If extremely hot temperatures are really putting you off, there are budget-friendly indoor activities that can make your summer worthwhile.
Priyanka Geriya, an expat from India, is keeping her summer productive by learning new crafts. The 24-year-old is taking keyboard and amateur theatre lessons.
She's also honing her photography skills by organizing indoor photo shoots with her pals.
"Unlike in previous years, I would be spending summer in Dubai. It's quite boring for me, considering the limited indoor activities. And being a shopaholic, I avoid mall visits. So, instead of twiddling thumbs at home or in the malls, I decided to explore new avenues and learn things that I always wanted to learn," Geriya says.
"The keyboard lessons help me fulfill my love for music and hopefully I'd be able to play and create my own soon. The theatre lessons ensure I'll earn some valuable experience and exposure to add to my career portfolio," she adds.
For only Dh200 per month, the keyboard lessons aren't heavy on the wallet.
"The amateur theatre groups that I'm participating in are more interest-oriented…We just put up plays and events together during our free time," she says.
For Robyn Mallalieu from South Africa, another budget-friendly way to deal with the summer heat is reading books at home.
"I think summer is a good time to catch up on reading. I've also been teaching myself how to cook, so perhaps cooking classes might be a good option," she suggests.
Sanish Cherian from India has another budget-saving idea to keep occupied during summer: give yourself a good workout at the gym — if you have one in your building.
However, gym fees in professional setups range between Dh500 and Dh1,200. Cooking classes in hotels cost between Dh120 and Dh650 per session. Rates can go up if the package includes meals. At Park Hyatt, cooking classes are held every Saturday. A three-hour session costs Dh295 (inclusive of soft drinks).
Cherian also suggests organizing get-togethers with the loved ones or friends inside the house and keeping the children entertained with indoor activities.
"Sharing these precious moments with the loved ones definitely is a vital source of rejuvenation," he notes.
