Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait – When the Arabian summer turns scorching, savvy travelers seek cooler escapes. From the misty Asir Mountains of Saudi Arabia to the monsoon-kissed coast of Salalah in Oman, the region offers unexpected havens where temperatures drop and nature thrives. High-altitude retreats like Jebel Akhdar in Oman or Jebel Jais in the UAE provide refreshing mountain air, while luxury indoor experiences in Dubai, Doha, and Manama ensure a comfortable city break. Whether it’s the lush Khareef season in Dhofar, the fog-draped terraces of Abha, or air-conditioned mega-malls and water parks in the Gulf’s capitals, these destinations let visitors beat the heat without leaving the region.
Abha & The Asir Mountains (Saudi Arabia) – Cool Highland Retreats
In southwestern Saudi Arabia, the Asir highlands offer a temperate refuge from the desert heat. Abha, the provincial capital at ~2,270 m elevation, enjoys summer temperatures typically between 18–28 °C
Even at the peak of July–August, Abha’s days are mild (rarely above 30 °C) with occasional afternoon showers and fog
This “Bride of the South” is surrounded by lush Asir National Park, where you can hike along misty mountain trails and enjoy panoramic views. Don’t miss riding the Abha cable car up to Jabal Sawda (Al-Soudah) – Saudi Arabia’s highest peak (~3,000 m) – where cloud forests offer surreal “above the clouds” vistas
Nearby mountain villages like Al Namas (nicknamed the “City of Fog”) and Rijāl Al-Mā‘ (Rijal Alma) heritage village also boast cool weather, green landscapes, and mud-brick forts that showcase Asiri culture
Best time to visit: Abha and surroundings are ideal June through August, when the rest of Saudi swelters. In late summer, brief rains make the hills bloom, and the Abha Summer Festival typically features cultural shows and artisanal souks. Activities: Stroll down Art Street in Abha’s downtown for local galleries and coffee, or savor traditional Asir cuisine (try areekah and madghoot). Families will enjoy the cool evening weather in city parks, while adventure-seekers can trek in the Asir National Park or explore the hanging village of Al Habala by cable car. Travel tips: Abha is a 1-hour flight from Jeddah or Riyadh (and even has some international flights). The city has modern hotels and resorts, but also consider a night in a mountainside eco-lodge for crisp starlit skies. Pack a light jacket for evenings – it can drop to ~15 °C at night in the mountains. Driving the winding Asir roads is part of the fun, but go slow and watch for fog patches that can roll in suddenly.
Taif (Saudi Arabia) – Rose-Scented Mountain Escape
Just a short drive from Makkah, Taif sits around 1,800 m in the Hejaz Mountains and has been a summer capital since ancient times. Daytime highs here hover in the low 30s °C even in July, significantly cooler than the 45 °C lows of Riyadh. In fact, Taif’s climate is so pleasant that Saudi royalty traditionally decamped here for summer
The city is famed for its rose gardens – visit in May/June to catch the tail end of the Rose Festival and see distilleries making Taif’s coveted rosewater. In summer, Taif’s evenings are refreshingly cool and perfect for strolling the Souq ‘Okaz, a revived historic market with live poetry and camel races (usually held in June). Families can enjoy the outdoor Shubra Palace Museum (a historic royal residence) or the Taif Zoo in the cooler morning hours. Adventure lovers can head just outside the city to the Al Hada mountain road: ride the Taif cable car down to a valley resort or drive the scenic hairpins (look out for wild baboons along the way!).
Best time to visit: Any time from late May through September. June offers cultural events like Souq ‘Okaz, while July–August are peak escape months with many domestic tourists (plan mid-week visits for fewer crowds). Activities: Don’t miss a sunset at Al Hada Viewpoint, where the temperature drops and the lights of the winding mountain highway twinkle below. Taif’s evenings are great for open-air dining; try a local restaurant’s saliq (meat and rice dish) in the cool night breeze. By day, take a picnic to Al Rudaf Park, known for its granite rock formations and shaded areas. Travel tips: Taif is ~2 hours by road from Jeddah (or a 1-hour flight from Riyadh). The highways are modern, but if you’re driving from Jeddah, avoid midday departure to skip hotter lowland stretches. In Taif city, light cottons suffice by day, but have a sweater for night. Accommodation ranges from budget hotels to resorts in nearby Al Shafa (a higher-altitude area with fruit farms and even cooler temps). Expect daytime around 25–30 °C and nights in the low 20s.
