Healthy Living in Dubai – Advice for New Residents

Leaving your home country and moving to a completely new place usually creates a cultural shock, even if it is a small one. It is difficult for the body as well as for the mind to get used to the new environment. This is particularly true in Dubai which is quite specific in terms of landscape and climate. You will be living in the emirate for quite a long time, so it is best for you to learn how to take care of your health. There are some basic and general considerations that you should take into account. Remember to adopt a healthy lifestyle from the moment you lend in Dubai.

The high temperature which can reach up to 50 C (122 F) is usually hard to adjust to, especially if you come from a country with a moderate climate. There are a number of things that you can do to cope with the climate in Dubai. Firstly, you have to drink plenty of water. Try to consume as many fluids as possible. 10 to 12 glasses a day are recommended to adults with average height and weight. The tap water in Dubai is drinkable, but you are highly recommended to use bottled water for drinking. You should avoid walking great distances and doing sports in the hottest hours of the day. Your home should have air conditioning. This is a standard practice for offices as well. It is essential to leave your car in a garage to avoid it becoming overheated.

The blazing sun is also an issue for expatriates. You have to take skincare extremely seriously, especially if you are Caucasian. It has been estimated that approximately all skin cancer patients in Dubai have fair complexion. Hence, you have to take sufficient sun protection measures. You have to apply sunscreen cream with high SPF (sun protection factor) every time you go outside. This should become a routine for you. You have to make sure to apply sunscreen to every square inch of skin that is not covered by clothing. Wear sunglasses at all times during the day. Generally, you should avoid exposing yourself to the sun in the hours between noon and 5 in the afternoon.

The food in Dubai is generally safe to eat. It might take you some time to adapt to the local cuisine and you might undergo stomach upset, but this is not uncommon for foreigners. If you have any problems, do not hesitate to seek medical help. Generally, you have to be careful when buying groceries. It is best for you to shop from large supermarkets, especially when you buy fish and seafood. You have to rinse thoroughly fruit and vegetables which you will eat or cook with the skin on. When dining outdoors, it is best to pick restaurants that are popular with locals and tourists.

Due to the cultural shock people experience when moving abroad, it is not uncommon for expatriates to suffer from depression. There are a number of things you can do to avoid these. Making friends with co-workers and other expats is a good idea. Picking a hobby that provides for socializing is also recommended. Healthy eating is a must.