UAE has a humid and hot climate, but reaching 51.6°C is a new record-breaking high. This is the highest temperature ever in May. Keep in mind that this is not just rising temperature but how the whole Emirates will adapt to this. The climate is clearly shifting, and it will impact the future of the place.
A Record That Shouldn’t Be Broken
UAE is a hot region, and most of the activities are happening either indoors or in the winter season. Now the rising temperature is breaking records. In Al Ain, 51.6 °C and in Al Shawamekh, 50°C are not just rising temperatures but a serious future challenge that can affect the land in worse ways. This is happening throughout the UAE. The heat waves after this temperature are insanely dangerous.
We see that this is not some unusual or rare event, but is happening frequently. These “heat domes” are arriving earlier, staying longer, and growing stronger. Global warming is impacting the weather, and we know this is going to be life-changing in future.
UAE’s rising temperatures were predicted by scientists far earlier. In fact, the Middle East is among the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world. If this continues, according to a report by Nature Climate Change, the Gulf region could become uninhabitable by the end of the century. This is not some fictional threat but a real-life challenge that requires serious action to be taken.
Now the UAE is stuck in a cycle. Rapid urban growth, high energy demand, and a warming climate are a challenge that needs to be balanced wisely. Dubai is baking slowly and steadily and we need to take measures to keep the city going.
The Effect Of Heat On Daily Life
This amount of heat is dangerous for overall life. Given the amount of work in progress to improve the UAE infrastructure, outdoor workers are in danger. There is a severe risk of heat stroke. The heatwave affects children and old people. Heat waves can cause serious health problems. It can cause dehydration and even death.
If people won’t be able to go outside, it will affect all businesses that require manpower. Also, productivity drops during heat waves.
Tourism on Thin Ice?
Tourism is one of the major earning sectors in the UAE. People come to the city all year round. Though many places are open only during colder months, there are plenty of indoor options too. In extreme heat, even the electric system takes the pressure.
Summer is already not very crowded. This rising temperature can cause a decrease in the existing tourist numbers. Less tourists mean less money in the economy.
Dubai luxury has always included indoor entertainment options. Most of these were luxurious and rejuvenating. Now it seems that indoor options are becoming more of a necessity than a luxury. It will definitely cause a load on the systems that were outdoors before. Not every business can afford to shift indoors.
Dubai is a global tourist destination. People love to come here. This heat, if continued, will significantly reduce the number of tourists. It can also impact the overall image of the place.
How is the UAE Handling the Situation?
The temperature is rising, and so is the need to take some serious precautionary measures. The authorities are not just sitting by and witnessing the sun taking away the UAE’s image of being a desirable destination. They are doing several things to control this climate crisis.
- The UAE has introduced mid-day breaks to protect the workforce. They don’t allow outdoor work during peak hours.
- Most infrastructures use heat-reflective materials, green rooftops, and smart cooling systems to reduce heat.
- The city is designed in such a way that it has shaded walkways, cooled bus stops, and misting stations that are being expanded to offer residents some relief.
- Not just in books, but the UAE aims to become a land with zero carbon emissions in real-time. They have a “UAE Net Zero by 2050” strategy.
Is Green Dubai Possible?
The UAE is doing everything it can to control the climate effect. From gardens to aerial taxis, the emirate is investing billions in reshaping its environmental footprint. Some of their known steps and plans are
- They have a Dubai Clean Energy Strategy. They aim to use 75% of the city’s energy through clean sources by 2050.
- The solar park initiative by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is already generating gigawatts of renewable energy.
- All new developments strictly follow energy efficiency and environmental standards.
- By 2040, Dubai will be a green city.
- Schools are also introducing sustainability into their curriculum.
- Businesses are adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance practices.
- The overall lifestyle is shifting. Residents are increasingly turning to eco-friendly choices in their homes and routines.
Lessons for the World
Emirates is already a planet-friendly nation. They have clear goals to be sustainable by 2040. If this heat, which is beyond their control, can affect them, imagine how it will impact the world.
The UAE has the resources to protect itself, but other nations might not be in the same place. Global climate change has become an international problem.
Scientists have predicted an increase in this 51.6 and 50.4°C. If this rises, the risk increases. The world needs to act fast and together. We need to cool off our planet with smart choices.
- Every nation must reduce carbon emissions and start investing in renewable energies.
- Nations should work on reforming urban planning to build climate-resilient cities.
- The public must be educated to understand the impact of choices and how a changing climate can affect life.
Is it a Wake-up Call?
Yes! Indeed, this rising temperature in different UAE cities is a wake-up call. Not only for the Emirates but for the whole world. Climate change is big, and it needs a collective effort to make an impact. This rising heat means the problem is already here. Now we have to solve it strategically. Dubai is working hard to go green, and shortly it will be counted as a serious effort. However, there needs to be a series of actions and preventive measures to lessen the damage and control the global weather.
