The weather has a significant impact, and often out-of-date expectations on many aspects of sports and outdoor activities in the UAE, as it has an effect on when and how events will be held based on its climate. Throughout the year, the weather will impact the safety, enjoyment, and performance of athletes, event organizers and fitness enthusiasts. For more news updates, visit our Gulf Independent News page.
The Summer Weather Challenge
During the summer months in the UAE, temperatures reach upwards of 45 degrees Celsius, and many of the outdoor sports (such as football, cricket, athletics, etc.) experience a decrease in performance due to the extreme heat and the prolonged exposure to the sun. Therefore, many sporting events must be rescheduled to the early morning or late evening; some events must also be played indoors, and stadiums now have advanced cooling systems (which allow for event hosting even in the extreme heat of summer).
Winter: The Golden Age for Sports
In contrast to the extreme summer months, the winter months are the prime months for most outdoor activities. The temperature is ideal (ranging from 18-28 degrees Celsius) for running marathons, holding golf tournaments, hosting desert safaris, enjoying beach sports, and hosting international events such as the triathlon. In addition to the pleasant temperature, many athletes from around the world visit the UAE, and tourists will also be drawn to the UAE for tourism and outdoor activities.
Humidity and Coastal Conditions
High humidity levels in coastal metropolitan areas such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi are a major factor. High humidity levels combined with warm to moderate temperatures create the challenge of excessive fatigue when engaging in physical activities. Wind patterns and sea conditions also have an effect on activities such as sailing, jet skiing and kayaking. Event organisers use weather forecasts to help them monitor conditions that are safe for participants and to maximise the opportunity to hold events.
Sandstorms and Unexpected Disruptions
Due to unanticipated changes in atmospheric conditions, sandstorms can occur and have an impact on schedules that have been developed for outdoor activities with little or no advance notice. Events such as cycling races, motorsports events and school sports days may be postponed or cancelled as a result of poor visibility and poor air quality resulting from the sandstorm. This illustrates the necessity of incorporating flexible planning as well as the ability to monitor weather conditions in real time into plans when developing sporting events in the UAE.
Smart Planning and Technology
Through the use of technology, weather forecasting tools, smart wearable technologies, hydration strategies, and climate-controlled environments, UAE sports bodies can reduce risks that can occur due to weather-related events. In addition, schools and fitness centres may adjust the intensity of their programmes on a daily basis based on the weather advisories that they receive, thus encouraging participants to engage safely in their activities.
Effects on Physical Fitness Culture
The climate impacts not only athletes who play professionally but also affects every day fitness habits. The amount of gym users typically increases in warmer months, while running tracks, parks, and recreation areas tend to have many more people using them during the colder months. As such, many indoor fitness facilities have developed throughout the UAE, as well as numerous outdoor workout communities that come together during the evenings, to help people adapt to the changing weather.
To Conclude
The extreme weather conditions of the UAE shouldn’t deter people from being active; rather, they are part of what defines the UAE’s sports and fitness culture. The UAE continues to create opportunities for world-class events and provide support for an active lifestyle through creative and innovative adaptation to differing seasons.
Dubai3 weeks ago
