Dubai and the wider UAE are known for skyscrapers, scorching sunshine, and a lifestyle that blends luxury with pure hustle. But there’s something else buzzing across cafés, gyms, brunches, and beach days — health myths. And here’s the twist: some of them are actually true. Whether you’re cruising through the city after you rent a car Dubai or settling into a long-term life under the desert sun, these so-called “myths” might be the wellness hacks you didn’t know you needed.
Myth 1: “Drinking More Water in the UAE Isn’t Optional — It’s Survival.”
At first glance, this sounds like an exaggeration your friend throws at you while carrying a 2-liter bottle everywhere. But in the UAE’s heat, especially during summer, hydration isn’t just a wellness trend — it’s self-preservation.
The combination of intense sun, constant air-conditioning, and naturally low humidity drains your body faster than you realize. Even locals joke, “If you’re not drinking water every 20 minutes, good luck.” Health experts confirm that dehydration here happens quicker than in most climates, making this “myth” one you absolutely should believe.
Myth 2: “Camel Milk Is a Superfood.”
Tourists raise eyebrows. Expats laugh. Locals just shrug and sip.
Camel milk has been part of the region’s lifestyle for centuries, and it turns out it’s not just tradition — it’s packed with benefits. It’s richer in vitamin C, lower in fat, easier to digest for people with lactose sensitivity, and filled with minerals that boost immunity.
Even the trendy cafés serving camel milk lattes aren’t just doing it for the novelty. The health boost is real. It’s basically the Middle Eastern version of discovering kale before it went viral.
Myth 3: “The Desert Air Is Good for Your Lungs.”
Surprising? Maybe. True? Yes — under the right conditions.
While sandy days can be rough, clean desert air away from the city is naturally low in pollutants and high in negative ions, which some studies suggest may improve mood and respiratory function. No wonder people feel clearer and calmer after a night in the dunes.
That’s why sunrise yoga, breathwork retreats, and meditation camps are popping up all over. People swear the desert resets your whole system — and honestly, it feels like it does.
Myth 4: “Dates Are Basically Nature’s Multivitamin.”
They’re everywhere — in supermarkets, gift boxes, cafés, airport lounges, even in the homes of families who greet guests with them. And while they taste like candy, dates are loaded with potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and natural sugars that boost energy without a crash.
Locals say eating a few dates a day keeps you energized and improves digestion. Turns out, your Emirati friend cheering “Just eat dates, bro!” might be giving you a legitimate wellness tip.
Myth 5: “Walking at Night Is Healthier in the UAE.”
Many newcomers think late-night walks are just a cultural habit. But there’s logic behind it.
Temperatures drop, humidity shifts, and the air becomes gentler on your body. Nighttime strolls reduce stress, help with digestion, improve sleep, and keep you active without battling the intense sun.
It’s no coincidence that public parks, beaches, and even malls are buzzing with walkers after 9 p.m. In the UAE, nighttime is basically the unofficial fitness hour.
Myth 6: “You Actually Need More Salt Here.”
In most countries, health advice screams: cut back on salt. But the UAE flips the script.
Because you sweat more — even when you don’t feel it — your body loses sodium quickly. That’s why athletes, outdoor workers, and even regular gym-goers often add electrolyte packets or salted drinks to their routine.
Of course, moderation matters. But the idea that you need more sodium here? Not entirely a myth.
Myth 7: “Wearing Loose, Long Clothing Keeps You Cooler.”
Tourists show up in shorts and tank tops. Locals glide around in kanduras and abayas — cool, fresh, and barely sweating.
Loose, long fabrics protect your skin from direct sun exposure, trap a thin layer of air that acts like natural insulation, and help prevent overheating. Bedouins knew exactly what they were doing. Science just caught up.
Myth 8: “The Sun in the UAE Ages You Twice as Fast.”
Okay, maybe not literally twice — but close enough.
The region’s UV levels are extremely high, and year-round exposure accelerates skin aging. That’s why dermatologists in Dubai constantly push SPF as if it’s oxygen. This myth is one of the most important to believe: no sunscreen, no mercy.
Why These Myths Matter
The UAE is a unique environment — culturally, socially, and environmentally. The heat, pace of life, and desert landscape create conditions that aren’t found anywhere else. So it makes sense that local wellness habits sound different from the global norm.
But here’s the wildcard: many of these “myths” hold real value. They come from tradition, science, or thousands of years of regional experience.
The Wellness Takeaway
Whether you’re new to the UAE or you’ve been here long enough to say “yalla” without thinking, understanding these health truths can dramatically improve your daily life.
Drink more water. Enjoy camel milk. Take nighttime walks. Trust the desert air. Wear loose clothing. Eat dates. Protect your skin. And listen when locals give advice — it’s often backed by centuries of desert-tested wisdom.
The UAE isn’t just a place to live; it’s a place that reshapes how you take care of yourself. And when it comes to wellness, some of the wildest myths might actually be your new lifestyle rules.
