Cool Getaways Defy Dubai's Summer Heat

Escape from the Heat: Why More People Choose Cold Destinations During Dubai's Summer Heat

As the summer temperatures in the United Arab Emirates reach or exceed 50°C, an increasing number of residents are choosing to spend their summers not within the country, but in cooler countries of the northern hemisphere. Iceland, Canada, Scotland, Switzerland, and Northern Italy, for example, South Tyrol, have become the most popular summer refuges recently—not just among the wealthy but increasingly among average travelers as well.

Cold Destinations, Hot Interest

According to data from international travel sites like Expedia, searches for Iceland have grown by over 160% year-on-year, while interest in Alberta, Canada has risen by 90% compared to previous years. According to experts in the travel industry, the trend is clear: demand for nature-centric, cool climate countries is strengthening.

dnata, a global air travel and services provider, has observed similar trends. The company's travel division reports that countries like Japan, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, South Africa, Iceland, and New Zealand have all become among the fastest-growing destinations in the past year.

This growth reflects that travelers—especially UAE residents—are seeking places where they can find dramatic landscapes, a calm atmosphere, and both physical and mental relaxation. Instead of beach vacations, hiking, mountain trips, nature exploration, and slower, more immersive rest have become more popular.

No Longer Just the Wealthy’s Privilege

For a long time, long-distance destinations like Iceland, Canada, or New Zealand were thought to be accessible only to the upper middle class or the wealthy. Traveling is more time-consuming and often more expensive, mainly due to local prices and accommodation costs. However, industry participants say this is changing.

More affordable airfares, package deals, and combined multi-country itineraries are becoming available, making trips more cost-effective. For example, after a short visit to Iceland, travelers can hop over to a nearby but wallet-friendly European city, thus experiencing two different worlds in one journey.

More than Just a Heat Escape

Many are not just fleeing the heat. Summer travel also offers the opportunity for relaxation, tranquility, family togetherness, or spiritual renewal.

Some UAE residents report that northern countries—especially Scandinavia and Iceland—are also attractive for their unique atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle. The 5-15°C summer temperatures, clean air, vast waterfalls, Icelandic horses, moss-covered hillsides, and pine forests provide an environment that few can say no to, especially if one lives in a hot, bustling city year-round.

Such vacations are not based on luxurious hotels and shopping. They are centered on experiences: morning hikes, communal meals in nature, exploration on horseback, and quiet moments spent with family or oneself.

A Shift in Vacation Mindset

More people view travel not just as leisure but as an investment in themselves and their families. Active relaxation, proximity to nature, and finding one's own pace represent a value that exceeds material considerations. Families following this trend are increasingly returning to the same places because they find the kind of stability and experiences there that they do not encounter elsewhere.

There are some who organize their lives by spending the winter months in the Dubai desert and the summer months in Scandinavia or Iceland. This is not just a lifestyle but a conscious decision for balance and mental well-being.

The Cold's Appeal: A New Travel Culture Among UAE Residents

The changed habits are also reflected in travel agencies' offerings. They no longer only offer beach and exotic locations but also alpine lakes, fjords, glaciers, national parks, and cultural experiences during the northern hemisphere's summer peak season. Escaping the summer heat of Dubai is therefore becoming not only a matter of comfort but also a conscious, health-conscious and community decision.

Summary

The 50°C summer heat is prompting more UAE residents to seek out countries with colder climates, not just for comfort but for mental balance, a desire for nature, and family experiences as well. Demand for destinations like Iceland, Canada, Switzerland, and Scandinavia is increasing year by year, and it is no longer just the privilege of the wealthy. The new travel habits show that the concept of vacation for UAE residents is also changing: a cool summer is no longer an exception but increasingly becoming the norm.

(The article is based on reports from travel service providers.)