Matthew regularly takes on the UAE’s highest peaks during the hottest months, driven by his passion for exploring and showcasing the country’s natural landscapes.
As temperatures across the UAE climb during the peak summer months, many residents retreat indoors to escape the heat. For Matthew May, however, the soaring temperatures are an opportunity to head outdoors and explore the mountains.
The engineer, outdoor content creator, and founder of the UAE trail running community regularly takes on the country’s highest peaks during the hottest months, driven by his passion for adventure and showcasing the UAE’s natural landscapes.
“I have always enjoyed exploring the outdoors, as I grew up in a coastal town located within a national park in Wales,” Matthew said. “Spending time outdoors, especially climbing mountains, gives me a sense of calm, freedom, and a way to stay active while surrounded by beautiful landscapes.”
While climbing mountains during the peak of summer may seem unusual, Matthew explained that higher elevations offer a welcome escape from the UAE’s intense heat.
“I found that when you climb the highest mountains in the UAE, you can experience better weather conditions, including lower humidity and cooler temperatures. It is one of the things that helps me enjoy living in this country during the summer,” he said.
Calculated risks and extreme early starts
Despite his passion for mountain adventures, Matthew emphasises that summer hiking requires careful preparation, strong endurance, and detailed planning. He avoids exposing himself to dangerous conditions, which means his hiking schedule often starts well outside the usual hours.
“You have to begin very early in the morning, sometimes around 2am, or head out around sunset at about 5pm or 6pm,” he explained. “During summer, I only want to climb above 1,000 metres in elevation. Otherwise, I don’t feel comfortable and I wouldn’t choose to do it. There are many places I could explore, but in the summer months, I specifically look for the highest mountains.”
For Matthew, summer mountain hikes are about finding short moments of relief from the heat.
“It’s not that I go hiking in summer just to be out in the heat. I climb to a certain elevation to escape it. Even experiencing cooler conditions for just 15 to 20 minutes makes the entire experience worthwhile during the summer months,” he said.
When he is on the trails, safety remains his top priority. “The main thing I am always thinking about is how much water I have and how long it will take me to complete the route. How far can I go while still keeping myself safe?” he said.
Beyond the safety challenges, Matthew enjoys the scenery and the personal satisfaction that comes from pushing his limits.
Mental conditioning over physical strength
As an ultra-runner who is used to spending days outdoors, Matthew has developed a strong understanding of his physical and mental endurance. However, he believes summer hiking in the UAE is less about physical ability and more about mental preparation.
“I would say dealing with trails during the summer is more about mental understanding and conditioning than physical strength,” he said. “Your body adapts over time, and you become better at sweating and cooling yourself down, but ultimately, your mental resilience and understanding of your limits in the heat are the most important factors.”
Matthew has experienced the serious effects of pushing his limits in challenging conditions, including moments when he felt faint and came close to losing consciousness.
“When that happens, I usually lie down, slow my heart rate, cool myself with water, rehydrate, and restore my sugar and salt levels. After some time, I can usually continue moving again,” he said.
To reduce these risks, Matthew carefully controls the factors within his reach. During summer, he only takes on routes that he has already completed during the cooler winter months.
“I need to know the route, the distance, and the estimated time it will take. Attempting unfamiliar trails in summer is simply too risky,” he warned.
A stark warning for beginners
While Matthew is passionate about exploring the mountains, he urges others to approach summer hiking with extreme caution. He strongly advises against attempting such hikes without substantial experience and preparation.
“It’s not something I recommend, and I don’t encourage people to go exploring during the summer months. It can be extremely dangerous, especially for beginners,” he warned. “There have been too many incidents and fatalities each year involving people who are inexperienced or not properly equipped.”
For those who still choose to venture out, Matthew’s essential safety measures include carrying more water and food than expected, ensuring a fully charged mobile phone, bringing a first aid kit, using sun protection, and carrying a GPS watch.
“Without these essentials, the risk is simply too high. You should always tell someone where you are going and what your plans are,” he added. “Going alone on a trail is extremely risky, and I would not recommend it.”
He advises people with fewer than two or three years of mountain experience to avoid summer hikes altogether.
For those seeking a safer option, Matthew recommends Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain, where temperatures are typically cooler at higher elevations. Although access has recently been affected by flooding earlier in the year, he hopes the route will be available again for the next season.
“If the road to Jebel Jais was open, my favourite route would be to stay along the mountain ridge towards the peak and enjoy the cooler conditions,” he said. “Even then, during summer, you need to finish very early, before 8.30am, or begin around sunset and continue into the night to avoid the strongest heat of the day.”
For Matthew, the mountains represent both natural beauty and a challenging environment that requires deep respect, especially under the intensity of the summer sun.
