Rising Temperatures & Shifting Lifestyles: How Summer 2025 Is Changing Daily Life in Dubai

This summer in Dubai isn’t just about soaring temperatures, it’s also bringing shifts in how residents live, work, and manage their day-to-day lives. With rising costs and extreme heat, people are adjusting in smart, practical ways.

Managing the Cost of Living: Smarter Choices, Leaner Budgets

Dubai remains a top global destination, drawing a diverse population. Expats now make up 87% of the city’s 3.95 million residents. But with that demand comes rising living costs. Rents have gone up by around 16% over the past year, and while the economy has grown, wages haven’t kept pace. To adapt, many residents are finding new ways to cut costs:

Housing: Moving to new areas, further from the city, where rent is affordable.
Transport: Using public transit to avoid high fuel and car maintenance costs.
Lifestyle: Cutting back on dining out and opting for more budget conscious entertainment options.

As prices climb, residents are becoming more mindful about where their money goes.

Staying Cool in the Summer Heat

With temperatures soaring and humidity high, being outdoors during the day can be tough. Many are changing their routines to cope with the climate:

Timing: Outdoor plans are now scheduled for early mornings or after sunset.
Indoor Spaces: Malls, cinemas, and indoor activity centres are busier than ever.
Health Habits: Staying hydrated and dressing for the heat is key to staying well.

Adapting to the climate has become second nature for many, especially during the peak summer months.

The Rise of Remote Work

In response to traffic congestion and the need for better work-life balance, Dubai is increasingly embracing remote and hybrid work models. In fact, it’s estimated that flexible work could reduce traffic by up to 30%. Companies are now offering more flexibility so employees can:

Skip the Commute: Avoid long drives in extreme heat.
Boost Productivity: Create tailored workspaces at home.
Feel Better: Enjoy more time for personal well-being and family.

This shift is reshaping Dubai’s traditional office culture, aligning with global trends that value flexibility and efficiency.

Looking Ahead: Adapting to a Changing City

As Dubai continues to grow, residents are evolving with it. Rising living costs and extreme summer heat are encouraging smarter choices, from where people live to how they work. These lifestyle changes aren’t just temporary, they’re part of a larger move toward a more balanced, adaptable, and sustainable way of life in the city.