With inland temperatures repeatedly topping 50°C and coastal cities in the mid‑40s, UAE authorities are reinforcing midday work bans, ramping up health outreach and urging employers to adopt early‑warning systems and cooling measures to protect outdoor labourers and vulnerable residents.
Honestly, this summer in the United Arab Emirates is a brutal stretch of heat. Inland readings have repeatedly climbed into the 50s Celsius with little relief after dark. According to the National Centre of Meteorology, Sweihan logged 51.8°C on 1 August 2025 — a figure Reuters noted as close to the country’s all‑time high of 52.1°C. Other inland sites stayed above 50°C through June and July, while coastal cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi routinely reached the mid‑40s. Breaking Travel News warns that these conditions pose acute risks to public health, worker safety and the country’s longer‑term climate resilience.
A growing public‑health crisis
Extremely hot conditions aren’t just uncomfortable; they’re deadly. Heat stroke — when the body can no longer regulate its temperature — can develop rapidly and needs immediate medical attention. This is not something you wait out. Health authorities warn that cardiovascular, respiratory and renal conditions are worsened by sustained high temperatures, and that children, older people and those with chronic illness are especially vulnerable. The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention has been issuing advisories and running awareness campaigns to help people recognise symptoms and act quickly. The ministry’s Heat Exhaustion and Disease Prevention initiative has included workshops, free medical check‑ups and distribution of preventive supplies targeted at outdoor labourers and other high‑risk groups.
Protecting outdoor labourers
A key concern is the large share of the national workforce that performs tasks outdoors. The federal Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) reaffirmed its annual midday break — a longstanding protective measure — which this year runs from 15 June to 15 September and prohibits work under direct sunlight from 12:30pm to 3:00pm. MOHRE says employers must provide shaded rest areas, drinking water, cooling equipment and first‑aid supplies; it also warned that inspections are conducted and breaches can attract fines of AED5,000 per worker. Exemptions remain in place for critical or continuous public‑interest operations that cannot be paused. You see, that balance is delicate.
Authorities and safety experts are urging additional, employer‑led heat action planning: proactive early‑warning systems, clear alerts with protective guidance, ready access to shade and cool water, scheduled rest breaks, and flexible work rosters that shift heavy labour to cooler hours. Industry guidance also recommends routine site assessments and the provision of cooling facilities where possible.
Urban heat and adaptation options
Climate scientists link the spike in extreme temperatures to human‑caused global warming, and they note the urban heat island effect makes things worse in built environments. The Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions explains that buildings, concrete and asphalt retain heat and keep cities markedly warmer after sunset, worsening nighttime exposure and limiting recovery opportunities. C2ES and other experts recommend a package of resilience measures — from early‑warning systems and cooling centres to expanded tree cover, cool pavements and workplace heat standards — to reduce risks for residents and workers alike.
Government and public‑private measures in the UAE already mix short‑term protections with longer‑term plans. MOHRE’s enforcement of the midday break and MOHAP’s outreach programs form part of a layered strategy, but officials and health professionals warn that these measures need to be scaled and adapted as summers grow longer and hotter.
Practical precautions for residents and visitors
Travel and tourism outlets are urging residents and visitors to plan for extreme heat. Practical precautions include checking forecasts before travel, booking accommodations with reliable air conditioning and power backups, packing lightweight breathable clothing, and allowing time to acclimatise. On the move, people are advised never to leave infants, children or pets in parked cars, to carry refillable water bottles, to use sunscreen and wide‑brimmed hats, and to schedule outdoor activities for the coolest parts of the day. Employers and tour organisers are urged to factor heat risk into itineraries and staffing plans.
A global pattern, local responses
The UAE’s experience sits within a broader global pattern of earlier, longer and more intense heat waves this year. Authorities in other countries have introduced protective measures: Greece, for example, ordered mid‑day work pauses for outdoor manual labour and delivery services during a July heatwave to shield workers and reduce fire risk, showing the kinds of policy responses being deployed elsewhere in the region and beyond.
What happens next will depend on both immediate action and long‑term adaptation. Experts say stronger early‑warning systems, better urban planning to reduce heat retention, and tighter workplace protections are all essential to limit harm as climate trends continue to raise baseline temperatures. For now, public health messaging, enforcement of midday work bans and employer vigilance remain the primary lines of defense against what authorities are calling an urgent and escalating heat risk. If you ask me, the next steps matter a lot.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/uae-braces-for-record-breaking-heat-how-to-stay-safe-while-surviving-the-he/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/uae-braces-for-record-breaking-heat-how-to-stay-safe-while-surviving-the-he/ – Breaking Travel News reports that the UAE is confronting record-breaking heat in 2025, with temperatures exceeding 51°C in parts of the country. The piece highlights health and worker-safety concerns, urging heat action plans, early warning systems, hydration, shade and adjusted work schedules. It references C2ES for the urban heat island effect and notes travel advice for residents and tourists, including checking forecasts, booking air-conditioned accommodation, packing breathable clothing and not leaving children or pets in cars. The article stresses the vulnerability of outdoor workers and recommends employers ensure rest breaks, cool water and site assessments to reduce heat-related risks urgently.
- https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/uae-summer-temperatures-surge-near-record-highs-after-hottest-ever-spring-2025-08-04/ – Reuters reports that the UAE experienced surging summer temperatures in 2025 after its hottest spring on record. The National Centre of Meteorology recorded 51.8°C in Sweihan on 1 August, close to the nation’s all-time high of 52.1°C. Inland areas repeatedly exceeded 50°C during June and July while Dubai and Abu Dhabi saw highs in the mid-40s. The article links the extreme heat to global warming and notes that the NCM advised residents to limit sun exposure, though outdoor workers remain at risk. The piece places UAE conditions within a wider global trend of rising temperatures and more frequent heat extremes.
