Scorching summer temperatures in the UAE approach record-breaking levels, following the hottest spring on record.
Record-Breaking Heat Waves Hit the UAE in 2025
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently experiencing a heatwave like no other, with temperatures soaring above 50°C and reaching near all-time highs this summer.
On August 1, 2025, the desert town of Sweihan recorded a scorching 51.8°C, just below the UAE's all-time high of 52.1°C set in 2002. Inland areas have seen daily temperatures exceeding 50°C during June and July, while coastal cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi regularly experienced highs in the mid-40s°C.
These extreme heat waves are part of the broader global warming trend. Climate scientists link these events directly to accelerating climate change, which raises evapotranspiration and atmospheric moisture, increasing the risks not just of heat waves but also of extreme weather events overall. In fact, global temperatures have surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2024, intensifying the frequency and severity of heat extremes worldwide, including the Gulf region.
The specific impacts of these extreme heat waves are far-reaching. Outdoor workers in construction and agriculture, who cannot avoid exposure despite warnings to limit sun exposure, are facing constant difficulties. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) advises these workers to limit sun exposure and seek indoor shelter during peak hours. However, this advice is sometimes unfeasible for outdoor workers, as their line of work requires them to be outside.
Employers are urged to offer hydration and shaded breaks to their employees, but enforcement is uneven, leaving many workers at risk. The increased demand for cooling and water in urban areas due to the hot desert climate and urban heat island effects is challenging sustainability in cities.
The UAE's electrical grids are under stress due to residents' heavy reliance on air cooling, which raises energy needs. The NCM has advised households to stay indoors during periods of high heat. The NCM projects above-average temperatures for the remainder of the UAE's summer.
Yasir Shahad, an Australian visitor, has observed the stark contrast between the comfort of air-conditioned areas and the challenging working conditions faced by these workers. Sustainable solutions, 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.
[1] National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts (link) [2] Climate scientists link extreme heat events to accelerating climate change (link) [3] NCM advises outdoor workers to limit sun exposure (link) [4] Increased demand for cooling and water in urban areas (link) [5] Global warming causes UAE's record-breaking heat (link)
- These record-breaking heat waves in the UAE are being reported extensively by climate scientists, linking them directly to the accelerating climate change we're witnessing worldwide.
- To promote sustainability and mitigate the effects of extreme heat, courses in environmental science and health-and-wellness, focusing on ESG and climate-change issues, should be implemented to educate employers and employees about the importance of energy-efficient cooling and the preservation of public health.
- In addition to campaigns for hydration and shaded breaks for outdoor workers, courses on therapies-and-treatments for heat-related illnesses should be made readily available to help combat the challenges faced by those working in high-temperature conditions.
- As the UAE grapples with soaring energy needs due to increased demand for cooling, it's vital to investigate and invest in renewable energy sources within environmental science to reduce reliance on conventional electricity and contribute to overall environmental sustainability.
- The increased occurrence of record-breaking heat waves in the UAE is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action on climate change, making the reporting of such events essential for raising global awareness and ensuring sustainable solutions are implemented as soon as possible.
