How to beat the summer heat in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah can reach heady temperatures in the mid to late 40s with energy-sapping humidity in the height of summer. It’s so important to keep cool and remain hydrated to keep your body functioning and healthy. Here are some top tips to beat the summer heat in the United Arab Emirates.

Stay hydrated

The temperatures during the summer months are deliciously balmy, so you need to ensure you keep yourself and your family adequately hydrated. Always keep a bottle of water on hand, and as a rule of thumb, drink when you are thirsty. If you are active, make sure you drink often; your body loses water through sweat, and you might not even realise that you are sweating! You can find all sorts of healthy, low-sugar drinks and refreshing mocktails to keep the kids hydrated. It’s always wise to keep rehydration salt sachets in your bag. Dehydration can lead to headaches, nausea and diarrhoea.

Eat the right food

You’ll probably naturally not feel like eating too much when the weather is hot; you might feel bloated and heavy. In order to ease digestion, it’s best to eat foods high in fibre, such as vegetables, fruit, nuts and grains. If you enjoy trying new recipes, then why not pop into a Middle Eastern restaurant like Moorish at Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert or Skeek, which is just off the corniche, and try tabbouleh salad? It’s a typical dish with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, bulgar wheat, lemon juice and olive oil.

Swimming

You’ll find that most hotels in Ras Al Khaimah have temperature-controlled swimming pools and access to ocean-bound water sports. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the intense rays of the midday sun. There are all sorts of water sports in Ras Al Khaimah, from paddleboarding and kayaking through the mangroves to snorkelling and jetskiing or inflatable rides and flyboarding. Even if you are submerged in water, your body can still sweat, so make sure you drink lots of water to remain hydrated.

Wear natural clothing

Wearing breathable and loose clothing whilst remaining respectful is essential. Choose from light silks, cottons or linens. Remember that it’s important to cover your shoulders and knees when you are out and about. If in doubt, keep a lightweight shawl in your handbag. You’ll find all sorts of shops in Ras Al Khaimah, from the market stalls at Kuwaiti Souq, everyday clothing stores, and tailors to high-end luxury fashion boutiques.

Get up early for adventures

Whilst the summer temperatures are heady throughout the day, if you are determined to pack in some adventures, get up at dawn and head out early. Head to the firey-hued dunes as the sun rises over Ras Al Khaimah and experience the thrills and spills of a 4X4 adventure. And that’s  before breakfast! On occasion, you’ll bear witness to a spectacularly misty morning before the sun has time to burn off the dew that’s settled on the desert plants overnight.

Be pampered in the spa

Choose to have your pampering spa treatments in the middle of the day to avoid the midday sun. You’ll find a range of cooling treatments in many hotels or stand-alone spas in Ras Al Khaimah. The Rainforest at Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is a wonderful way to keep your cool as your wander through affusion showers, aroma steam, the brine cavern, a hammam, an ice igloo, a rain walk and sole therapy. The Rainforest is a one-of-a-kind experience in the United Arab Emirates. It’s a unique blend of European hydrothermal culture and Middle Eastern bathing rituals.

Head to the mountains

The Jebel Jais Mountains have a range of exciting activities to participate in, including the adrenaline-inducing zipline and the sledder. The Jebel Jais mountain peak provides breathtaking vistas and a cooling microclimate with temperatures less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit found at sea level.

Ras Al Khaimah Museum

Explore the museum and discover some of the many objects discovered in numerous archaeological excavations, surveys and scientific research projects, giving significant information and insight into the area’s culture and traditions. The exhibit rooms are all pleasantly situated around the inner courtyard. They contain discoveries from the earliest settlers through to the late Islamic period. The interactive ethnographical display shows traditional life in the Emirate, pearl diving, date agriculture, fishing, farming and ancient architecture.

Cinema

Numerous cinemas across the Emirate show all the local movies, Hollywood blockbusters and world-class films. Novo Cinema in Ras Al Khaimah’s Manar Mall is a state-of-the-art multiplex cinema with Novo 3D, 7-star, IMAX, MX4D and Kidz experiences for all the family to enjoy.