Salalah, Dhofar (Oman) – Monsoon-Cooled Coastal Paradise
When the rest of the Gulf is an oven, Salalah in southern Oman turns green and misty. From late June to early September, the Dhofar region catches the Indian Ocean monsoon, called the Khareef. Temperatures here drop to a balmy 20–25 °C with drizzly rain and constant fog
A dramatic contrast to the 40+°C elsewhere in Arabia. During July and August, Salalah’s Jabal al-Qara mountains are cloaked in lush vegetation and dotted with seasonal waterfalls and natural springs. This is peak time for the Salalah Tourism Festival (Khareef Festival), when the city hosts outdoor concerts, cultural displays, and night markets celebrating Dhofari heritage. Families can enjoy the Ittin Recreation Park where there are funfairs amid the greenery, while couples might take romantic drives through cloud-covered mountain roads. Don’t miss Wadi Darbat, where waterfalls cascade into turquoise pools surrounded by wildflowers (best viewed in July)
Another must-see is the Al Mughsayl Beach blowholes – visit in Khareef when the waves are high to watch geysers of sea spray erupt through the limestone rocks. The beach itself is cooler and often shrouded in mist, making for an otherworldly experience.
Best time to visit: Mid-July to late August is the height of the Khareef season – expect the greenest landscapes then
By early September the rains taper off, but the terrain stays verdant through that month (with fewer crowds). If you prefer some sunshine, plan for late September when skies clear but weather is still relatively mild (upper 20s °C). Activities: Besides nature drives, Salalah offers rich history – visit the Al Baleed Archaeological Park (an open-air ruin site of a medieval frankincense port) on a misty morning, then duck into the adjacent Museum of the Land of Frankincense (indoors and air-conditioned) to learn about the region’s UNESCO-listed frankincense trade. For a luxury treat, book a beachfront resort like the Anantara or Al Baleed by Rotana; they often run Khareef packages, including guided trips to the mountains. Many resorts also have temperature-controlled pools (useful on cooler rainy days). In the evenings, join locals at the Haffa Souq to shop for frankincense, perfumes, and enjoy piping hot street food (try luban ice cream flavored with frankincense – a Salalah specialty!). Travel tips: Salalah is accessible via a 1.5-hour flight from Muscat or ~2.5-hour direct flights from Dubai/Abu Dhabi. It’s also a 12-hour scenic road trip from Muscat (popular with adventure seekers). During Khareef, pack rain gear or an umbrella – you’ll experience light rain or drizzle daily. Driving can be foggy in the mountains; go slow and use fog lights. Humidity is high near the coast, so breathable clothing is key. Note that this is peak season for the region, so book hotels and rental cars well in advance
Jebel Akhdar (Oman) – Mountain Luxury and Cool Air
Escape to Jebel Akhdar (“The Green Mountain”) in Oman’s Al Hajar range for crisp air and upscale relaxation. At 2,000–2,400 m elevation, the Saiq Plateau of Jebel Akhdar stays 10–15 °C cooler than the Omani lowlands in summer
In June–August, while Muscat swelters at 45 °C, Jebel Akhdar enjoys mid-20s by day and cool breezes by night – you might even need a light sweater after dark. The region saw summer rains in recent years, keeping the terraced orchards of pomegranates and peaches verdant
Luxury travelers will love the sumptuous clifftop resorts here, like Alila and Anantara, which feature infinity pools with canyon views and world-class spas. These resorts often offer guided hikes to explore the area’s wadis and abandoned stone villages. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to viewpoints overlooking the dramatic Wadi al-Muaydin or try the via ferrata (protected climbing path) at the Anantara resort. Jebel Akhdar’s trails are dotted with wildflowers in spring and fruit ripening in late summer – a pleasant surprise in the Arabian Peninsula.
