How to Survive the Summer in Qatar: Your Ultimate Summer Safety Guide

Feeling the Heat? You’re Not Alone

When summer arrives in Qatar, it brings soaring temperatures, steamy humidity, and plenty of reasons to stay indoors — unless you know how to handle it. Whether you're soaking up the sun at summer camp or trying to keep cool during errands, these simple, effective tips will help you beat the heat.

With a little help from NAISAK Summer Camp students, here’s how to stay safe and cool all season long.

1. Sunscreen is Your Best Friend
Qatar’s sun can be fierce. Using sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

What to do:

Use SPF 50+ sunscreen.

Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

Don’t forget areas like your ears, feet, and neck.

Tasnim, a summer camper, shares:
“Sunscreen is the most important thing I have to use or my mom will be mad. I like how cold it feels to put on my face, especially when I'm swimming.”

2. Hydration is Everything
In extreme heat, your body loses water quickly — and dehydration can happen fast.

Tips for staying hydrated:

Drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty.

Carry a personal water bottle everywhere.

Limit sugary and caffeinated drinks.

Yousef says:
“I drink like the whole bottle on the water dispenser and I always have my Superman water bottle. Water is very important when it's hot.”

3. Dress Smart to Stay Cool
What you wear plays a big role in how your body handles heat.

Dress tips:

Choose cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics.

Stick to light colors.

Avoid tight clothing that traps heat.

Sarah explains:
“I like to dress in cotton shirts and shorts because it keeps me cool in the summer. Even when I'm running or in the mall, you need your skin to breathe — but also to get tanned.”

4. Time Your Outdoor Activities
The midday sun can be intense, so timing is everything when it comes to staying active.

Advice:

Avoid outdoor play between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Plan sports or park visits in the early morning or after sunset.

Take plenty of shade and water breaks.

Ali, an active camper, says:
“Even though it's hot, I love to go out every day and come to school to see my friends in summer camp. We have to play all the time or we won’t be able to when we go to school again.”

5. Stay Safe in Your Car
Cars heat up dangerously fast in Qatar — even in just a few minutes.

Car safety reminders:

Never leave anyone or anything valuable inside a parked car.

Use window shades and ventilate the car before entering.

Keep a portable fan or cooling towel on hand.

Mohammed shares his smart routine:
“The car is always very hot when we leave, but my dad opens the windows and the AC at the same time so it makes the car cool faster. I have a fan with me always to help me get air.”

6. Chill Like a Local
The best way to survive a Qatari summer? Make the most of its indoor escapes.

Ideas to beat the heat:

Visit malls, museums, or indoor playgrounds.

Sip cold drinks and enjoy slushies or ice cream.

Go for evening strolls or cool indoor activities.

Khalifa and Meera have a summer tradition:
“We go every day to a different mall. The best one is Mall of Qatar. We drink lots of slushies and eat ice cream. Yum!”

7. Know the Signs of Heat Illness
It’s important to recognize when your body is overheating — and what to do about it.

Signs to watch for:

Dizziness or nausea

Confusion or fatigue

Headaches, cramps, or rapid heartbeat

What to do:

Move into shade or indoors

Drink water

Cool down with cold compresses

Omar, NAISAK’s future doctor, offers this advice:
“I always warn my friends and family about the heat and feeling lightheaded. The best way to handle it is to not stay too long outside and always have cold water. Wash your face, hands, and neck when you feel warm. Always have breakfast because it will help you feel better.”

Quick Summer Safety Checklist
Applied sunscreen
Packed a water bottle
Wearing breathable clothing
Avoiding peak heat hours (10–4)
Practicing car safety
Cooling down at indoor spots
Watching for heat illness symptoms

Final Thoughts
Qatar’s summer might feel intense, but with the right habits and a positive attitude — just like our NAISAK Summer Camp stars — you can stay cool, safe, and full of energy. Whether you're splashing in the pool, hanging out at the mall, or just relaxing at home, summer safety starts with smart choices and simple steps.

Stay cool, stay hydrated — and don’t forget your sunscreen!