Extreme heat in the GCC

You grew up with Gulf summers, but at home someone else kept the AC serviced and reminded you to drink. Living independently, heat becomes your job to manage, especially if the power fails or you are out in the middle of the day.

Why heat is an emergency, not just discomfort

• WHO calls heat stress a leading cause of weather-related deaths, and says heatstroke is a medical emergency with a high death rate.
• WHO says power shortages often come with heatwaves and can disrupt health facilities, transport and water supplies.
• People living alone are among the groups WHO lists as vulnerable, along with outdoor workers, athletes, older adults and people with long-term conditions.
• The First Aid module lesson on heat illness covers how to treat heat exhaustion and heatstroke; this lesson is about preventing it and coping at home.

Know the warning signs

• Emirates Health Services lists early signs of heat stress as tiredness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, heavy sweating and muscle cramps (Gulf News, July 2026).
• It adds that poor concentration, irritability or unusual tiredness can also be signs.
• High body temperature, confusion or being unable to sweat need immediate medical attention (Emirates Health Services). Call 998 in the UAE.
• The UK Government's Prepare site says heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency help if you can cool down within 30 minutes, but heatstroke must be treated as an emergency.

Daily habits in extreme heat

• Drink regularly. WHO suggests about 1 cup an hour and at least 2 to 3 litres a day; Emirates Health Services says do not wait until you are thirsty.
• Avoid hard activity in the hottest part of the day, and stay in the shade (WHO). Plan errands and exercise for early morning or evening.
• Wear light, loose, light-coloured clothing (WHO; Emirates Health Services).
• Take cool showers or wet your skin to cool down (WHO).
• Never leave a child, an older person or an animal in a parked car, even for a few minutes (WHO).
• If you take regular medicines, for example for diabetes or blood pressure, ask your doctor about heat (Emirates Health Services).

Keeping your room cool

• During the day, close windows and cover them with blinds or shutters to block direct sun; open them after dark when it is cooler outside than inside (WHO).
• If you use air conditioning, WHO suggests setting it to 27°C and adding a fan.
• WHO says electric fans should only be used when the temperature is below 40°C, because above that they can heat the body.
• Report a broken AC to your landlord or building management in writing straight away; in a GCC summer it is urgent, not a minor repair.

If the power or AC fails in summer

• Move to the coolest room, close the curtains, drink water and wet your skin.
• WHO recommends spending 2 to 3 hours a day somewhere cool. If your flat is too hot, go to a friend's place, a mall, a library or another air-conditioned public space.
• Report the outage (DEWA 991 in Dubai; see the Safety When You Live Alone module for other numbers).
• Check in regularly on vulnerable people around you, such as a neighbour or flatmate who lives alone or is unwell (WHO).