Best time to visit: May through September for the coolest conditions (day ~25–30 °C, night ~15–20 °C). By August, the annual Jabal Akhdar Summer Festival often takes place, featuring traditional music, handicrafts, and even mountain biking events for visitors
September brings the pomegranate harvest – a festive time when local farmers sell fresh fruit by the roadside. Activities: Start your day early with a hike on the Diana’s Point trail (named after Princess Diana’s 1986 visit) for sunrise – the temperature at dawn can be a brisk 18 °C. Midday, tour the rose terraces (if visiting in May) or relax at your resort’s indoor facilities (many have cooking classes or wellness programs) during the warmest part of afternoon. Later, explore nearby villages like Al Ayn and Sharijah, known for their cliffside terrace farms – you can walk a segment of the ancient falaj irrigation channels connecting them. Travel tips: Jebel Akhdar is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Muscat. 4×4 vehicles are required by police to ascend the steep mountain road – you’ll pass a checkpoint where this is enforced. (If you don’t have one, hire a local driver or join a tour in Nizwa). The drive up is an adventure itself, with hairpin bends and viewpoints. Pack layers; even in August, overnight temperatures can dip below 20 °C on the plateau
Also, plan your fuel and supplies – there are limited shops on the mountain top. Lastly, be prepared to slow down and enjoy the peace: Jebel Akhdar’s appeal is in its serene landscapes and cooler climate, perfect for hammock reading or an afternoon nap with mountain breezes.
Jebel Jais (UAE) – High-Altitude Adventure Park
The UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, offers a literal breath of fresh air in summer. Soaring nearly 1,934 m, Jais is about 10 °C cooler than sea-level cities like Dubai
In July, the mountain sees daytime highs around 31 °C (versus 43+ °C down in the city) and evenings in the mid-20s
This makes Jebel Jais a popular weekend escape for residents and travelers seeking outdoor fun without the extreme heat. The drive up is part of the thrill – a smooth highway with sweeping switchbacks and panoramic pull-offs. At the top, you’ll find the Jebel Jais Adventure Park: home to the world’s longest zipline, Jais Flight, where you can zoom at 120 km/h over the cooler mountain void. There’s also the Jais Sky Tour (a series of shorter ziplines and rope bridges) and the Jais Sledder, a toboggan-style mountain coaster that opened recently, all operational even in summer thanks to the milder temps. Simply standing at the Jais Viewing Deck Park in late afternoon, you’ll feel the difference – a pleasant breeze and temperatures that allow you to comfortably sightsee outside
Best time to visit: Jebel Jais is accessible year-round. In summer, aim for early morning or late afternoon/evening visits – for instance, head up around 4–5 PM to catch sunset and enjoy 25–30 °C weather at the summit as the sun dips
(Midday can still touch mid-30s at the peak, so plan strenuous activities for cooler hours.) Many adventure activities operate from sunrise to sunset. In July/August, RAK Tourism often hosts special “Sunset Picnic” events or open-air movie nights on Jais due to the pleasant climate. Activities: Apart from adrenaline rides, Jebel Jais is great for hiking and camping. There are marked hiking trails like the Sabha trail for moderate hikers – just start at dawn to avoid any heat and carry plenty of water. If camping overnight (permit required in some areas), you’ll enjoy lows around 20 °C or less – a rarity in UAE summers (bring a light jacket!). For those less inclined to camp, the mountain now features the 1484 by Puro restaurant (named for its altitude in meters) – you can dine with a spectacular view and cooler air. Travel tips: Jebel Jais is ~2 hours drive from Dubai. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition; the climb is steep in parts but paved. There are restroom facilities and food trucks near the viewing deck, but no petrol station on the mountain – fill up in RAK city. The sun at altitude can still burn, so use sunscreen even if it feels cooler. Also note that weather can be variable: occasionally, summer thunderstorms or rare snow in winter can close the access road. Check RAK Tourism updates before you go. Generally, expect a much more comfortable outdoor experience here compared to anywhere else in the UAE summer.
Dubai & Abu Dhabi (UAE) – Indoor Entertainment & Luxury Escapes
When the coastal cities turn into saunas (40–45 °C with humidity), UAE’s world-class indoor attractions provide cool relief. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have perfected the art of the indoor summer, with sprawling malls, theme parks, and resorts that let you have fun in air-conditioned comfort. Dubai offers a plethora of indoor adventures. For instance, you can ski in the desert summer at Ski Dubai, an indoor ski slope with real snow (–4 °C inside!) located in Mall of the Emirates. Families flock to IMG Worlds of Adventure in summer – it’s one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks, featuring roller coasters, a dinosaur zone, and Marvel superheroes, all under one roof. Another favorite is Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo inside Dubai Mall, where you can admire sharks and rays or even dive in the tank – a cooling experience both literally and figuratively. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi boasts Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, a massive indoor theme park where you can meet Batman or Bugs Bunny while enjoying 22 °C climate control. Adjacent is Yas Waterworld (mostly outdoor water park, but with cooled water and shaded queues) and Ferrari World, which, while not fully indoors, has many indoor sections and the world’s fastest roller coaster to give you a 240 km/h breeze. Beyond theme parks, the UAE capital also offers cultural indoor retreats like the stunning Louvre Abu Dhabi – its galleries are perfectly air-conditioned, and even the outdoor promenades are cooled by sea breezes under the museum’s perforated dome. For a unique twist, check out Nation Towers’ “Snow Abu Dhabi” (scheduled to open in 2025), which promises a winter wonderland playground to escape the heat.
