The temperatures are hitting record highs but there are still plenty of ways to chill out with some of our favourite summer activities. From outdoor air conditioning to ice baths, here are our hottest summer coolers.

Air-Conditioned Strolls

Of course, you could just take yourself to the mall – though, you might want to leave the credit card at home – but this is Qatar, so you don’t have to let the hot weather keep you indoors. We’re blessed with countless air-conditioned, outdoor walkways so you can keep fit and stay cool even when the sun’s burning hot. Check out Al Gharrafa Park, Oxygen Park and Umm Al Seneem park, which has the world’s longest walking track with AC.

Cinema With A Difference

Ditch the stiff seats and chattering audience and head to a VIP bigscreen experience where you’ll stay chilled enough to enjoy the proffered blanket. Expect big, super-comfy seats – there’s even a twin-seater sofa – with a dining table in easy reach, a personal butler to bring you drinks and goodies from a curated menu. Add superb audio quality that surrounds you in every direction and this really is cinema with a difference. You can find VIP options at both Novo Cinemas and Vox. You just choose the film.
GO: Visit om.novocinemas.com or qat.voxcinemas.com

Ice, Ice Baby (Bath)

It might seem a bit extreme, but then, so’s our summer weather. We love the idea of a bit of breath therapy followed by submersion in an ice bath. When you get out, your blood vessels expand and pump the oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood back to your body’s tissues, including your muscles. Great for after-sports recovery but also a novel way to cool down on a scorching hot day. Sessions at Recovery Lab Qatar start at QR150.
GO: Visit recoverylabqatar.com for more information.

Ice Cream Galore

We couldn’t talk chill without mentioning our favourite sweet treats for this time of year. Whether you’re a fan of gelato, sorbet or good old-fashioned creamy desserts, Qatar has it all. And there are some seriously fun flavours about this year. Check out goat cheese and figs at Joy General Café or the strawberry cheesecake Labubu Ice Cream at Origami (your kids will love this). And, of course, we have to mention the Insta-loved Mystical fruit pops and Milky’s towering soft serve, officially Qatar’s tallest ice cream and one of our personal faves.

Ice Skating Fun

A great ice breaker (pun intended) and a fun activity for all the family, lace up your boots and take to the ice for a session at Gondolania at Villagio Mall. It might be hot outside but you’ll definitely cool down here at this Olympic-sized facility, you’ll even need to wrap up warm. And it’s not just a great way to chill out but is also beneficial for balance and fitness – even if you’re not very good! Public sessions are available daily on a first come, first served basis, priced QR55 per person.
GO: Visit @gondolaniaicearena for more information.

Snow Dunes Park

If you want snow in Qatar, where else would you go but the first Arabian-themed snow park in the world. The snow is said to be identical to that found in nature, registering a super chilly minus four degrees, and the park has a great selection of rides and activities, such as ice skating and snow guns, and even offers the chance to climb to the top of Snowy Mount. Don’t forget to wrap up warm. We’re rather partial to a hot cuppa while we’re there. You can book two hours on a Tuesday for QR89 and there’s a special summer offer of three parks – Snow Dunes, Angry Birds World and Virtuocity for one ticket, priced QR199.
GO: Visit @snowdunesqatar for more information.

Sub Zero Ice Lounge

A chilly oasis where it’s winter all year round – and not just Qatar winter but the proper kind with ice aplenty, frozen treats and dreamy hot drinks. Now, to be honest, an ice lounge in 40-plus degrees does seem slightly crazy but it’s one of the best places we’ve found to really cool down – so much so that you’ll be glad of one of the toasty blanket coats on offer. Expect stunning ice sculptures, frosty culinary treats and creamy gelato as well as the obligatory warming hot chocolate and excellent coffee to heat you up from the inside out. Entry starts at QR95 for one guest, including unlimited drink of choice, and there are discounts for groups.
GO: Visit @subzero.qa for more information.

Whale Shark Watching

It’s always cooler on the water and, even better, summer is whale shark season, the ideal time to learn more about these fascinating creatures of the deep. Each year, from April to September, hundreds of whale sharks gather just off Qatar’s northwest coast. Lured by rich plankton waters and warm currents, these majestic creatures frequently breach the ocean surface to feed in incredible numbers. And you can experience the spectacle with trips from Al Ruwais Port priced from QR710.
GO: Visit discoverqatar.qa for more information.