Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Monday, Jun 02, 2025

UAE hospitals see rise in heatstroke patients; doctors suggest ways to stay safe

UAE hospitals see rise in heatstroke patients; doctors suggest ways to stay safe

Hospitals in the United Arab Emirates have seen a rise in daily cases of heat stroke and heat exhaustion amid sweltering temperatures during the summer months.

“We have seen an increase in the number of patients admitted to our hospital for Heat-related illnesses this summer,” Dr. Ahmed Raza Khan, Internal Medicine at Bareen International Hospital in MBZ City, told Al Arabiya English.

Meanwhile, Dr. Zuhair al-Sharafi, Emergency Consultant and Director of Emergency Services at Burjeel Medical City, said, “We have been seeing daily cases of heat syncope, heat exhaustion and heat stroke since the rise in temperature after the onset of summer, mainly affecting those who work outdoors.”

He also noted that due to the midday break in outdoor work, the number of severe heatstroke cases has decreased.

People gather at a beach across from the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel, on a foggy day on January 21, 2021, in the Gulf emirate of Dubai.


“Sun exposure, especially during high temperatures, can have serious health consequences,” he added, warning that certain factors can have a direct impact on the outcomes of sun exposure. These factors include atmospheric temperature, time spent under the sun, humidity, hydration status, chronic illnesses, and certain medications.

“Heat stroke can [happen] to anyone, but it affects mostly blue-collar workers and athletes after having strenuous exercise in a hot and humid environment,” Khan said.

There are four types of heat-related illnesses: rashes and muscle cramps, heat syncope (dizziness), heat exhaustion and heatstroke.


Tips to beat the heat


Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness, and it occurs when one’s body can no longer control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and subsequently, the body is unable to cool itself down, resulting in heatstroke.

People cross an overhead bridge amid soaring humidity and temperatures in the Gulf emirate of Dubai, on June 24, 2022.


“Heatwaves can lead to an increase in body temperature that in turn triggers water and mineral loss, which can lead initially to symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as: weakness, fatiguability, dizziness, headache, and nausea,” al-Sharafi told Al Arabiya English.

“Prevention is the best approach to avoiding heat-related illness,” he continued, advising people to stay indoors during peak heat hours to avoid intense direct sun exposure.

“When you visit public spaces, it is advisable to go closer to sunrise or sunset. It is essential to consume enough water to stay sufficiently hydrated and prevent the losses of electrolytes, while avoiding caffeinated beverages,” he added.

Al-Sharafi also suggested wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and to avoid activities directly under the sunlight, especially during peak heat hours.

“Protect yourself by wearing sunscreen and sunglasses,” he said.

Despite its dangers, heatstroke can be easily avoided, according to Khan.

“Heat stroke can be [avoided] easily by having good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids, wearing sun-protective clothes and hats use shades and umbrellas during work outside,” Khan said.

He also suggested that people park their cars in shaded areas and to ensure that no one is left in the car.

“Avoid work or going outside in the mid-day [and] use sun block creams,” the doctor said.

“People suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke require immediate medical attention. This is very important to avoid serious complications,” al-Sharafi warned.

“The patient’s body temperature is brought down at the hospital through cold water sponging, misting, and administering intravenous electrolytes.”

Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness as it can lead to multi-organ failure, including the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver.

Being under the sun for extended periods of time can result in several complications.

Khan said heatstroke symptoms can manifest in the form of headaches, dizziness, nausea, body pain, cramps, flushed skin, and heart palpitations. In some severe cases, it can be fatal if not properly and immediately treated.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
European and Arab Ministers Convene in Madrid to Address Gaza Conflict
U.S. Health Secretary Ends Select COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
Trump Warns Putin Is 'Playing with Fire' Amid Escalating Ukraine Conflict
India and Pakistan Engage Trump-Linked Lobbyists to Influence U.S. Policy
U.S. Halts New Student Visa Interviews Amid Enhanced Security Measures
Trump Administration Cancels $100 Million in Federal Contracts with Harvard
SpaceX Starship Test Flight Ends in Failure, Mars Mission Timeline Uncertain
King Charles Affirms Canadian Sovereignty Amid U.S. Statehood Pressure
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Founder Warns Against Trusting Regime in Nuclear Talks
UAE Offers Free ChatGPT Plus Subscriptions to Citizens
Lebanon Initiates Plan to Disarm Palestinian Factions
Iran and U.S. Make Limited Progress in Nuclear Talks
The Daily Debate: The Fall of the Dollar — Strategic Reset or Economic Self-Destruction?
Trump Administration's Tariff Policies and Dollar Strategy Spark Global Economic Debate
OpenAI Acquires Jony Ive’s Startup for $6.5 Billion to Build a Revolutionary “Third Core Device”
Turkey Weighs Citizens in Public as Erdoğan Launches National Slimming Campaign
Saudi-Spanish Business Forum Commences in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia and Spain Sign MoU to Boost SME Sectors
UK Suspends Trade Talks with Israel Amid Gaza Offensive
Iran and U.S. Set for Fifth Round of Nuclear Talks Amid Rising Tensions
Russia Expands Military Presence Near Finland Amid Rising Tensions
Indian Scholar Arrested in Crackdown Over Pakistan Conflict Commentary
Israel Eases Gaza Blockade Amid Internal Dispute Over Military Strategy
President Biden’s announcement of advanced prostate cancer sparked public sympathy—but behind closed doors, Democrats are in panic
A Chinese company made solar tiles that look way nicer than regular panels!
Indian jet shootdown: the all-robot legion behind China’s PL-15E missiles
The Chinese Dragon: The True Winner in the India-Pakistan Clash
Australia's Venomous Creatures Contribute to Life-Saving Antivenom Programme
The Spanish Were Right: Long Working Hours Harm Brain Function
Did Former FBI Director Call for Violence Against Trump? Instagram Post Sparks Uproar
US and UAE Partner to Develop Massive AI Data Center Complex
Apple's $95 Million Siri Settlement: Eligible Users Have Until July 2 to File Claims
US and UAE Reach Preliminary Agreement on Nvidia AI Chip Imports
President Trump and Elon Musk Welcomed by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim with Cybertruck Convoy
Strong Warning Issued: Do Not Use General Chatbots for Medical, Legal, or Educational Guidance
Saudi Arabia Emerges as Global Tech Magnet with U.S. Backing and Trump’s Visit
This was President's departure from Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince personally escorted him back to the airport.
NVIDIA and Saudi Arabia Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish AI Centers
Trump Meets Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara in Historic Encounter
Trump takes a blow torch to the neocons and interventionists while speaking to the Saudis
US and Saudi Arabia Sign Landmark Agreements Across Multiple Sectors
Why Saudi Arabia Rolled Out a Purple Carpet for Donald Trump Instead of Red
Elon Musk Joins Trump Meeting in Saudi Arabia
Trump says it would be 'stupid' not to accept gift of Qatari plane
Quantum Computing Threatens Bitcoin Security
×