Summer in Dubai
 

When the kids finish school who stays and who goes?


Can you stay?


Some friends were in Dubai in the 90's and they regale in tales of beach club weekends most of the year but getting out of Dodge for July and August.

Is leaving a must, or are things not THAT bad?


The reason I ask is that the wife will be the worker, she won't want me out the country for weeks with the kids whilst she has to work, she'd miss them too much.

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

just don't go outside!

It is bloody hot to be honest. Before I arrived people said it was like being in an oven. Its not that bad. Its like standing next to an oven with the door open and wearing a jumper. Depending how old the kids are they might get bored- or you could ship them off to the grandparents for thr worst of it and you and the missus can have some quality time.

Not everyone buggers off for the whole summer so its obviously doable.

Ramadan is a whole other story however!

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

There are lots of things to do with the kids in summer - the malls are full of entertaiment like playzones, aquariums, ice rinks, a snowy mountain etc etc. There's plenty to do, albeit a big drain on the finances. Also there are loads of summer camps to send the kids to.

Ramadan can be a strain. Some people like it for the quiet - although the roads can be mental. Personally, by the time July came I was desperate for fresh air and rain. Going out in full summer heat here gave me massive headaches - even just walking across the road.

I was the worker in the family and I was going to save up holiday for the summer and be away for 3 weeks and use the other weeks for Xmas and Easter time.

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

The heat is bearable in short doses but your kids will get bored out their minds.

2 months summer holidays is too long to keep them entertained with malls and whatever else is on indoors during the summer.

Summer camps are available but they are very expensive (vary between approx 100 & 200 AED /day / child)

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

There's always cardboard boxes.

Kids love cardboard boxes.


And if you use the silver gaffer tape it takes them a couple of days to break out.

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

I think Dubai in the 90's is very different to today(well in 9 months time when you have to worry about the heat)

Everywhere indoors is air-conditioned and I am sure the cars are much better at cooling now.

Give a go and do not worry about it too much

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

Have to admit we don't have children but we've just spent our 7th summer here. The first was really hard to cope with, especially as we were moving into a new villa and had to find our way around Dubai, find furnishing shops etc. But we have to say that each summer gets easier to manage.

Our neighbours who have young children (6 and 8 yrs) do tend to go back to UK, especially during the summer Ramadan weeks. They just organise their holidays accordingly.

We did find, however, this summer that there were many more families around (we're at Arabian Ranches). During the first couple of summers the place was deserted but, especially this last summer - and even during August/Ramadan - there were many more families who had for whatever reason decided to stay.

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

Personally, I love Ramadan - I really don't see what the big deal is all about.

But, as others have said, the first summer is a tough one. Now, for me, life just carries on - we restructure the day a bit but it's no big deal. Swimming in the mornings, long lunch with some games / cooking inside, then late afternoon in the garden / on the bikes.

That said, mini-millhouse does go home for 4-5 weeks of it - just so he can stretch his legs, get some clean air and see the grandparents etc. He is young enough not to be bored of going to the pool everyday - but it must send older kids insane.

All in I like the summers - generally the place is a bit quieter as all the bloody XC90 drivers leave for 9 weeks.

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

My 12 year old would happily spend 4 weeks inside playing Battlefield 3, he moans if I try and take him out in the holidays now....



Whats the deal with Ramadam, what goes on or not.
I always thought it was the Muslim Rock and Roll festival, Ramadamadingdong.

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

No eating or drinking in public between sunrise and sunset. No smoking, chewing gum or playing loud music.
No live music in the bars. Nightclubs closed. No booze until about 8pm at night ( depending on the month)

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

You forgot to mention the "no sex" part.

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

mentalist thats just what your wife tells you :rofl:

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

*high five* :rofl:

Re: Summer in Dubai
 

Summers are fine, be organised, hit the malls for movies etc, Wild Wadi, we were here all summer and has no issues at all. Swam most mornings, and evenings, had friends over etc, did a few sleep overs for the child. The summer is what you make it.