The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has issued its annual summer heatwave health advisory as temperatures across the country begin climbing toward their peak summer range of 42 to 47 degrees Celsius. The ministry is urging all UAE residents — particularly outdoor workers, elderly residents, young children, and people with chronic health conditions — to take immediate precautions to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke, both of which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Heat-related illnesses typically increase sharply from April onward as the UAE transitions from its pleasant winter season into the intense heat and humidity of summer. Last year, Dubai hospitals reported a 34 percent increase in heat-related emergency admissions during June and July compared to the preceding months, with outdoor construction and maintenance workers accounting for the largest proportion of serious cases. The Ministry reminded employers of the mandatory midday work ban that prohibits outdoor labour between 12:30pm and 3pm from June 15 to September 15.
Key Heat Safety Guidelines for UAE Residents
The Ministry’s advisory covers six key areas of heat safety that all residents should internalise before the peak summer period arrives. Hydration is the most critical: drink at least two to three litres of water daily and increase this significantly on days involving any outdoor activity. Do not wait until you feel thirsty — by the time thirst registers, mild dehydration has already begun. Avoid caffeine and alcohol during the hottest parts of the day as both accelerate dehydration.
Timing outdoor activities carefully is essential. Morning exercise and outdoor activities should be completed before 9am, after which temperatures and humidity rise rapidly. Evening outdoor activities are reasonable from approximately 7pm onward in cooler months. During peak summer, limit outdoor exposure to the absolute minimum between 10am and 6pm. For the latest UAE health news and safety advisories, visit our UAE Health News section.
Recognising Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can save lives. Heat exhaustion presents as heavy sweating, cool and pale skin, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Treatment involves moving to a cool air-conditioned environment immediately, drinking cool water or an electrolyte drink, and applying cool wet cloths to the skin. Most people recover from heat exhaustion with prompt action without requiring hospital treatment.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. It presents as a body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius, hot and red skin without sweating, a rapid strong pulse, confusion, and possible loss of consciousness. If you suspect heat stroke, call 998 immediately, move the person to shade or air conditioning, apply ice or very cold water to the neck, armpits, and groin, and fan vigorously. Do not give fluids to an unconscious person. Heat stroke that is not treated promptly can cause brain damage or death.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups
Children under five, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and mental health disorders are at significantly elevated risk of heat-related illness and should take additional precautions. Parents should never leave children or animals in parked vehicles — interior car temperatures can reach 60 degrees within minutes on a hot UAE day, with potentially fatal consequences. Elderly residents living alone should ensure family or neighbours check on them regularly during extreme heat periods.
The UAE’s midday outdoor work ban applies to all outdoor workers including construction, landscaping, and maintenance staff. Employers who violate the ban face significant fines and potential business closure orders. Workers who feel unsafe due to heat exposure are legally entitled to report their concerns to MOHRE without fear of retaliation. For comprehensive health guides, visit our health section.
