Weekend vibes start creeping in for certain UAE residents by as early as Tuesday during the summer
In the scorching heat of Dubai's summer, where temperatures often surpass 45°C, a new cultural trend is emerging - the "early weekend" culture. This shift sees residents starting their weekend routines earlier than the traditional Friday, with many opting for Thursday evenings or even Wednesday nights as the start of their weekend.[1][3]
This change is a response to the extreme summer heat, as people aim to wrap up work earlier and engage in wellness and social activities sooner. By doing so, they can use the early weekend as a form of emotional recalibration to manage stress and fatigue caused by the intense climate.[1]
Psychologically, this early weekend culture serves as a micro-reset for individuals' minds, allowing them to slow down earlier in the week, reduce work-related stress, and increase emotional wellbeing. Residents describe adopting small rituals - like planning weekend activities in advance, practicing digital detox, enjoying indoor cafes, or family time - as ways to recharge before the actual weekend begins.[1]
For families, these early weekend adjustments promote quality time and emotional support, easing the burden of summer tiredness while reinforcing positive routines and social connections. Such routines may also facilitate smoother transitions during the back-to-school season when children return from summer break, supporting emotional adjustment through calm family traditions and positive mindsets.[2]
One such family is Ana Fernandes and her family, who plan their weekends during the week, whether it's checking for a Bollywood release or something new on Netflix. They stay active with evening walks, family board games, or quick pet-friendly staycations in Dubai.[1]
Felyjoy Gonzales, a 33-year-old Filipina who has lived in Dubai for a decade, stays refreshed during the summer with short staycations, spa sessions, and karaoke nights. She mentally recharges indoors and starts planning quiet time as early as Tuesday.[1]
Omer Abd Elkhalig, a Sudanese artist, treats Thursdays as a soft start to the weekend. He values digital detox hours and small things that help him recharge before the weekend.[1]
Maneet Singh, a psychotherapist and mental health counsellor, states that the growing 'early weekend' culture in the UAE is a reflection of how people psychologically adapt to environmental stress.[1] According to Temporal Motivation Theory, our drive increases when a reward feels closer and more emotionally meaningful, and in the peak of Dubai's heat, the idea of waiting until Friday or Saturday to unwind feels less satisfying.[1]
From a psychological lens, this ties into attachment theory, which shows that predictable emotional closeness supports children's sense of safety and regulation, and for parents, it offers the chance to be present without the usual rush of the weekend.[1]
In conclusion, the early weekend culture in the UAE summer is a behavioral and psychological adaptation to extreme heat, fostering emotional recalibration, improved mental health, and stronger family cohesion during a challenging season.[1][3][4] This trend reflects a collective adaptation to seasonal environmental stressors by prioritizing wellbeing through earlier decompression and social engagement.
- Amidst the heat wave in Dubai, many residents are adopting a new trend called the "early weekend" culture, starting their weekend routines earlier than the traditional Friday.
- The trend of an early weekend is a response to the extreme summer heat, as people aim for emotional recalibration to manage stress and fatigue caused by the intense climate.
- Families are using the early weekend for quality time and emotional support, as well as for planning ahead for movies, games, or travel.
- Mental health practitioners like Maneet Singh note that this culture reflects how people psychologically adapt to environmental stress.
- According to Temporal Motivation Theory, our drive increases when a reward feels closer, and in the peak of Dubai's heat, the early weekend feels more satisfying.
- The early weekend culture ties into attachment theory, promoting predictable emotional closeness that supports children's sense of safety and regulation.
- Some residents engage in wellness activities, such as spa sessions, karaoke nights, or indoor cafes, to recharge before the actual weekend begins.
- In the challenging summer season, the early weekend culture fosters emotional recalibration, improved mental health, and stronger family cohesion through earlier decompression and social engagement.
