What's the weather like in Dubai in late August and how do tourists cope with the heat?

There's basically no weather difference between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi even has beaches within walking distance of hotels, so switching cities won't give you cooler weather.

Don't expect it to cool down by late August, but the heat is manageable if you adjust your schedule: hit the warm gulf waters in the morning, retreat to your air-conditioned room midday, then go out or take excursions in the evening.

Dubai's main attractions, taxis, and the metro are all air-conditioned, so you can get around comfortably during the day — just avoid walking outdoors in the heat.

The key difference is that Dubai's heat is dry, while Abu Dhabi feels muggy and steamy (like a hammam) due to drip irrigation and higher humidity.