- https://www.c2es.org/content/heat-waves-and-climate-change/ – C2ES explains that heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense due to human-caused climate change, creating more hot days. The page describes the urban heat island effect, where buildings, concrete and asphalt retain heat and keep cities warmer than surrounding areas, especially at night. It emphasises health threats from extreme heat, noting heat stress raises fatalities and exacerbates cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney conditions, especially among vulnerable groups. C2ES recommends resilience measures such as early warning systems, cooling centres, tree planting, cool pavements and workplace heat standards to protect outdoor workers, the elderly, children and those with chronic illness nationwide.
- https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/media-centre/news/3/6/2025/mohre-to-implement-midday-break-for-the-21st-consecutive-year-from-15-june-to-15-september-2025.aspx – MOHRE announced the annual Midday Break in the UAE, enforced from 15 June to 15 September 2025, prohibiting work under direct sunlight between 12:30pm and 3:00pm. The ministry frames the policy as a long-standing protective measure for outdoor labourers, requiring employers to provide shaded rest areas, drinking water, cooling equipment and first-aid supplies. Exemptions apply for critical or continuous public-interest work that cannot be paused. The ministry monitors compliance through inspections, fines AED5,000 per breach per worker and awareness campaigns. The page highlights high compliance rates and urges companies to adopt additional measures to safeguard worker health during extreme heat.
- https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/if-you-notice-the-following-signs-you-are-suffering-from-heat-exhaustion – The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) launched a Heat Exhaustion and Disease Prevention campaign to protect outdoor workers and vulnerable groups during high summer temperatures. MOHAP provided awareness workshops, free medical check-ups and distributed preventive supplies, reaching thousands of workers. The campaign promotes recognition of heat-exhaustion symptoms, first-aid measures, hydration, shade and scheduling adjustments. It highlights partnerships with public and private entities and aligns with the midday work ban, aiming to reduce heat-related illnesses. MOHAP also issues guidance for residents on staying cool, avoiding peak sun hours and ensuring access to healthcare for those affected by extreme heat.
- https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1274560/greece-imposes-work-breaks-as-a-heat-wave-grips-the-country/ – eKathimerini reports that Greek authorities imposed mandatory work breaks during a severe heatwave in July 2025, ordering outdoor manual labour and delivery services to stop from midday until 5pm in regions forecast to exceed 40°C. The labour ministry’s directive aimed to protect workers from heat stress and to reduce fire risk, coordinating with civil protection. The measure applied to construction, agriculture and couriers, with employers urged to offer remote options where possible. The report notes high fire danger, deployment of additional firefighters and closures of public sites like the Acropolis during peak heat to safeguard visitors and staff and residents.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent data on UAE’s extreme heat, including the 51.8°C recorded in Sweihan on August 1, 2025, aligning with reports from Reuters and Gulf News. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/uae-summer-temperatures-surge-near-record-highs-after-hottest-ever-spring-2025-08-04/?utm_source=openai), [gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/weather/uae-sets-new-august-temperature-record-hitting-a-9-year-high-of-518c-so-far-1.500225517?utm_source=openai)) The article also discusses health risks and safety measures, consistent with information from Al Arabiya. ([english.alarabiya.net](https://english.alarabiya.net/infocus/2024/07/23/uae-s-sweltering-summer-heat-takes-its-toll-on-health-facilities-workers-and-pets?utm_source=openai)) While the content is current, the focus on heat-related health risks has been covered in previous reports, such as the Financial Times article from August 2024. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/d5a5bc1f-e225-4397-b99f-56c62b00366d?utm_source=openai)) The inclusion of updated data justifies a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([1arabia.com](https://www.1arabia.com/2025/05/uae-endures-record-breaking-heatwave-as.html?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from health authorities and experts, such as Dr. Zia Danesh Jummani, a consultant in emergency medicine at Burjeel Royal Hospital, Al Ain. ([english.alarabiya.net](https://english.alarabiya.net/infocus/2024/07/23/uae-s-sweltering-summer-heat-takes-its-toll-on-health-facilities-workers-and-pets?utm_source=openai)) These quotes appear to be original to this report, with no exact matches found in earlier material. However, similar sentiments have been expressed in previous reports, indicating a potential reuse of content.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from Breaking Travel News, a niche outlet focusing on travel and tourism news. While it provides detailed information, the outlet’s limited scope and potential lack of comprehensive editorial oversight raise questions about its reliability. The article cites reputable sources like the National Centre of Meteorology and health authorities, which adds credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about record-breaking temperatures and health risks are consistent with recent reports from Reuters and Gulf News. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/uae-summer-temperatures-surge-near-record-highs-after-hottest-ever-spring-2025-08-04/?utm_source=openai), [gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/weather/uae-sets-new-august-temperature-record-hitting-a-9-year-high-of-518c-so-far-1.500225517?utm_source=openai)) The recommendations for safety measures align with advisories from health authorities. The language and tone are appropriate for the topic and region, with no inconsistencies noted.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative provides current and relevant information on the UAE’s extreme heat and associated health risks, supported by reputable sources. However, the reliance on a niche outlet with limited editorial oversight and the potential reuse of content from previous reports raise concerns about the originality and reliability of the information. Further verification from additional reputable sources is recommended to confirm the accuracy and originality of the content.
