Summer Moving in Dubai: How to Beat the Heat

Moving in Dubai Summer: Challenges and Solutions

Dubai's summer, from June through August, brings extreme temperatures often exceeding 45°C (113°F). While challenging, summer moving is sometimes necessary and can even offer advantages. This guide provides strategies to beat the heat and move successfully.

Understanding Dubai's Summer Climate

Temperature Extremes

• Outdoor temperatures: 40-50°C (104-122°F) during day
• Humidity: 60-90%, making it feel even hotter
• Peak heat hours: 12 PM - 4 PM most dangerous
• Ground surface temperatures: Can exceed 70°C (158°F)
• Vehicle interior temperatures: Can reach 80°C (176°F)

Health Risks

Extreme heat poses serious health dangers:

• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Dehydration (can occur within 15-20 minutes)
• Sunburn and sun poisoning
• Heat rashes and skin irritation
• Cardiovascular strain
• Reduced cognitive function and decision-making

Advantages of Summer Moving

Lower Costs

Summer is off-peak season for moving:

• 15-30% discounts on moving services
• Better negotiating power
• Lower rental rates on apartments
• Landlord concessions more likely
• Storage facilities offer promotions

Better Availability

• Easy to book moving companies (sometimes same-week)
• More choice of moving dates
• Less competition for building elevator reservations
• Utility connections faster
• Cleaning and handyman services readily available

Reduced Traffic

• Many residents leave Dubai in summer
• Less congestion on roads
• Faster move times between locations
• Easier parking at both properties
• Shorter travel times

Best Timing Strategies

Optimal Time of Day

Early Morning (5 AM - 9 AM): BEST

• Coolest temperatures (30-35°C / 86-95°F)
• Highest energy levels
• Beat the peak heat entirely
• Complete move before midday
• Most productive hours

Late Evening (6 PM - 10 PM): GOOD

• Temperatures dropping (35-40°C / 95-104°F)
• Sunset provides relief
• Less sun exposure
• Viable for apartment moves
• May require building permission

Midday/Afternoon (10 AM - 6 PM): AVOID

• Dangerous heat levels
• Peak UV exposure
• Highest dehydration risk
• Reduced work efficiency
• Safety hazards increase

Best Days to Move

• Weekdays: Best rates and availability
• Avoid weekends: Higher prices despite being off-peak
• Early summer (June): Slightly cooler than July-August
• Late summer (late August): Prices drop as season ends

Protecting Your Health and Safety

Hydration Strategy

Critical importance: Adults can lose 1-2 liters of water per hour in Dubai summer heat.

• Start hydrating 24 hours before move
• Drink 250ml water every 15-20 minutes during move
• Have 20-30 liters of water on site
• Electrolyte drinks (sports drinks) to replace salts
• Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks
• Monitor urine color (should be light yellow)

Sun Protection

• Sunscreen: SPF 50+ applied every 2 hours
• Clothing: Light-colored, loose, breathable fabrics
• Head protection: Wide-brimmed hat or cap
• Eye protection: UV-blocking sunglasses
• Skin coverage: Long, light sleeves better than short

Cooling Strategies

• Wet towels or bandanas around neck
• Portable fans or misting fans
• Cooling vests for movers
• Frequent breaks in air-conditioned areas
• Ice packs or cold compresses
• Cool (not ice cold) water for drinking

Recognizing Heat-Related Illness

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms:

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Muscle cramps

Action: Move to shade/AC, hydrate, apply cool water, rest. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

Heat Stroke Symptoms (EMERGENCY):

• Body temperature above 40°C (104°F)
• Confusion or altered mental state
• No sweating despite heat
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Racing heart rate
• Loss of consciousness

Action: Call 999 immediately. Move to shade, apply cool water, elevate feet.

Protecting Your Belongings

Heat-Sensitive Items

Electronics:

• Never leave in hot vehicles (can cause permanent damage)
• Transport in your air-conditioned car
• Allow to acclimate before powering on
• Keep original boxes with foam protection
• TVs, computers, gaming consoles especially vulnerable

Food Items:

• Move last or discard before move
• Use coolers with ice packs
• Chocolates, candles will melt (pack separately or discard)
• Canned goods generally safe but avoid extreme heat
• Spices and dry goods in sealed containers

Cosmetics and Toiletries:

• Lotions, creams can separate in heat
• Aerosol cans may explode (keep cool)
• Perfumes can alter chemically
• Pack in insulated bags
• Medications require cool storage

Artwork and Photos:

• Heat can warp frames and fade colors
• Wrap in protective materials
• Transport in climate-controlled vehicle
• Never leave in direct sunlight
• Consider professional art moving services

Musical Instruments:

• Extreme heat can cause cracking and warping
• String instruments especially vulnerable
• Transport in your car with AC
• Use hard cases with climate control if possible
• Let acclimate gradually to new environment

