Dubai has introduced an innovative solution to combat the sweltering summer heat by opening night beaches, allowing visitors to enjoy the shore after the sun sets.
These beaches, equipped with floodlights and lifeguards using night-vision binoculars, have attracted over one million visitors since their launch last year. With temperatures regularly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) due to climate change, the night beaches provide much-needed relief.
“The temperature drops in the evening, so it’s amazing,” said Mohammed, a 32-year-old resident from Pakistan, who brought his children to enjoy the cooler beach environment.
Despite regional tensions involving Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, Dubai’s night beaches remain bustling, especially on weekends. Spanning over 800 meters, these designated night beaches are equipped with shark nets and are brightly illuminated by floodlights, creating a safe and unique nighttime experience.
Lifeguards are on duty 24/7, using night-vision equipment to monitor swimmers.
Dubai is also testing artificial intelligence cameras designed to detect distress among beachgoers. Even close to midnight on a recent Friday, Umm Suqeim beach was packed, with temperatures still above 30°C (86°F). “It feels like being in a bath,” said Mary Bayarka, a fitness coach from Belarus, as she enjoyed the warm seawater.
For many expatriates, the night beach is a crucial escape from their busy work lives. Filipina saleswoman Laya Manko described it as her “stress reliever,” emphasizing its significance as a retreat for migrant workers.
Dubai authorities view the night beaches as a way to attract tourists, especially during the hot summer months when people typically stay indoors. Hamad Shaker, an official from Dubai Municipality, said, “I believe we are one of the only cities in the world to offer such infrastructure on public beaches at night.”
In the past, Dubai would empty out during the summer as expatriates left to escape the heat. However, with attractions such as the world’s tallest building and indoor amusement parks, the city has evolved into a year-round destination, welcoming over 17 million visitors last year.
Despite the success of initiatives like night beaches, experts warn of future challenges posed by climate change. Tourism researcher Manuela Gutberlet highlighted extreme weather events, such as the unprecedented rainfall that recently affected the city, as potential threats. “Adapting to new risks is essential,” she said.
For many, like 77-year-old Laziz Ahmed from France, the night beaches offer an ideal solution. “During the day, I don’t go out much,” he said, adding, “In the evening, I make up for it.”
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.