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Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke: How to Tell the Difference in the UAE Summer
UAE summers regularly pass 45°C. Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, what to do immediately, and how outdoor workers can stay safe.
Quick answer
Heat exhaustion causes heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea and cramps, but the person stays alert. Move them somewhere cool, give water and rest; they should improve within 30 minutes. Heat stroke is an emergency: the body temperature reaches 40°C or higher, with confusion, collapse or seizures. Call 998 immediately and cool the person while waiting.
With summer temperatures in the UAE regularly above 45°C and high humidity on the coast, heat-related illness is a real risk. That's especially true for people who work outdoors, exercise outside or are elderly. Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can save a life.
Heat exhaustion vs heat stroke at a glance
| Heat exhaustion | Heat stroke | |
|---|---|---|
| Body temperature | Normal to 40°C | 40°C or higher |
| Skin | Cool, pale, clammy, heavy sweating | Hot, red, may be dry or sweaty |
| Mental state | Alert, may feel faint or tired | Confused, slurred speech, agitated, unconscious |
| Other signs | Headache, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, fast pulse | Seizures, collapse, rapid breathing |
| What to do | Cool down, fluids, rest | Call 998, start cooling immediately |
First aid for heat exhaustion
- Move the person to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned place.
- Have them lie down and raise their legs slightly.
- Give water or an oral rehydration drink in small, frequent sips.
- Loosen tight clothing and cool the skin with wet cloths or a fan.
- Stay with them. They should feel better within 30 minutes.
If they don't improve within 30 minutes, get worse, or become confused, treat it as heat stroke.
First aid for heat stroke: an emergency
- Call 998.
- Move them to a cool place.
- Cool them as fast as possible: wet the skin with cool water and fan them, or apply ice packs wrapped in cloth to the neck, armpits and groin.
- If they are unconscious but breathing, place them on their side.
- Don't give fluids if they are confused or unconscious.
Who is most at risk?
- Construction, delivery and other outdoor workers
- Older adults and young children
- People with heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure
- People taking certain medicines (some diuretics and blood pressure medicines)
- Anyone exercising hard outdoors, or not yet used to the heat
How to prevent heat illness
- Drink water regularly before you feel thirsty, about a cup every 15–20 minutes during outdoor work.
- Avoid the hottest hours. The UAE's midday work break (12:30–3:00 PM, 15 June to 15 September) exists for this reason.
- Wear light, loose, light-coloured clothing and a hat.
- Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
- Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol, which can worsen dehydration.
- Watch each other. People with heat illness often don't recognise their own symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to recover from heat exhaustion?
Most people feel better within 30 minutes to a few hours of cooling down and drinking fluids. Rest for the remainder of the day and avoid heat for 24–48 hours.
Can you get heat stroke indoors?
Yes, especially elderly people in rooms without air conditioning during a heatwave, or after intense indoor exercise.
Should I see a doctor after heat exhaustion?
See a doctor if symptoms don't settle, if you have heart or kidney problems, or if you have repeated episodes. Our GPs in Ajman can check you over and provide a medical certificate if you need time off.