Vehicle Protection

Moving Truck Considerations:

• Ensure truck has functioning AC for crew
• Cargo area will be extremely hot
• Load heat-sensitive items last (unload first)
• Minimize time items spend in truck
• Park in shade when possible

Your Personal Vehicle:

• Use windshield sun shades
• Park in garage or shade
• Run AC before loading
• Never leave valuables in hot car
• Check tire pressure (heat increases pressure)

Working with Moving Companies

Selecting Summer-Experienced Movers

Choose companies with summer moving expertise:

• Ask about their summer safety protocols
• Verify they provide water and cooling supplies
• Check if they have AC in trucks (not just cargo)
• Confirm crew rotation schedules
• Inquire about heat-related insurance coverage
• Ask how they protect heat-sensitive items

Scheduling Considerations

• Book for earliest possible start time (5-6 AM)
• Request completion by noon if possible
• Allow extra time for heat-related breaks
• Have backup date if weather extreme
• Confirm crew can work in heat safely

What to Provide for Movers

• Unlimited cold water (restock frequently)
• Sports drinks or electrolyte beverages
• Access to air-conditioned break area
• Clean towels for cooling
• First aid kit with heat illness supplies
• Shaded parking area if possible
• Understanding of necessary breaks

Preparing Your Properties

Old Property Preparation

• Set AC to 22-24°C for moving day
• Clear path from door to elevator/exit
• Designate cool rest area for movers
• Have water station set up near entrance
• Ensure parking in shade if possible
• Confirm elevator is working and cool

New Property Preparation

• Turn on AC 2-3 hours before arrival
• Cool to 22°C if possible
• Have water and drinks ready
• Protect floors from heat-softened shoe soles
• Verify all utilities connected
• Clean and ready for immediate use

Special Considerations for Different Properties

High-Rise Apartments

Advantages in summer:

• Mostly indoor work (air-conditioned)
• Minimal outdoor exposure
• Easier to manage heat
• Best option for summer moves

Considerations:

• Ensure building AC is working
• Elevators may be slower in heat
• Check if service elevator is climate-controlled

Villas

Challenges:

• Significant outdoor exposure
• Distance from parking to door
• Larger items need outdoor transport
• More physically demanding

Strategies:

• Absolutely essential to start early (before 7 AM)
• Create shaded pathways if possible
• Use multiple crew members (faster = less heat exposure)
• Mandatory frequent breaks
• Consider two-day move to avoid midday heat

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Potential Savings

• Moving services: AED 500-1,500 discount (20-30% off)
• Rent: 5-10% lower for summer move-ins
• Storage: 15-20% promotional rates
• Cleaning: 10-15% off-peak discounts
• Landlord concessions: Free maintenance, rent-free days

Potential Extra Costs

• Extra water and cooling supplies: AED 100-200
• Climate-controlled transport for valuables: AED 300-800
• Additional crew members (faster move): AED 200-500
• Replacement of heat-damaged items: Varies
• Medical costs if heat illness occurs: AED 500-5,000+

Net Benefit

For most moves, summer still offers net savings of AED 1,000-3,000+ despite extra precautions, especially for apartment moves.

Summer Moving Checklist

One Week Before

• Check weather forecast
• Purchase 20-30 liters bottled water
• Buy sports drinks (8-12 bottles)
• Get sunscreen SPF 50+
• Prepare cooling towels
• Charge portable fans
• Pack heat-sensitive items separately

Day Before

• Freeze water bottles for ice-cold water
• Prepare electrolyte drinks
• Set multiple alarms for early start
• Charge phone (for emergencies)
• Identify nearest hospital/clinic
• Confirm moving crew understands early start

Moving Day Morning

• Start hydrating immediately upon waking
• Apply sunscreen before going outside
• Dress in light, breathable clothing
• Turn on AC at both properties
• Set up water stations
• Have emergency numbers ready

Alternatives to Summer Moving

When to Postpone

Consider delaying if:

• Moving a large villa (5+ bedrooms)
• Health conditions make heat dangerous
• Moving with young children or elderly
• Heat wave warnings issued (50°C+)
• Medical emergencies could be life-threatening

Partial Move Strategy

Compromise option:

• Move essential items in summer (benefit from savings)
• Store remainder until September/October
• Complete move when cooler
• Costs more than single move but safer

Conclusion

Moving during Dubai's summer is challenging but manageable with proper planning and precautions. The key is respecting the extreme heat, starting very early, staying hydrated, and protecting both people and possessions. The significant cost savings and better availability can make summer moving worthwhile, especially for apartment relocations. However, safety must always be the top priority. If conditions seem dangerous, don't hesitate to postpone or spread the move over multiple days. Remember: no cost savings are worth risking health and safety in extreme temperatures.