In response to scorching summer temperatures that make daytime beach outings unbearable, Dubai has introduced a unique solution: night beaches. Floodlights illuminate over 800 meters (half a mile) of designated beaches, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy the Gulf waters after dark. Lifeguards equipped with night-vision binoculars ensure safety, while shark nets protect swimmers.
Since launching last year, the concept has been a hit, attracting over one million visitors. For many, including Mohammed, a 32-year-old from Pakistan, night swimming offers a welcome relief from the sun’s intense heat. “The temperature drops down in the evening after the sun sets. So, yeah, it’s amazing,” he shared, reflecting on how the cooler nighttime temperatures provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beach with his family.
Dubai’s summer heat, which can reach over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) with high humidity, often limits outdoor activities. However, with the advent of night beaches, residents and tourists now have a way to beat the heat. For expatriates like Filipino saleswoman Laya Manko, these night beach visits are a weekend ritual and a crucial stress reliever. “Every weekend we come here to have fun,” she said. “Sometimes we sleep here with my friends. Because you work hard in Dubai, you feel you need to relax.”
Lifeguards are stationed around the clock, using advanced technology, including night-vision binoculars and an AI-powered camera system, to ensure swimmer safety. This combination of technology and convenience has made Dubai’s night beaches an attractive draw, especially during the summer months when the heat usually drives people indoors.
For tourists, the night beaches add another unique experience to their stay in the bustling metropolis. Hamad Shaker, an official from the Dubai municipality, emphasized, “I believe we are one of the only cities in the world to have such infrastructure on public beaches at night.”
As Dubai continues to position itself as a year-round destination, these innovations make it possible for visitors to enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions, even during the hottest months. However, with climate change posing new challenges, such as rising temperatures and extreme weather events, experts warn that Dubai may need to continue adapting to sustain its tourism ambitions.
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