The UAE saw its hottest May day ever on Saturday when the temperature reached 51.6°C in Sweihan, Al Ain, at 1:45 p.m. The National Center of Meteorology said this broke the record set just a day earlier at 50.4°C and topped the previous May high of 50.2°C from 2009. With summer still weeks away.
The heat felt even worse in places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi because of high humidity. Many stayed inside to avoid the sun. “It’s like walking into a fire,” said Fatima, a teacher in Dubai. The weather center told everyone to drink water, wear light clothes, and stay out of the sun from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Doctors said to watch for signs of heatstroke, especially for kids and older people. They suggested eating fruits like watermelon and drinking mint tea to stay cool. The UAE’s rule stopping outdoor work from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. starts in June, and officials say they’ll make sure it’s followed.
This comes after April, which was the hottest ever, with daily highs around 42.6°C. Last July hit 50.8°C in Sweihan, but this new record makes people think 2025 could beat the all-time high of 52.1°C from 2002. Experts say climate change is making the Gulf hotter faster than other places. People are finding ways to deal with the heat. In Dubai, workers use shaded rest areas, and families visit indoor places like malls or Ski Dubai. “We’re used to heat, but this is different,” said Mohammed, a store worker in Sharjah. Forecasts say temperatures may stay above 50°C into June. The government is setting up water stations and telling people how to stay safe.