Summer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not for the faint-hearted. The mercury rises beyond 40 degrees Celsius, or 104 Fahrenheit, and the bright sun dazzles down on environments that have little in the way of natural shelter.

Traditionally, the UAE has embraced outdoor sports and large-scale fitness events, from desert marathons to beachfront yoga sessions. But during the peak summer months, these activities become not only uncomfortable but potentially dangerous.

This has inspired new ways for residents and tourists to beat the heat, with innovations including indoor ski slopes and theme parks. It even led to the first indoor mall runs, launched in 2017 by Gulf Multi Sport , a sports event company based in Abu Dhabi.

Steve Watson, founder and managing partner of Gulf Multi Spo

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