while we brace ourselves for the high temperatures, knowing how (and where) to keep is essential. Luckily, we have a few tips for you…
Beat the heat with these Abu Dhabi summer activities
Hit the slopes at Snow Abu Dhabi
Credit: supplied
Literally the coolest establishment in the city, Snow Abu Dhabi is now welcoming visitors to its snowy slopes. Little ones will love the sleigh rides, Polar Express Train, and Crystal Carousel, while older kids can whizz around the park on a suspended roll-glider ride or bounce down a snowy hill in a giant inflatable ball.
Dhs200 (snow park pass), Dhs265 (snow premium pass). Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Level 2, Reem Mall, Reem Island, skidxb.com.
Have fun at Central
With delicious burgers and shakes, cool arcade games and a bowling alley, you can be assured of hours of fun at this popular spot in Yas Bay. It's an easy-on-the-pocket outing too: arcade games are half-price Monday to Thursday, from 4pm to 7pm.
Prices vary. Open Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-2am; Sun noon-midnight. Yas Bay Waterfront, central-uae.com.
Keep cool in the pool with a day (or a night) swim
(Credit: Ilios)
As the temperature rises, one of the best things to do is head to one of Abu Dhabi's beach clubs. Many pools around the capital are temperature-controlled to keep you cool and you can enjoy great day offers.
To make your experience even cooler, head for a night swim to see the sunset or even after the sun goes down. ILIOS in Surf Abu Dhabi has launched 'Because It's Her' ladies' day, running from 4pm to 7pm every Friday, where you can get free-flowing drinks for Dhs145 or go for the soft package at Dhs125.
Café del Mar in Yas Island also offers night swims during the week. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Noches Del Mar will get you free-flowing drinks for Dhs299 between 8pm and 11pm. On Wednesdays, ladies get unlimited drinks plus a bite for Dhs100, and gents can join the party for Dhs150 (3 drinks plus a bite).
Make a splash at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
The waterpark has loads of fun activities to keep young and old entertained for an entire day with more than 40 splashy rides, various pools, and immersive aqua experiences. And to make things even more interesting, their massive expansion is opening this summer, with 12 shiny new attractions coming soon.
Dhs295 (adult day pass). Opening hours vary. Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, yaswaterworld.com (600 511 115).
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