Dubai, May 24 – The United Arab Emirates is reeling under an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 50 degrees Celsius on Friday, marking the hottest day of the year so far. The blistering conditions have left residents across the country grappling with extreme discomfort and health concerns.

According to Gulf Newsthe highest recorded temperature was 50.4°C in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabishocking many who were unprepared for such a sharp spike this early in the season. While the skies remained mostly clear, the combination of dry desert air, humidity in coastal regions, and relentless sun made conditions almost unbearable for those working outdoors.

Rising Heat Sparks Concern Among Workers

The heatwave has particularly impacted working professionals, laborers, and outdoor staffmany of whom reported feeling their skin burn upon stepping outside. With humidity building along the coast and only light winds offering minimal relief, even brief exposure to the sun has become hazardous.

Weather Department Issues Safety Advisory

The UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has advised residents to avoid going outdoors between 12 PM and 4 PMthe peak hours of heat. Officials warn that the extreme conditions are likely to persist over the coming days. Forecasts indicate generally clear skies with occasional patches of clouds. Light sea waves are expected in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

The weather bureau also urged people to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent heat exhaustion or sunstroke.

Climate Extremes Becoming More Common

The UAE, located on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula and bordered by Oman and Saudi Arabiais accustomed to hot summers. However, this sudden spike in temperature has reignited concerns about climate change and rising global temperatureswhich have made extreme weather events more frequent and intense in the region.

As summer approaches in full force, residents are bracing for potentially even hotter days ahead and are relying on public advisories, air conditioning, and shaded zones to navigate the scorching months.

Bhupendra singh chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur kiranhis insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.