Too hot for Europe? UAE residents change summer plans amid extreme heatwaves

Khaleej Times

a day ago

As extreme heatwaves continue to sweep through parts of Europe, some UAE travellers are reconsidering their summer holiday destinations. Regions like southern France, and countries Italy and Spain, once popular escapes from the Gulf's heat, are now experiencing similar, or in some cases, worse, temperatures during peak travel months.
On Monday, firefighters battled wildfires in Turkey and France, and more than 50,000 people were evacuated as an early summer heatwave hit Europe.
Health alerts were issued in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Germany. Even the Netherlands, used to a milder climate, issued a warning for high temperatures in the coming days, coupled with high humidity.
A chance to try something new
Fatima Al Nuaimi, a 34-year-old Emirati from Al Ain, is among those who changed their plans. For years, her family's summer tradition involved spending two to three weeks in southern Europe, often split between France and Italy.
'This year, when I checked the weather in June and July, it was already crossing 35 degrees. We didn't want to be stuck indoors the whole time,' she said.
Fatima explained that she was especially concerned about her two young children. 'When it's that hot, there's very little you can do with kids. Sightseeing becomes a burden, and outdoor activities are limited. It defeats the purpose of the trip.'
Instead, Fatima's family opted for Queenstown, New Zealand, looking for cooler heads and outdoor adventure.
'We've never been there before, but the weather there looks much more comfortable, around 14 to 18 degrees. It's winter, so the kids can still be outside, explore nature, and we don't have to worry about overheating,' she explained.
Beyond comfort, the switch also made sense financially.
'Flights were more available, and it turned out to be a little cheaper than our usual Europe trips. We're treating it as an opportunity to try something new.'
Fatima's choice aligns with what agents are seeing across the board.
'A clear shift'
Travel agents are noticing this trend too.
Vinoli Obeysekara, Head of Sales at Jovial Travels, said, 'We are seeing a clear shift in the way people plan their holidays, with global warming now a key factor in travel decisions. Many of our clients are adjusting their itineraries to avoid periods of extreme heat and are showing greater interest in sustainable travel options.'
She added that requests for eco-friendly stays and experiences have gone up. 'There is a growing awareness about the environmental impact of tourism, and travellers are asking for responsible experiences. At Jovial Travels, we are committed to guiding our clients towards choices that are both memorable and mindful of the planet.'
Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Deputy Managing Director of Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies, said the shift is becoming more evident.
'Summer used to be mostly Europe,' he said. 'It's still there, but many are waiting until the last minute because of the heat. These last few years, it's getting hotter there.'
'Some are choosing alternatives like Cape Town or the Gold Coast,' he added. 'In Cape Town, it's winter, so you get 13 to 15 degrees. Switzerland is still a good option because the mountains help, but overall, people are being more careful.'