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Dehydration in the UAE Heat: Signs, Prevention and Treatment
Working outdoors or fasting in the heat? Learn the early signs of dehydration, how much to drink, and when dehydration becomes a medical emergency.
Quick answer
Early dehydration causes thirst, dark yellow urine, passing urine less often, a dry mouth, tiredness and headaches. Drink water regularly through the day, more during heat and exercise, and use oral rehydration solution if you have been vomiting or have diarrhoea. Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, a fast heartbeat or not passing urine for many hours.
In this article
With summer temperatures above 40°C, dehydration is a real risk in the UAE, especially for outdoor workers, older adults, young children and people with diabetes.
Early signs of dehydration
- Feeling thirsty
- Dark yellow, strong-smelling urine
- Passing urine fewer than four times a day
- Dry mouth, lips and eyes
- Tiredness, headache or dizziness
Thirst is a late signal in older adults, so they may become dehydrated without feeling very thirsty.
How much should you drink?
There is no single number that suits everyone. A practical guide is to drink enough that your urine stays pale yellow. You will need more:
- In hot weather and air-conditioned offices with dry air
- When exercising or working outdoors
- With fever, vomiting or diarrhoea
- When breastfeeding
Water is the best choice. Milk, soups, fruit and vegetables also count.
Treating mild dehydration
- Move somewhere cool.
- Sip water steadily rather than drinking a large amount at once.
- If you have lost fluids through vomiting or diarrhoea, use an oral rehydration solution from the pharmacy.
Who is most at risk?
- Babies and young children
- Adults over 65
- People with diabetes, kidney disease or heart failure
- People taking diuretics ("water tablets")
- Outdoor workers, especially during the summer months
When dehydration is an emergency
Call 998 or go to the emergency department for:
- Confusion or unusual drowsiness
- Fainting
- A fast heartbeat or fast breathing
- No urine for eight hours or more
- Cold, blotchy hands and feet
- Hot, dry skin with a high temperature (possible heat stroke)
Frequently asked questions
Are sports drinks better than water?
For most everyday situations, water is enough. Oral rehydration solution is better than sports drinks after vomiting or diarrhoea because it has the right balance of salts and sugar.
Can dehydration cause kidney stones?
Yes. Not drinking enough over time concentrates the urine and increases the risk of kidney stones. Read more in our article on kidney stones and the heat.
