Apr 15, 2026
UAE summer is not just uncomfortable — it is medically significant. Temperatures regularly exceeding 45 degrees Celsius combined with high humidity in coastal areas create conditions that can overwhelm the human body faster than most people expect. Heat-related illness is one of the leading causes of emergency department visits in the UAE between June and September. Most of these cases were preventable.
This is the pharmacist's guide to staying safe this summer — practical, specific, and based on what we see patients dealing with across our branches every year during this season.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi summer averages 42 to 47 degrees in peak months, with humidity between 60 and 90 percent on coastal days. The combination is more dangerous than dry heat at the same temperature. Sweat does not evaporate efficiently in high humidity, which means the body's primary cooling mechanism fails. Core body temperature rises. Without intervention, this progresses from heat exhaustion to heat stroke — a medical emergency.
The highest risk groups are outdoor workers (construction, delivery, landscaping), elderly residents, young children, people with diabetes or cardiovascular conditions, and anyone taking medications that affect sweating or fluid balance — including antihistamines, diuretics, and certain antidepressants.
Heat exhaustion symptoms: heavy sweating, cool and pale skin, fast and weak pulse, nausea, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, and fainting. The person is conscious but distressed. Action: move them to a cool area immediately, remove excess clothing, apply cool wet cloths to skin, give cool water or ORS to drink, and call for medical help if there is no improvement within 30 minutes.
Heat stroke is the next stage: body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius, hot and red skin (sweating stops), rapid and strong pulse, confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency — call 998 immediately and cool the person by any available means while waiting for help.
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are the most important summer pharmacy item. Plain water does not replace the electrolytes lost through heavy sweating. ORS sachets mixed with water restore the sodium, potassium, and glucose balance that the body needs to recover from dehydration. Shefaa Al Madeena stocks multiple ORS brands — sachets and pre-mixed drinks — at all branches and online.
Electrolyte tablets for sports and outdoor workers provide a convenient alternative to sachets. SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential for anyone spending time outdoors — reapply every two hours in direct sun. Cooling towels, hydration packs, and portable fan misters are stocked at select branches.
This is something many people miss. Most medications should be stored below 25 degrees Celsius. Cars parked in UAE summer sun can reach 70 to 80 degrees inside. Medications left in cars, windowsills, or non-air-conditioned spaces degrade rapidly. This includes insulin, antibiotic syrups, certain eye drops, and creams. If you are unsure about your medication's storage requirements, ask the Shefaa pharmacist — it takes two minutes and can prevent you from taking medication that has lost effectiveness.
Drink at least 3 litres of water daily — more if working outdoors. Avoid going outside between 12 PM and 3 PM when sun intensity peaks. Keep ORS sachets at home and in your car. Check on elderly neighbours and relatives daily during peak summer months. Store all medications in a cool, dry, air-conditioned location. Wear light, loose, light-coloured clothing outdoors. Never leave children or pets in a parked car — even with windows cracked.
