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Summer in Dubai

Heat at work
how to avoid heatstroke

Summer afternoons in Dubai can exceed +45 °C. The body copes if you know a few simple rules: when working in the sun is banned, how much to drink, how to tell it is time to stop and what to do if a colleague is unwell.

7 minutes to readAmbulance — 998

UAE law

The midday break

Every summer, from 15 June to 15 September work in direct sun is banned in the UAE from 12:30 to 15:00. This rule of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has been in force for more than 20 years.

  • The employer must provide a shaded place to rest, cool water and rehydration supplies.
  • The fine for an employer is 5,000 dirhams per worker, up to 50 000 where several are affected.
  • If you are made to work in the sun during the break, report it to MOHRE: 600 590000.

Right now in Dubai12:4515 July

The midday break is on: no work in the sun

Signs

What is wrong: tiredness, exhaustion or heatstroke?

Tick what you notice in yourself or a colleague. We will show how serious it is and what to do.

Tick the signs

If in doubt, treat it as heatstroke and call 998.

First aid

Heat exhaustion

  1. Move the person into shade or an air-conditioned room.
  2. Lay them down, raise the legs slightly, loosen clothing.
  3. Give cool water in small sips.
  4. Cool them with a wet cloth. If there is no improvement in 30–60 minutes, call 998.

Heatstroke — life-threatening

  1. Call 998 immediately.
  2. Move them into shade and remove extra clothing.
  3. Cool them any way you can: wet cloth, water, a fan, ice on the neck, armpits and groin.
  4. Do not give drinks if the person is unconscious or confused. Do not leave them alone until the ambulance arrives.
998Ambulance in the UAE · 999 — police

How much to drink

Water for a shift

Working in the heat, drink small amounts often — about a glass every 15–20 minutes, even if you do not feel like it. Thirst comes later than dehydration starts. There is no need to drink more than 1.4 litres an hour.

Drag the slider — we will work out the water for the shift

≈ 6 litres — that is 12 bottles of 0.5 l

A rough estimate: a 250 ml glass every 20 minutes. With heart or kidney conditions, your doctor decides how much you should drink.

A simple check

Check yourself by colour

The simplest way to tell whether you are drinking enough is the colour of your urine. Tap the closest shade.

Choose a shade

How to get through the summer safely

Light, loose clothing

Cotton, long-sleeved. A hat is a must.

Light meals

Do not eat heavily before a shift: fruit, vegetables, a little salt.

7–8 hours of sleep

A tired body copes with heat far worse.

Acclimatise gradually

Take extra care during your first week or two after arriving.

Less coffee and energy drinks

They increase fluid loss. Alcohol even more so.

Look out for each other

Someone with heatstroke often does not realise how bad they are.