While most residents in the UAE retreat into air-conditioned interiors as the summer heat intensifies, engineer and trail enthusiast Matthew May heads in the opposite direction: straight for the mountains. By strategically climbing to elevations above 1,000 meters, May discovers a reprieve from the sweltering humidity and rising temperatures. For him, these high-altitude excursions are not about enduring the heat, but rather finding a brief, refreshing escape. However, he emphasizes that these climbs require extreme discipline, often involving pre-dawn starts or late evening treks to avoid the peak intensity of the sun.

Safety and mental preparation are the cornerstones of May’s approach to summer trekking. He notes that success in such punishing conditions is as much about mental conditioning as it is about physical fitness, requiring a deep understanding of one’s personal limits. To minimize risk, he sticks strictly to familiar routes he has conquered in cooler months, never attempting new trails during the summer. For beginners, his message is clear and stern: avoid mountain hiking during the peak summer altogether. For those who insist on exploring, he stresses the non-negotiables of survival, including carrying surplus water, essential first aid supplies, and ensuring others are informed of their exact location.