Spending My First Summer Overseas in Europe - Missing Dubai's Air Conditioning Desperately
As the UK issues an extreme heat warning and temperatures soar, UAE expats living in Europe are finding creative ways to cope with the sweltering heat. One such expat, Latifa Youssef, living in Switzerland, has found it particularly challenging without proper air conditioning.
In an effort to stay cool, Latifa has been relying on electric fans to circulate air inside her home, but finds them less than effective. She has also been trying to prepare cold salads and sandwiches instead of cooking, as the added heat from appliances during the heatwave makes cooking a difficult task.
Many other expats in Europe are adopting similar strategies. To block direct sunlight and reduce indoor heat buildup, they keep windows covered during the hottest parts of the day. Drinking plenty of water (3-4 liters daily) is a common practice to stay hydrated amid high temperatures. Cooking is minimized or limited to preparing cold meals like salads and sandwiches to avoid adding heat indoors.
Staying indoors during peak sun hours and limiting sun exposure helps reduce heat stress. Occasionally having cool foods like gelato provides relief. However, while portable air conditioners are available, many expats find them inefficient, as the hot air exhaust mechanism through windows often recirculates the warm air back inside, reducing their effectiveness.
In some European cities, installing permanent air conditioning requires permits mostly granted for health reasons, so expats must adapt without reliable AC, which is a significant adjustment after years of constant AC use in the UAE.
Meanwhile, Dubai-based Ananda Shakespeare, originally from England, is currently traveling through Europe and managing the heatwave without too much difficulty. Ananda avoids the mid-day sun and walks around with a hat to protect herself from the heat.
As the heatwave continues, residents in Europe are finding various ways to cope, with tropical nights (evenings where temperatures stay above 20°C) becoming the norm. Elsewhere, a heat dome is causing extreme temperatures in the US, with the Midwest being at risk.
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Latifa Youssef, an expat in Switzerland, relies on electric fans for cool air but finds them ineffective. To stay hydrated, she drinks 3-4 liters of water daily and opts for cold salads and sandwiches instead of cooking during the heatwave. Many other expats reduce indoor heat by covering windows and limiting sun exposure, while keeping with cold meals. Despite the inefficiency of portable air conditioners, some expats still use them, yet their warm air exhaust mechanism often recirculates the heat back inside. Health concerns in Europe necessitate air conditioning permits, which presents a challenge to expats accustomed to constant AC use in the UAE. On the other hand, Ananda Shakespeare, a Dubai resident currently traveling in Europe, manages the heatwave by avoiding the mid-day sun and walking with a hat. As the heatwave persists, residents across Europe find various ways to cope, with tropical nights becoming common. Meanwhile, a heat dome causes extreme temperatures in the US, putting the Midwest at risk. For those seeking updates on the situation, The Daily Briefing offers a newsletter delivery service.