Best time to visit: Ironically, summer is off-peak in Dubai/Abu Dhabi, which means you’ll find excellent hotel deals at top resorts (many offer summer family packages including theme park tickets). Indoor attractions run year-round; in July and August, cities host Summer Surprises festivals with mall sales and kids’ events. For example, Dubai’s Summer Surprises features entertainment in malls and prize giveaways, making it a great time for shopping in cool comfort. Activities: Start your summer day late (there’s no rush to beat heat when you’re indoors). Spend an afternoon at The Dubai Mall, where you can ice-skate at the Olympic-sized ice rink or visit the VR Park – all while it’s scorching outside. By evening, consider an indoor show like La Perle by Dragone, a breathtaking acrobatic water show in an indoor theater. In Abu Dhabi, you could spend a full day on Yas Island: begin at Warner Bros. World (open late in summer), then dine at one of the indoor restaurants in Yas Mall or Casablanca at Louvre. If you crave some outdoor time, do it at night – for instance, take a dhow dinner cruise on Dubai Creek after sunset, where you’ll get the wind from the boat movement and views of the city lights without the sun’s intensity. Travel tips: Getting around is easy – hop between attractions in air-conditioned taxis or the metro (Dubai’s Metro is elevated but cooled, and it links major malls). Keep hydrated even if you’re mostly indoors; the transition from 42 °C outdoors to 22 °C inside can be draining. Many indoor parks (IMG, Warner) allow you to rent strollers or wheelchairs, making them family-friendly. Also, carry a light jacket or shawl – it sounds odd, but some indoor venues crank the AC high, and you might feel chilly after hours inside! For a touch of luxury, book a spa day at a five-star hotel (often discounted in summer) – you can spend time in chilled pools, ice rooms, and even snow caves offered by some spas, truly forgetting the world outside.
Sana’a Highlands (Yemen) – Springlike Climate in Ancient Cities
If circumstances allow travel, Yemen’s highland cities provide a natural cool escape with rich history. Sana’a, the capital (situated about 2,300 m above sea level), enjoys what many describe as “eternal spring” weather. In summer, Sana’a’s average highs are around 26–29 °C
With nights dropping to a pleasant ~15 °C. Compare that to coastal Aden’s 40 °C humidity, and it’s clear why Sana’a has been inhabited for millennia despite no modern AC – the climate is simply comfortable. Walking through Sana’a’s UNESCO-listed Old City in July, you might feel a mild sun at noon but also a cool breeze funneling through the mud-brick tower houses. Afternoons can bring brief rain showers (summer is a rainy season here), which freshen the air and sometimes create magical scenes of rainbows against the city’s ancient skyline. Visitors (in safer times) can explore Bab al-Yemen market without overheating, browsing spice stalls and silver jewelry in open-air alleys that would be unbearable in lowland heat. Other highland towns like Ibb (the “Green City” of Yemen) and Ta’izz also boast temperate climates, with terraced green farms and coffee plantations thriving on misty mountain slopes. Even in August, midday in these uplands stays around 25–30 °C, considerably cooler than any Gulf state summer.
