Scorching UAE summer temperatures reach close to record-breaking levels post the hottest spring ever recorded
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced its warmest year on record in 2024, with temperatures surpassing 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels. This record-breaking heat is a result of global warming and a combination of regional weather systems, posing significant challenges for the nation, particularly in its coastal cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The high heat in the UAE is exacerbating the region's already dry circumstances, making outdoor work a hazardous task for many. Workers in the construction and agricultural industries are facing constant difficulties due to temperatures exceeding 50°C. This extreme heat is taking a toll on outdoor workers, with employers urged to offer hydration and shaded breaks, but enforcement remains uneven, leaving many employees at risk.
The nation's electrical grids are under strain due to the increased demand for air cooling during the hot summer months. As a result, residents are advised to conserve energy and reduce their reliance on air conditioning where possible. Adaptive measures, such as better labor rights and energy-efficient cooling, are desperately needed to preserve public health as the UAE prepares for a hotter-than-normal summer in 2025.
Climate change is the main cause of the UAE's record-breaking heat. The record-breaking heat in the UAE during the summer of 2025 is primarily caused by a combination of climate change, regional weather systems, and the ending of El Niño conditions. The Indian monsoon low-pressure system extends thermal lows over the UAE, raising temperatures and influencing cloud formation. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a low-pressure zone near the equator, drives convective rain cloud formation during early August, adding irregular rain events amid the heat.
High humidity in coastal zones and frequent dust storms driven by strong winds exacerbate the heat stress felt by residents, making conditions more oppressive while reducing visibility and air quality.
In response to these extreme heat conditions, residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, wear loose light clothing, and keep vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly protected. Employers and local authorities adjust work shifts, restricting outdoor labor during the hottest parts of the day, especially in construction, logistics, and outdoor service sectors, to reduce health risks like heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Infrastructure demands surge, with increased reliance on air conditioning straining power and water systems. Health warnings emphasize precautions against heat stress and respiratory issues from dust; public messaging encourages flexibility and vigilance.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has advised households in the UAE to stay indoors during periods of high heat due to above-average temperatures for the remainder of the summer. The hottest April and May ever recorded prepared the ground for a scorching summer in the UAE. The NCM advises outdoor workers to limit sun exposure and seek indoor shelter during peak hours.
Overall, coping mechanisms blend personal protective behaviors, regulatory adaptations for labor, and community health alerts to mitigate the impact of this unprecedented summer heat driven by complex climatic and regional meteorological factors. Public awareness efforts promote heat safety, but vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children are at a serious risk for heatstroke and other health problems due to the prolonged heat.
Yasir Shahad, an Australian visitor, has observed a stark contrast between the challenging working conditions faced by outdoor workers and the comfort of air-conditioned areas. Heatwaves in the Gulf, including the UAE, are made worse by global warming. As the UAE faces another hot summer in 2025, it is clear that adaptive measures are crucial for preserving public health and ensuring the safety of all residents.
[1] National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) (2025). UAE Summer Climate Outlook 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.ncms.ae/en/services/climate-services/climate-outlook
[2] Al Jazeera (2024). UAE records warmest year on record as temperatures soar. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/10/uae-records-warmest-year-on-record-as-temperatures-soar
[3] The National (2025). UAE records highest August temperature in 9 years as Sweihan hits 51.8°C. [online] Available at: https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/environment/uae-records-highest-august-temperature-in-9-years-as-sweihan-hits-518c-1.15945266
[4] Gulf News (2025). UAE's scorching summer: Why it's so hot and what we can do about it. [online] Available at: https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/uaes-scorching-summer-why-its-so-hot-and-what-we-can-do-about-it-1.1663557797178
[5] Khaleej Times (2025). UAE issues heatwave warning as temperatures soar. [online] Available at: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae/uae-issues-heatwave-warning-as-temperatures-soar
- The UAE's record-breaking heat in 2025 is primarily caused by a combination of climate change, regional weather systems, and the ending of El Niño conditions, as reported by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
- In response to the extreme heat conditions, local authorities and employers in the UAE adjust work shifts, restricting outdoor labor during the hottest parts of the day, particularly in the construction, logistics, and outdoor service sectors, to reduce health risks.
- The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) drives convective rain cloud formation during early August, adding irregular rain events amid the heat, according to the UAE Summer Climate Outlook 2025 by the NCM.
- The high humidity in coastal zones and frequent dust storms driven by strong winds exacerbate the heat stress felt by residents, making conditions more oppressive and reducing visibility and air quality, as Al Jazeera reported.
- Yasir Shahad, an Australian visitor, observed a stark contrast between the challenging working conditions faced by outdoor workers and the comfort of air-conditioned areas in the UAE, emphasizing the need for adaptive measures to preserve public health during the summer heat.
