Yellow and amber health alerts have been issued across parts of the UK this weekend as the country, like many parts of Europe, experiences an extreme heatwave.
The warnings are in place until July 14 and weather forecasters at the UK's Met Office have warned that the heatwave is more widespread than in previous summers.
On Saturday, “temperatures are likely to locally approach 30°C over Northern Ireland and 31°C or even 32°C over parts of Scotland, away from eastern coasts”, said chief meteorologist Steve Willington.
June this year was the hottest on record for England, and July is on track to follow suit.
Heatwave deaths triple in Europe
Climate change tripled the number of heat-related deaths across European cities, according to a study from the World Weather Attribution group of researchers.
The researchers said heatwaves, which were up to 4ºC hotter across cities compared to a world without climate change, were “quietly devastating”.
The study, led by scientists at Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, focused on 10 days of heat from June 23 to July 2.
It calculated that 1,500 of the 2,300 estimated heat deaths were the result of climate change – equating to a tripling of the number of deaths in the heatwave due to global warming.
Children, the elderly, and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable. “Urban environments can exacerbate exposure for these groups, especially if access to cooling, health care, or shaded areas is limited,” said Dr Aseel Takshe, acting dean at the Canadian University Dubai's School of Health Sciences and Psychology.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Frontiers 2025 Report, published on Thursday, highlights that people aged 65 and above form an increasingly dominant part of the world population, particularly in urban areas of low- and middle-income countries.
The report states that annual levels of heat-related deaths among older people have risen by an estimated 85 per cent since the 1990s. Additional risks arise from deteriorating air quality and floods in low-lying coastal cities.
“Heatwaves are among the most frequent and deadly impacts of climate change, along with floods and shrinking ice cover,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP. “We must be prepared for the risks these impacts pose, especially for society’s most vulnerable, including older persons.”
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
How much heat can your body endure?
2024 was officially the hottest year on record, following what United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres called a decade of deadly heat.
“Humans are most comfortable and expend the least energy at temperatures between 18°C and 24°C,” added Dr Aseel Takshe. “The body’s ability to cool itself becomes compromised at high temperatures, particularly above 40°C.
“The critical survival limit is a 'wet-bulb' temperature of 35°C at 100 per cent humidity, where sweat no longer evaporates and core temperature rises dangerously. Even healthy adults cannot survive more than a few hours at this threshold.”
The UAE implements a midday break for outdoor workers during the summer months, from June 15 to September 15. The break, introduced in 2004, prohibits work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12.30pm and 3pm.
Dust storms add to danger
Data released on Saturday by Europe's weather watchdog, Copernicus, showed repeated long-range episodes of Saharan dust crossing into Europe and the Caribbean, significantly degrading air quality.
“So far in 2025, we have monitored repeated long-range transport of Saharan dust and high PM10 concentrations reaching Europe and the Caribbean,” said Mark Parrington, senior scientist at the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service.
PM10 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less.
“These episodes can have a negative impact on air quality on both sides of the Atlantic, and subsequently represent potential risks to human health,” Mr Parrington added.
Lessons from the UAE: Planning for heat
In built-up environments, the situation is compounded by the urban heat island effect. “This effect is intensified by the scarcity of green spaces and the prevalence of heat-absorbing materials like concrete and asphalt,” Dr Takshe told The National.
Studies in the UAE show that urban areas can be 1.3°C to 4.5°C warmer than surrounding rural areas.
Dust storms coupled with urban heat build-up can be serious health risk, warned Dr Takshe. “Dust and pollution can trap heat and further worsen respiratory health, especially among vulnerable groups. The need for air conditioning and cooling increases sharply during heatwaves, leading to high energy consumption and potential stress on power infrastructure.”
How to stay safe during extreme heat
Staying safe in such environments requires personal and systemic action. At the individual level, hydration, staying indoors during peak heat and recognising signs of heat illness – such as dizziness, confusion, and rapid pulse – are essential. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and access to shaded or air-conditioned spaces can make a life-saving difference.
But cooling a city is not a task individuals can bear alone. Urban designs, infrastructure and public policy must align to address extreme heat. That means planting more trees, redesigning streets to allow natural air flow, and expanding green spaces that naturally lower surface temperatures.
Some of Dubai and Abu Dhabi's urban canyons – tall buildings that cast long shadows- reduce daytime heat exposure in parts of the city. But this is often offset by residual night-time heat.
“Adapting urban design – such as increasing vegetation, implementing cool roofs, and improving airflow – can help mitigate these effects but requires co-ordinated planning and investment,” Dr Takshe told The National. “Public awareness campaigns, establishment of community cooling centres and education on heat risks are essential for immediate relief and long-term resilience.”
According to the World Health Organisation, the recommended ambient temperature indoors is about 18°C.
Dr Takshe adds that humans are most comfortable and expend the least energy at between 18°C and 24°C. But for millions living in climate-vulnerable regions, maintaining such conditions without cooling infrastructure can be a challenge.
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
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Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
The Equaliser 2
Director Antoine Fuqua
Starring: Denzel Washington, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo, Ashton Sanders
Three stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
The%20Roundup
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Brolliology: A History of the Umbrella in Life and Literature
By Marion Rankine
Melville House
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Babumoshai Bandookbaaz
Director: Kushan Nandy
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami
Three stars
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Price, base / as tested: Dh76,900 / Dh110,900
Engine: 2.0L, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder
Gearbox: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 252hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: Torque: 352Nm @ 2,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.5L / 100km
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Innotech Profile
Date started: 2013
Founder/CEO: Othman Al Mandhari
Based: Muscat, Oman
Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies
Size: 15 full-time employees
Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing
Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now.
More on animal trafficking
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BLACKBERRY
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The biog
Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology
Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels
Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs
Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier
UAE results
Beat China by 16 runs
Lost to Thailand by 10 wickets
Beat Nepal by five runs
Beat Hong Kong by eight wickets
Beat Malaysia by 34 runs
Standings (P, W, l, NR, points)
1. Thailand 5 4 0 1 9
2. UAE 5 4 1 0 8
3. Nepal 5 2 1 2 6
4. Hong Kong 5 2 2 1 5
5. Malaysia 5 1 4 0 2
6. China 5 0 5 0 0
Final
Thailand v UAE, Monday, 7am
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
