UAE Records 51.6°C: What Muslim Travellers Should Know About The Extreme Heat

If you're planning to visit the UAE soon, pack light, stay hydrated, and be ready for the heat. Over the weekend, the country recorded a scorching 51.6°C in Sweihan, Al Ain, marking the hottest May day ever recorded in the UAE. That’s not a typo. It's just 0.4°C shy of the country’s all-time high of 52°C, logged in 2010 on Abu Dhabi’s Al Yasat Island.

For travellers, especially those coming from cooler climates or on religious journeys, this is a temperature spike that demands attention, not just for comfort, but for health and safety too.

Also read: Why Is The Floor of Masjid al-Haram Always Cool – Even in Scorching Heat?

Heatwave hits hard, even in May

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The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology confirmed the record-breaking temperature on Saturday, 25 May, noting it’s the second consecutive day of extreme heat. A day earlier, Abu Dhabi had reached 50.4°C, surpassing the previous May record of 50.2°C set in 2009.

For a country used to heat, even locals were taken aback. In Dubai, where the mercury rose to the mid-40s°C, motorists complained that their car air conditioners couldn’t keep up. Yet, some residents were still out and about, many heading to popular evening spots like Umm Suqeim Beach to catch some (still warm) sea breeze. Umbrellas and parasols became essential gear, and cold drinks—especially fresh juices—were flying off the shelves.

Muslim travellers: Staying cool while staying faithful

For Muslim travellers, this kind of heat poses unique challenges. Whether visiting the UAE for leisure or as a stopover en route to Makkah or Madinah, it’s important to plan with the climate in mind.

Many mosques across the UAE are well-equipped with air conditioning, offering cool relief for those performing Dhuhr or Asr prayers, which fall during the hottest parts of the day. Travellers are encouraged to perform prayers indoors whenever possible and avoid walking long distances between prayer times under the blazing sun.

Wearing modest yet breathable clothing, such as cotton abayas or thobes in light colours, can help ease the discomfort. If you're fasting or visiting during a religious occasion like Eid, be sure to prioritise hydration before and after fasting hours, especially during the hot summer months.

A tragic warning: Last year’s Hajj heatwave

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The risks of high temperatures aren’t just theoretical. In June 2023, more than 1,300 people died during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, most of them unauthorised pilgrims who lacked access to cooling facilities and adequate hydration. Many were exposed to prolonged heat while performing rituals.

For Muslim travellers planning their pilgrimage, especially during summer months, this is a sobering reminder to choose official Hajj or Umrah packages with proper facilities and to avoid excessive time outdoors during peak heat hours.

Travelling smart in a hotter UAE

Here are a few tips for travellers—especially Muslims—navigating the UAE in extreme heat:

• Plan prayers indoors at air-conditioned mosques or hotels.

• Sightsee early in the morning or after Maghrib, when the sun is less intense.

• Keep water and electrolyte drinks on hand, especially if not fasting.

• Use sunscreen and wear a hat or carry a parasol when walking outdoors.

• Wear modest but breathable fabrics to stay cool and comfortable.

Also read: Muslim Pilgrims Can Tawaf Using Golf Carts on The Roof of Grand Mosque in Mecca

Final thoughts

The UAE’s record May heatwave is more than just an uncomfortable blip—it’s a preview of the region’s climate future. For Muslim travellers, being aware of these changes can help ensure safe, respectful, and spiritually fulfilling trips. Whether exploring Dubai’s souks, visiting mosques, or heading on pilgrimage, staying informed is just as important as staying cool.