Best time to visit: June through August is actually Yemen’s wettest period in the highlands – expect short downpours or thunderstorms many afternoons. The upside is the scenery is lush; fields are green and wildflowers bloom. If you prefer drier weather, September is ideal: the landscape remains green but rains subside, and temperatures are still mild. (September is when locals harvest coffee qishr and celebrate cultural events after the growing season.) Activities: In Sana’a, take advantage of the gentle weather by sitting on a rooftop café in the Old City at sunset – you’ll need a light jacket as you sip Yemeni coffee and watch the city’s stained-glass windows glow. For families, a picnic in Al Sabeen Park or a stroll in the Dar al-Hajar (Rock Palace) gardens is pleasant even at midday, given Sana’a’s strong sun is tempered by altitude. Adventure travelers can do overnight trips to Jabal Nabi Shu’ayb (the highest mountain in Arabia at 3,666 m, just outside Sana’a) – nights up there can drop below 10 °C even in July! In the southern highlands, a visit to Socotra Island (politically part of Yemen) is another-worldly experience; while not much cooler (Socotra averages 30 °C year-round), its unique ecosystem and ocean breezes offer a different kind of escape, especially in early summer or late September when the monsoon winds are calmer. Travel tips: Travel to Yemen in 2025 requires caution and likely special tours – Socotra, for instance, can be accessed via occasional flights from the UAE, and it’s best visited outside the mid-June to August period due to high monsoon winds. For the highlands, if the situation stabilizes and you go, pack for variable weather: sunglasses and sunscreen for clear high-altitude sun, but also a rain jacket and light sweater for evenings. Altitude can cause shortness of breath the first day, so plan a relaxed itinerary initially. Accommodations in Sana’a’s Old City (like heritage guesthouses in those tall mud-brick towers) often naturally stay cool inside, with thick walls – a charming alternative to modern hotels. Lastly, always check the latest safety advisories; the cultural and climatic allure of Yemen’s highlands is remarkable, but must be paired with a well-informed travel plan.
Doha (Qatar) – Cultural & Indoor Family Fun
Qatar’s capital proves you can still enjoy summer by cleverly moving activities indoors. Doha in summer averages 40 °C+, but the city has invested in numerous air-conditioned attractions to keep locals and visitors entertained. One standout is Doha Quest, a fully indoor theme park featuring high-thrill rides (including the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster) and kid-friendly attractions – all under a dome shielded from the sun. “This indoor theme park will keep you away from the sun and give you unlimited fun!” notes one guide
Indeed families can spend hours here without a drop of sweat. For a taste of culture, Doha offers several superb (and cool) museums. The iconic National Museum of Qatar, with its desert-rose-inspired architecture, has climate-controlled galleries where you can delve into Qatari history and pearl-diving heritage
Nearby, the Museum of Islamic Art and the new 3-2-1 Olympic Sports Museum are also great picks for summer mornings – you get educated and stay chilled. Another unique Doha experience is Katara Cultural Village: by day in summer you’ll want to stick to Katara’s indoor art galleries or its planetarium, but come evening, you can actually walk outside at 21 High Street in Katara, which features outdoor air-conditioning. Yes, Qatar has engineered a luxury shopping street with cooled open-air sidewalks, so you can sip an espresso al fresco in July without breaking a sweat
For active travelers, Qatar has indoor sports too – try Gravity Indoor Skydiving (an indoor wind tunnel) or hit one of the many bowling and entertainment centers (e.g. Doha Festival City’s arcade zone) to stay active while escaping the heat.
Best time to visit: Summer in Qatar (June–August) is off-peak for tourism, so you’ll find cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds at attractions. Do note Ramadan will occur in March/April 2025, so by summer the city will be back to normal hours with many events geared towards the school holiday period. Qatar Tourism often runs a “Summer in Qatar” festival with concerts, shows, and hotel deals – for example, indoor concerts as part of the Qatar Live program have been hosted in past summers
If you’re in Doha in late June or July, look out for these performances or kids’ summer camps hosted in malls. Activities: Spend your mornings doing any necessary outdoor sightseeing (perhaps a quick walk along the Doha Corniche for photos of the skyline – but do it at dawn or after 7 PM). The real fun kicks in indoors: plan a day at Villaggio Mall, which not only has extensive shopping but an indoor canal with gondola rides and an theme park (Gondolania) featuring an ice rink and roller coaster. For lunch, duck into Souq Waqif’s enclosed market area or one of the many hotel restaurants offering daytime dining in cool environs. In the afternoon, how about an indoor snow slide? – Doha has “Snow Dunes” park (inside Doha Festival City mall) with artificial snow activities for kids. Come evening (after 8 PM), you might venture to the Pearl-Qatar for a