With summer in full swing, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has shared essential heatwave guidelines to help residents stay safe during the summer heat waves.

Taking to social media, the ministry emphasised the importance of preventive measures when you are both indoors and outdoors in the UAE.

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Key heatwave guidelines and recommendations include monitoring weather forecasts for heatwave alerts and ensuring first aid kits are stocked with essentials such as electrolyte water, a thermometer, water bottles, cooling cloths, and a battery-operated water sprayer.

Residents are advised to keep a heat stress guidebook and emergency contact information readily available.

To maintain indoor comfort, MoHAP also suggests blocking sunlight with shades or curtains during peak hours and opening windows at night for ventilation.

The use of fans and air conditioners is recommended to keep temperatures comfortable.

Outdoor activities should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day, either early morning or late evening, and sun protection measures, such as applying sunscreen and wearing hats, are crucial.

Staying hydrated is essential, with MoHAP advising regular water intake and an increase in the consumption of hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Lightweight, light-coloured, and loose-fitting clothing can also help in managing body temperature.

The heatwave explained: How hot is it right now?

Temperatures this week are predicted to span between 41°C and 43°C during the day (with some regions reaching as high as 46ºC), while during the night, you’re looking at temps hovering around 34ºC.

But it’s not the high heat that’s the issue… it’s the humidity.

According to Dr Ahmed Habib of the National Centre of Meteorology, the second half of summer is characterised by a sudden rise in humidity, which makes it feel hotter than it is.

“When the wind comes from the Arabian Gulf (north), rather than up from the dry south, that’s when we see a rise in humidity,” Habib explains further.

So, it’s important to stay hydrated since your body loses a lot of water at this time of the summer.

Wondering how you can beat the heat in Dubai?

We’re not sure about you, but unless we’re fully submerged in the coolest of pools, we’re not ready to tough it out in the midday sun.

But, there are still some ways you can be outdoors in Dubai and beat the humidity.

We’ll be escaping the summer heat by taking a dip in a rooftop pool in Dubai. One&Only One Za’abeel offers a Saturday brunch at Tapasake, including access to their record-breaking pool located in The Link, the world’s longest cantilever sky podium.

Or save that cash and head to beach during the early morning. Humidity peaks around dawn but decreases as the temperature rises, creating a perfect window between 7.30am and 9am for a beach outing.

Alternatively, enjoy a private dining experience in air-conditioned pods at The Pods on Bluewaters Island, with breakfast platters starting at Dhs49.

Read more: 7 ways to beat the heat while outdoors

If you’re looking to stay inside (with the AC on full blast), there’s so much to do in Dubai during the summertime. So make sure you read our guide on 16 fantastic free things to do indoors in Dubai or 50 cool activities to try this summer.

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