UAE sees rise in heatstroke, dehydration cases as temperatures cross 50°C

Khaleej Times

26-05-2025

Hospitals and clinics across the UAE are witnessing a rise in cases of heat-related conditions as temperatures in the country soared earlier this week. Most patients have complained of vomiting, nausea and dizziness.
'We are slowly seeing more patients with heat exhaustion coming to the hospital, mostly those working in hot environments,' said Dr. Karthikeyan Chinniah, Consultant Emergency Medicine at Lifecare Hospital Musaffah. 'Even working in shaded areas during this heatwave can cause harm.'
Other medical professionals agreed but said most of the cases could have been prevented. 'With temperatures climbing, our hospital has seen a notable increase in patients experiencing heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburns and. in more severe cases, heat stroke,' said Dr Jyoti Upadhyay, Specialist Internal Medicine at Aster Hospital Mankhool. 'Most of these could be prevented with proper hydration, sun protection, and timely rest in cooler environments.'
On Saturday, temperatures in the UAE hit a scorching 51.6°C, marking one of the highest temperatures recorded so far this season. It signaled an early start to the intense summer heat.
Dr. Jamaludeen Abubacker, paediatrician at Metro Medical Center in Ajman, said high humidity was also dangerous. 'The most important mechanism to cool body temperatures is when water evaporates from skin and respiratory tract,' he said. 'When relative humidity is above 75 percentage mark, evaporation becomes ineffective for transferring heat. This makes the body at risk of overheating.'
Children more vulnerable
For Sharjah resident Mohammed, the heat wave brought a scary incident. His 4-year-old daughter who went out to play with her friends on Saturday, returned two hours later and started vomiting soon afterwards. 'I had never come across a case of heat exhaustion,' he said. 'I rushed her to the hospital and they gave her fluids. It was very scary.'
Dr. Jamaludheen said it was important to pay extra attention to kids. 'Children have less sweat glands as compared to adults, so the most important way of regulating body temperature by evaporation is compromised,' he said. 'Any child presenting with sweating, headache, tiredness, and vomiting should be taken seriously and measures to prevent progressing to heatstroke must be taken.'
Precautions
According to Dr. Karthikeyan, there are several precautions people can take to make sure they stay safe. 'Wear light clothes and avoid black ones, as they absorb heat,' he said. 'Use cotton clothes and always carry a water bottle and keep hydrating. It is also important to eat light meals and drink more water, preferably fluids with electrolyte content.
Dr. Jyoti said it was also important to use cool packs, wet towels, or a mist spray and soak the feet and hands in cool water for fast relief. 'Take care to avoid strenuous activity during peak heat between 11AM and 4pm,' she said. 'People should also wear sunglasses, a wide-brim hat and use sunscreen.'
Dr. Jyoti added that 'everyone, especially older adults, children, outdoor workers, and those with medical conditions, should take extra precautions during extreme heat' to stay safe.