waterfront dinner; by that time, temps dip to low 30s and with a bit of sea breeze it’s tolerable, especially if dining on a shaded terrace with fans. Travel tips: Taxis and Ubers are plentiful and air-conditioned – use them to hop between sites (distances in Doha are small). Be aware of the extreme from-door-to-door heat: even a short walk from car to building can be draining in midday, so carry water at all times. Many venues like museums close for a couple of hours in the afternoon, so check summer timings; you may want to plan a post-lunch siesta at your hotel (which likely has a cooled pool or spa) and then continue outings in the late afternoon. For accessibility, almost every indoor venue is equipped with elevators and facilities for strollers/wheelchairs. Lastly, Qatar has a unique outdoor cooling project at Umm Al Seneem Park, featuring cooled walking tracks – if you’re a runner who can’t give up jogging, try an evening run on these cooled pathways
Manama (Bahrain) – Malls, Water Parks, and Indoor Edutainment
Tiny Bahrain faces intense heat (up to 40 °C) and high humidity in summer, but it offers outsized indoor fun to compensate. The capital Manama and its surroundings host a variety of indoor attractions perfect for families and those looking to stay cool. A prime example is Wahooo! Waterpark, a fully indoor water park in City Centre Bahrain mall – it features slides, a wave pool, and even a surfing simulator under a giant roof, so you can splash around without worrying about sunburn or overheating. Right nearby in the mall is Atlantis: The Immersive Odyssey, a new high-tech interactive exhibit that takes visitors on a journey through the myth of Atlantis via VR and projection – again, all in air-conditioned comfort
For more adrenaline, head to Gravity Indoor Skydiving in Zallaq, home to one of the region’s tallest vertical wind tunnels where you can experience free-fall (a cool activity in more ways than one)
If you have kids, Bahrain has numerous indoor play zones and edutainment centers: KidZania (role-play city for kids) is set to open in Bahrain soon, and until then, places like Adventure Hub or Magic Island in malls offer arcade games and rides in AC. Culture buffs can escape the sun inside the Bahrain National Museum, which not only showcases Bahrain’s 5000-year Dilmun history but also keeps you nicely chilled as you wander its contemporary galleries. Another unique indoor refuge is the Royal Camel Farm’s visitor center – while the camels themselves are outside (best seen at dusk), the small indoor exhibit and cafe on site provides a break from the heat and insight into Bahrain’s camel culture.
Best time to visit: Summer (June–August) in Bahrain is low tourist season, but the country often holds a Bahrain Summer Festival in July with cultural events in indoor venues. For example, the festival’s shows (concerts, theater, workshops) are usually held in the Bahrain National Theatre or Cultural Hall, both air-conditioned spaces where you can enjoy entertainment without weather worries. Check the calendar for kid-friendly performances or art workshops as part of this festival – it’s a great way to immerse in local culture comfortably. Activities: During the day, you might alternate between water fun and museum time. Spend a morning at The Lost Paradise of Dilmun (Bahrain’s biggest water park – mostly outdoor but with lots of shade and cooled water; go at opening time when it’s quieter and the heat is a bit lower). After drying off, retreat to a mall for lunch – City Centre Bahrain and Seef Mall are popular, each with multiplex cinemas where you could catch an afternoon movie in frosty air conditioning. As evening comes, stroll Moda Mall (Bahrain World Trade Center) for some high-end shopping in a beautifully cooled atrium, or take the family to Marassi Galleria where a new indoor aquarium and underwater zoo has opened. If you’re looking for nighttime outings, consider the Avenues Bahrain waterfront mall – it’s open late, and while outdoors along the corniche can be muggy, the mall interior is cool and there are many indoor cafes overlooking the sea (you get the view without the heat). Travel tips: Bahrain is easy to navigate – most sites in Manama are 15–20 minutes apart. Driving or taxis are recommended in summer; even walking 2 blocks can be uncomfortable in the humidity. The kingdom is also known for its luxury hotels (with summer offers): booking a staycation at e.g. the Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton means access to chilled swimming pools (many Gulf hotels chill their pool water in summer to keep it refreshing) and kids’ indoor playrooms. For a local touch, try an evening in a traditional coffee house in Muharraq – many have indoor seating where you can sip mint tea in AC, then briefly step outside to see the historic pearling trail houses under illumination before ducking back in. Keep in mind Bahrain’s dress code is liberal, but light cotton clothing is your friend; have an extra shirt if you’ll be moving between outdoors and indoors often (to change out of any sweat). And one quirk: indoor spots like cinemas or supermarkets can get very cold due to blasting AC, so carrying a light scarf or cardigan in your bag isn’t a bad idea. Enjoy Bahrain’s mix of modern fun and history, all while staying comfortably cool.
