It’s no secret (or surprise) that summer in Abu Dhabi is warm. Daytime temperatures can rise above 40 °C, and between late morning and mid-afternoon, the heat can feel stifling – if you’re not prepared. But as this article’s title promises, Abu Dhabi’s nature and desert experiences don’t simply disappear when the temperatures rise. Quite the opposite.
Ask any resident, and they’ll tell you that Abu Dhabi is designed to be in harmony with the heat. Air-conditioned transport can comfortably take you to some of the best places to visit in the UAE during summer, carefully timed around the sun, so you don’t need to miss out on any must-dos.
The key is planning your day the way locals do: think early starts, midday breaks and leisurely evenings under the moonlight. When you get into the groove, you'll find that Abu Dhabi’s great outdoors has an incredible amount to offer, even on its warmest days.
If you want to be outdoors in summer, it’s time to become a morning person. Sunrise in peak summer falls between around 5.30 AM and 6 AM, and the hours that follow are often the most comfortable of the entire day. Rising an hour or two earlier than usual gives you ample opportunity to experience the outdoors and see some of the best places to visit in the UAE during summer.
Early morning is the ideal window for desert safaris around Liwa Oasis or the wider Al Dhafra Region. Early-morning safaris are all about atmosphere, with gentle dune drives, short walks across the sand and activities like sandboarding before the heat builds.
Pro tip: booking a guided experience is especially important in summer. Guides are fully prepped for the environment, pacing activities carefully and choosing safer routes.
Conveniently, wildlife is most active in the early hours. Morning safaris at the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island give you the best chance to see giraffes and Arabian oryx from open vehicles.
Closer to the city, Jubail Mangrove Park is best explored early in the morning, when the walking trails winding through mangrove forests feel calm and breezy.
Pro tip: if you know you’ll be walking, bring water and plan to leave by mid-morning.
Instead of an early breakfast, consider mid-morning brunch after time spent outdoors. By now, the heat is rising and it’s the ideal moment to cool down and refuel.
Areas like Saadiyat Island and Yas Island offer relaxed late-morning dining with air-conditioned interiors, shaded terraces and sea views that still keep you connected to the outdoors.
Pro tip: check out our guide on the best brunch spots in Abu Dhabi to plan in advance.
Between roughly 11 AM and 4 PM, most people tend to avoid extended outdoor activity, opting instead for shaded or indoor attractions (of which Abu Dhabi has plenty).
Use this time to recharge after your busy morning and prepare for the evening – because that’s when Abu Dhabi’s landscapes come alive again.
Afternoons don’t mean disconnecting from nature. This is the perfect time for cultural desert experiences. Lunch in desert surroundings, time spent in climate-smart architecture or enjoying views from shaded terraces all allow you to stay connected to the landscape while respecting the conditions.
Pro tip: Al Ain Oasis’s palm-lined pathways and ancient falaj irrigation systems create cooler microclimates that are bearable even during warmer hours.
As the sun begins to drop – usually from around 5:30 PM onwards – the temperature eases and the outdoors becomes extra inviting. This is when summer desert and nature experiences truly shine. If mornings are about smart planning, evenings are about sitting back and enjoying the reward of your efforts.
Evening drives in the desert are perfectly timed to catch golden hour, when the dunes glow and the heat softens. Dune bashing at this time feels cinematic, especially when followed by activities like camel rides, traditional performances, short guided walks or even a BBQ dinner buffet under the stars.
Pro tip: the changing light makes this one of the most photogenic moments of the day. Have your camera ready!
Desert dining experiences are expertly designed for comfort after dark, with open-air seating and cooling breezes.
In Abu Dhabi’s desert, outdoor dining often goes hand in hand with traditional Emirati flavours and live cooking stations, so be prepared for a truly unforgettable meal under the stars.
Pro tip: for something less rugged, there are plenty of desert-edge resorts serving up the finest meals with sweeping views of the dunes.
If you’re spending a summer evening in nature, stargazing becomes the main event. Summer nights are often clear, and away from the city, you’ll see constellations, planets and wide stretches of stars.
Many desert camps and resorts are set up for this moment, with open seating and minimal lighting, and some experiences include guided stargazing.
Pro tip: by late evening in summer, desert temperatures typically drop into the high 20s to low 30s °C.
When it comes to things to do in the UAE during summer, preparation makes all the difference. Choose loose, breathable fabrics in light colours, with covered shoulders and longer silhouettes for sun protection. Closed shoes are more practical than sandals for desert terrain, especially if you’ll be walking on sand or gravel.
How much water do you think you’ll need for your activity? Pack more than that, and drink regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are essential, and a small power bank is useful, because phones tend to drain faster in the heat.
Most importantly, always plan outdoor activities with clear start and end times. Avoid peak heat hours and opt for guided experiences when heading into the desert.
If you don’t try to test your limits and focus on fully enjoying the environment, you may just have the best summer of your life.
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