Summer peak in UAE concludes on August 10. Will temperatures cool down afterwards?
In the heart of the Arabian desert, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been experiencing an unusual mix of weather this summer.
The mercury has soared to unprecedented heights, with the highest temperature recorded this year reaching 51.8°C in Al Ain's Sweihan on August 1. Videos circulating online showed large hailstones carpeting the desert ground in Al Ain, a stark contrast to the usual arid landscape.
An orange alert was issued earlier in the week as intense rains hit Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, and Fujairah. The downpour created difficult conditions for motorists in Al Ain city last Sunday, with strong winds causing trees to sway. Despite the predicted rains, internal areas of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah will still see temperatures as high as 47°C on August 10 and 48°C after August 12.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has predicted rains from August 10 to August 12, marking the end of the peak summer period on August 10. Temperatures in Gasyoura will drop to 29°C on that day. Rain showers fell in some parts of the country on August 9, including Fujairah and Al Ain.
The extreme weather conditions have led to a rise in heat-related incidents in emergency rooms over the last few weeks. Medical professionals have urged residents to avoid direct exposure to the heat and to increase their electrolyte intake in addition to plain water.
In response to these challenges, the UAE government and several companies have implemented measures to support employees. Dubai and Ajman have implemented flexible summer work schedules, including a midday ban on work during extreme heat (June 15 to September 15) and a "4-day workweek" option where employees work longer hours Monday to Thursday and get Friday off.
Many private sector employees have called for hybrid work-from-home policies, suggesting working remotely one to two days a week or fully remote during peak summer months to improve wellbeing and performance. The UAE government endorses remote or hybrid systems to reduce the health risks associated with commuting during intense heat above 45°C to 51°C.
The shift to remote or hybrid work has been well-received, leading to increased productivity, improved employee satisfaction, and a better work-life balance during the peak heat season. Residents have described commuting in the summer as a test in endurance and a second job to reach their offices.
This period is known as the Al Mirzam period, characterized by hot desert winds known as 'samum'. Despite the challenging conditions, the UAE continues to adapt, demonstrating resilience and innovation in the face of extreme weather.
[1] Dubai Media Office. (2022). Dubai announces new summer work schedule to support employees. Retrieved from https://dubaimediaoffice.com/announcements/dubai-announces-new-summer-work-schedule-to-support-employees
[2] Khaleej Times. (2022). UAE govt endorses remote or hybrid systems to reduce heat-related risks. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/government/uae-govt-endorses-remote-or-hybrid-systems-to-reduce-heat-related-risks
[3] Gulf News. (2022). UAE workers call for remote work options to beat summer heat. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/uae-workers-call-for-remote-work-options-to-beat-summer-heat-1.1658034448836
[4] Gulf News. (2022). UAE's extreme summer: Heat, rain, and the shift to remote work. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/life/lifestyle/uaes-extreme-summer-heat-rain-and-the-shift-to-remote-work-1.1658051890157
[5] Gulf News. (2022). Remote work in UAE: How flexible schedules and hybrid systems are improving work-life balance. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/life/lifestyle/remote-work-in-uae-how-flexible-schedules-and-hybrid-systems-are-improving-work-life-balance-1.1658052058402
- In the midst of the summer season, odd news reports have emerged about the weather in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- The country has been plagued by an uncommon blend of weather, with temperature records shattering and sudden bursts of rain bringing challenges to motorists.
- Alongside the anomalous weather, sports schedules and outdoor events have been impacted, as high temperatures and occasional rains force adjustments.
- Businesses, too, have felt the effects as employees struggle to maintain productivity in the intense heat, leading to calls for more flexible work arrangements like remote work or hybrid systems.
- The cultural landscape of the UAE is evolving, with a focus on health and wellbeing initiatives aimed at addressing heat-related issues.
- Meanwhile, the scientific community continues to study the impact of climate-change on the region's weather patterns, as concerns about environmental science and the environment grow.
