Scorching nation finds solace in recreational activities like mall running and night swimming during summer months
In the scorching summer months, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) often sees temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). However, the emirate of Abu Dhabi is embracing innovative ways to keep residents and tourists cool and active.
Abdulla Yousuf, director of international operations at Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, believes that these initiatives, such as the recently opened Marsana Night Beach on Hudayriyat Island, significantly enhance the quality of life for the community and broaden Abu Dhabi's appeal as a summer tourism destination.
Marsana Night Beach offers a refreshing way to cool off after dark, providing a unique opportunity for swimming under the stars, with floodlights turning on once the sun sets. The beach is not just a leisure spot; it's also a hub for sports, attracting a diverse crowd and boosting footfall to nearby restaurants and shops, bringing in more economic opportunities for the area.
Another innovative approach to beating the heat is the burgeoning mall running scene in Abu Dhabi. Gulf Multi Sport, a sports event company based in the city, launched the first indoor mall runs in 2017. These events, which take place in vast, multi-level shopping centers like Yas Mall (spread across 2.5 million square feet or 230,000 square meters), are uniquely suited to the region, offering a comfortable and air-conditioned alternative to outdoor activities during the peak summer months.
The Reem Mall Run Series, for example, features four races held monthly from June to September, with options to participate individually or across the series, and distances of 2.5 kilometers, 5 kilometers, and 10 kilometers. Participation in these events has shifted from primarily expatriates to strong participation from UAE nationals.
These mall running events often support various charitable causes, such as cancer awareness and environmental sustainability, making them not just a way to stay active but also a means to contribute to the community.
Abdulazeez Manea, an Emirati working in the tourism industry in Abu Dhabi, stated that opening at night is a more suitable idea due to the hot sand during the day. The beach operates from 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and until midnight Friday to Sunday.
However, it's important to note that the specific sport event company that first organized indoor mall runs in the UAE in 2017 and the types of races offered at these indoor mall runs are not explicitly named in the available search results.
The innovations in the UAE don't stop at indoor mall runs. The country is also home to indoor ski slopes and theme parks, providing residents and tourists with a variety of ways to enjoy their time while beating the heat. These initiatives demonstrate Abu Dhabi's commitment to providing a high quality of life and an appealing tourist destination, even in the face of challenging weather conditions.
The beach sessions will close in September when the sun sets earlier, but the spirit of innovation and activity in Abu Dhabi continues to thrive.
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