This past Saturday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced the hottest day ever recorded. Sweihan, a town 97 kilometers west of Abu Dhabi, measured an extreme high of 51.6 degrees C. The capital city only recently experienced a blistering 50.4 degrees Celsius. This once-in-a-generational extreme weather event serves to highlight the dangerous impact of climate change that the area is currently experiencing.
This new high breaks the previous record for May—50.2 degrees Celsius—set back in 2009. The UAE, of course, is preparing to host the COP28 climate talks later this year. Rising temperatures further underscore the critical need for climate action in an oil rich country that is one of the most vulnerable to the impact of climate change.
Record Temperatures and Climate Vulnerability
The National Center of Meteorology confirmed the record temperature, stating, “The highest temperature recorded over the country today is 51.6C in Sweihan (Al Ain) at 13:45 UAE local time (0945 GMT).” Unfortunately, this shocking figure is just one piece of a larger trend severely impacting the climate in the region. The UAE sits atop one of the hottest spots on the planet. Here, though, soaring at almost twice the global average rate.
The impacts of this level of extreme heat are immense. Indeed, the UAE is dealing with record-breaking daily high temperatures. Its ecological basis for food and water supply is very susceptible to climate change. Experts further caution that if unchecked, these conditions will amplify ongoing struggles and introduce new barriers to the already vulnerable population.
Impact on Outdoor Workers
Outdoor workers in the UAE endure some of the most extreme levels of heat stress anywhere in the world. Recent ILO studies show that 83.6% of outdoor workers in Arab states, including UAE, experience extreme heat exposure during work. This shocking figure underscores the critical importance of improving safety protections for these workers. Extended indoor exposure to these deeply concerning temperature levels can have serious health impacts, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
These unprecedented temperatures have alarmed local labor unions and public health officials, who worry about whether workers can do their jobs safely. As summer approaches and temperatures continue to rise, there is an urgent call for measures to protect those working outside under these extreme conditions.
Trends in Global Temperature and Local Responses
Over the past few months, temperatures skyrocketed in the UAE, reaching unprecedented levels. This increase follows a historic April, during which average daily maximum temperatures exceeded 42.6 degrees Celsius on record. For many years, meteorologists have noticed a disturbing trend in climate patterns. In fact, in just the last 30 years, the number of days so hot they pose a health risk has almost doubled worldwide.
Government officials and environmental advocates are rising to meet these challenges. They call attention to a need for sustainable practices and policies, especially with increased frequency and intensity of climate related disasters. Hosting COP28 provides the UAE with an opportunity to showcase its commitment to addressing pressing global issues. It presents an opportunity to expose the nation’s weaknesses.