Learning how to survive the summer heat in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia is very important when you come to live in the Middle East as this region is most affected by high temperatures. The reason for this is usually the very high humidity that follows the high temperatures. If you want to learn how to stay healthy and calm during the highest temperatures, read this article from The Dermo Lab which will help you survive the summer heat in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Drink plenty of water
This advice may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked. Drinking 2 to 3 liters of water a day is absolutely essential to surviving the summer heat in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Intense heat causes excessive sweating which can quickly deplete the human body of salt and minerals and cause dehydration. Drinking plenty of water and other recommended fluids helps to keep the body hydrated and away from potential conditions such as heat stroke while maintaining an appropriate body temperature.
- Choose appropriate clothing
Contrary to what most people think, wearing sleeveless tops and shorts that expose more skin can result in more moisture loss in extreme heat, leading to dehydration. Wearing tight-fitting, dark-colored clothing can also make you sweat more. Dark colors absorb more wavelengths of light, making you feel hotter.
Instead, choose loose, comfortable clothing made of light, airy fabrics to counteract the effects of the heat. For example, cotton and linen are perfect for summer temperatures.
- Wear sunscreen with SPF
Use a good broad-spectrum sunscreen with a medium filter and follow the instructions for reusing it to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Extended exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on hot days, can even cause skin cancer. So, invest in a good sunscreen and carry it with you wherever you go.
In the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, sunscreen should be used all year round, not just during the summer months. If you don’t use it, you may experience premature aging of the skin and sunspots.
For optimal sun protection, we recommend the following products:
Eau Thermale Avène Very High Protection Fluid SPF 50+
Eau Thermale Avène Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
Eau Thermale Avène Spray for Children SPF 50+
- Wear sunglasses and a hat
A lot of people don’t understand the value of protecting their eyes from the sun. In the UAE and KSA, you will be exposed to very strong ultraviolet (UV) rays. Especially during the summer months, they become even stronger and more penetrating. Choose glasses with 100% UV protection.
- Eat light meals
Eating heavy meals can also generate heat in the body, making you feel very uncomfortable. After a heavy meal, your body has to work harder to digest the food and metabolize it. The heavier the meal, the more energy your body needs to digest it. This eventually raises your core temperature and makes you sweat afterward. That’s why we recommend eating light, freshly prepared meals during the summer. Also, reduce your intake of processed and salty foods.
Eating small portions instead of larger ones helps maintain a cooler body temperature.
- Wake up early
If you are planning a long walk or trip, try to get up early. The best time to start the trip is around 7 am. Temperatures will already be high, but not as high as in the afternoon. Also, remember to bring water, SPF cream, light and loose-fitting clothes, glasses and a hat.
- Avoid cold showers
You might think that taking a cold shower is a great idea in this blazing heat, but scientists suggest that it makes you feel even hotter. When you take a cold shower, your body has to work harder to warm up. Studies suggest that warm water cools your bloodstream. So, it’s best to opt for it.
- Work at the right time
Construction workers should respect the right time to be in the field and take breaks to avoid prolonged exposure to intense temperatures. Don’t work during the hottest hours of the day. If you feel tired and stressed, rest in a shaded area; this will make you more productive!
- Avoid tea and coffee
Caffeine and nicotine consumption can also increase core body temperature. They constrict the blood vessels, which heats up the blood and makes you feel hot and sweaty. Drink cool beverages such as coconut water, lemon water, and fruit juices. Excessive alcohol consumption should also be avoided.
- Cool your toes
If you’re overheated, an easy way to bring your temperature down is to cool your toes. Putting on wet clothes and soaking your feet in cool water for a while can relax you and make you feel less hot. You can also wear wet socks for a while.
What happens to the body after exposure to extreme heat?
Hot days can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and, in extreme cases, heatstroke. Hot days are also associated with a higher risk of other conditions such as kidney problems, skin infections, and premature births in pregnant women. In fact, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration represent only a relatively small fraction of the overall health risks associated with extreme heat days. Interestingly, extreme heat is not the only risk. Even moderately hot days can put vulnerable people at higher risk.
Summary of how to survive extreme heat
Most of us are probably under no illusions about the weather in Saudi Arabia and UAE, and know that living in a desert climate means regularly facing some of the most extreme temperatures the sun can deliver.
Since anyone living in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has to deal with these weather conditions, you should follow the above tips to mitigate the difficulties and survive in these countries.
Last Updated on February 12, 2024
