Dubai residents attempt to cool off at night at the Umm Suqeim beach as temperatures sizzle above 50 degrees Celsius (112 Fahrenheit).
A Scorching New Benchmark
Historic Heat Hits Sweihan
The UAE just recorded a blistering 51.6°C (124.9°F) in Sweihan, Al Ain on May 24, 2025 — the hottest temperature ever logged in the country during May. This record-breaker came just 0.4°C shy of the national all-time high of 52°C, set on Al Yasat Island in 2010.
Heatwaves Ripple Through Cities
Temperatures soared across the UAE, including Dubai where the mercury climbed past 45°C (113°F). While air conditioners worked overtime, residents clutched parasols and made pit stops at juice bars to escape the punishing sun.
The Broader Climate Context
Warming Twice as Fast
Scientists warn that the Middle East is heating up nearly twice as fast as the global average. This aligns with a global surge in extreme heat days — which have nearly doubled in the last 30 years.
Greenpeace Sounds the Alarm
A 2022 report by Greenpeace flagged the Middle East as a climate hotspot, citing growing threats like water scarcity, food insecurity, and record-setting heatwaves that could destabilize both ecology and economy.
Human Impact and Health Risks
Outdoor Workers at High Risk
The International Labor Organization reported in 2024 that 83.6% of outdoor workers in Arab states are exposed to dangerously high temperatures, increasing the risk of heatstroke and reducing work efficiency.
Hajj Heat Tragedy
In a chilling reminder of heat’s deadly toll, over 1,300 pilgrims perished during the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia, many due to heat-related complications. Such disasters emphasize the need for stronger protective measures.
A Call to Action
Urgent Climate Measures Needed
The UAE’s record-breaking May heat underscores the importance of climate adaptation. Governments must invest in sustainable infrastructure and develop policies that protect lives and livelihoods from escalating temperatures.
Global Cooperation is Key
This extreme heat is not an isolated event — it’s a global issue. Nations must unite to address the climate crisis, share innovations, and build resilience against a hotter future.
Staying Cool: Products to Combat Extreme Heat
Cooling Apparel
Light, breathable fabrics designed to keep body temperatures down during high-heat days.
Portable Air Conditioners
Compact cooling systems perfect for small rooms and emergency relief during heatwaves. Dailyscitech
Emergency Heat Relief Kits
Kits packed with essentials like electrolyte drinks, fans, and cooling towels for extreme weather readiness. Dailyscitech
What’s Next?
How are other regions adapting to increasing heat extremes? What new technologies are emerging to help humans live in a warming world? Stay curious — the answers are coming. Dailyscitech