Kuwait City (Kuwait) – Mega-Malls and Cultural Havens
Kuwait’s summers are notoriously scorching (often 46 °C midday), but Kuwait City has developed mega-malls and museums that provide a haven from the heat. The centerpiece is The Avenues Mall, one of the largest malls in the Middle East – effectively a city within a city, fully air-conditioned. The Avenues has zones that mimic outdoor streets (like a faux sky-lit Grand Avenue and an indoor Souk) where you can stroll “outdoors” in cool comfort. Inside you’ll find endless shopping, dozens of cafes, and family attractions like KidZania Kuwait (an indoor kids’ role-play city) and SkyZone trampoline park, all insulated from the weather. Another top pick for a summer day is The Scientific Center on the waterfront: it houses a fantastic aquarium (featuring sharks, penguins, and turtles in a Gulf marine life setting) and a hands-on Discovery Place science museum – perfect for children and curious adults
The Scientific Center also has an IMAX theater for educational films, offering both entertainment and a powerful AC blast. For those interested in culture, Kuwait’s impressive Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre is a must-visit – it’s one of the world’s largest museum complexes with 22 galleries across science, natural history, space, and art museums
You can easily spend an entire day museum-hopping under one roof here, which is a great way to stay cool while enriching the mind. By evening, consider a visit to Souq Al Mubarakiya, Kuwait’s traditional market. In summer, even locals visit the souq after sunset – while it’s outdoors, nights can drop to 30 °C with a bit of desert breeze, and the souq’s narrow alleys offer shade. Plus, many shops (spice vendors, perfume sellers) are in covered arcades, and you can duck into one of the air-conditioned restaurants there for a break if needed.
Best time to visit: Summer (especially July–August) is low season in Kuwait, but that means you’ll find shopping festivals and sales. Malls often run summer festivals with indoor events for families (e.g. magic shows or art workshops in the Avenues or 360 Mall). If you happen to be around end of June, note that Kuwait’s schools are off and many families travel abroad – so local attractions might actually be quieter on weekdays. Avoid outdoor sightseeing except perhaps the Kuwait Towers, which you can enter (the viewing sphere is air-conditioned and gives a 360° view of the city). Activities: Start your day at Arabian Gulf Street for a quick photo of the skyline and the sea (early morning light is best, and temperatures are in the 30s°C by 8 AM). Then retreat to the Grand Mosque for a guided tour – it’s Kuwait’s largest mosque and stays cool inside its ornate halls. Next, dive into a mall: The Avenues is the star, but 360 Mall is another good choice, featuring The Bowl Room (a stylish indoor bowling alley) and even an indoor vertical garden atrium for a touch of nature without heat. At lunch, you might try a buffet in a five-star hotel (many have summer specials to attract patrons – a great way to sample Kuwaiti and international cuisine in AC comfort). Come afternoon, the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre beckons – where else can you go from a planetarium show to seeing dinosaur fossils, then an art gallery, all in one complex
Kids will particularly love the Science Museum section’s interactive exhibits. By evening, if it’s too warm for Souq Mubarakiya, consider heading to the Marina Crescent – an outdoor marina mall promenade. It will still be hot and humid, but you can walk a short stretch and then cool off in an indoor cafe with a seaside view. Travel tips: Taxis or driving are essential; Kuwait is not very pedestrian-friendly even in good weather, let alone summer. Fortunately, distances are short. If you drive, note that cars always have the AC on max, so have water in the car to stay hydrated. Kuwait has a lively café culture – mall cafes are full even at midnight in summer – so use those as pit stops to recharge (and try some delicious Kuwaiti iced coffee or dessert). In case you must have some outdoor time, Kuwait’s Messilah Beach and others are basically empty during daytime in summer – not swimmable midday (sea temperatures rise into mid-30s°C), but in early morning or late evening you might take a dip when the water and air have cooled a bit. Still, most beach clubs have chilled pools which are preferable. Finally, expect daytime highs around 45 °C and nights around 35 °C in peak summer – plan accordingly by minimizing the time between one indoor location to another. With its modern malls and sprawling cultural centers, Kuwait City can indeed offer a fulfilling travel experience in summer entirely indoors, proving that with a bit of planning, you can beat the heat even in one of the Gulf’s hottest spots.
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