National Center of Meteorology records 51.2°C peak in Sweihan as authorities issue health warnings and enforce summer workplace safety measures.
ABU DHABI, August 5, 2026:Extreme summer heat continues to grip the United Arab Emirates, with temperatures reaching a peak of 51.2°C on Wednesday afternoon.
The highest temperature was recorded in Sweihan, located in the Al Ain region of Abu Dhabi, at 3:00 PM local time, according to data released by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).
Weather monitoring stations across the country registered sustained high temperatures above 45°C in several inland and desert locations. Coastal areas, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi city, experienced high ambient humidity levels alongside temperatures in the mid-to-high 40s, significantly increasing the feels-like heat index for residents.
The meteorological authority advised the public to take precautions against direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours. Health officials recommend staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged outdoor physical activity between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and monitoring vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and outdoor workers, for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
The surge in temperatures coincides with the UAE’s mandatory mid-day work ban, which prohibits outdoor labor in open spaces and under direct sunlight between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM daily. Enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) through September 15, the annual policy mandates that employers provide shaded rest areas, cooling equipment, and adequate drinking water for outdoor workforces.
MoHRE inspectors are conducting daily field visits across industrial zones and construction sites to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations, warning that violating firms face fines starting at AED 5,000 per worker.
Weather forecasters expect high temperatures and elevated humidity levels to persist over the coming days, with convective cloud activity potentially bringing localized rain and dust storms to eastern mountain zones toward the weekend.
