The UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) recorded a peak temperature of 50 °C at Al Shawamekh in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, August 1. Gulf News reports that the reading is part of an intense regional heat-dome affecting at least ten Middle-Eastern countries. Meteorologists warn that the heatwave will persist well into next week, with only marginal respite after Wednesday. Although airports remain fully operational, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has reminded employers that construction-site work must cease between 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. until September 15. Companies found violating the “mid-day break” face fines of up to AED 50,000 and temporary suspension of work permits—penalties that can derail project timelines, mobilisations and the onboarding of expatriate staff. Facilities managers of free-zone business parks in Dubai South and Abu Dhabi’s KIZAD told Gulf News that they have shifted outdoor maintenance to evening hours and added cooling shelters for delivery drivers. Travel managers have been advised to factor in longer kerb-to-gate transfer times at Dubai International and Zayed International airports, where authorities have set up additional hydration stations and misting fans for passengers queuing for security and immigration. Ground-handling firm dnata confirmed it has activated its “extreme-weather roster,” cutting ramp exposure cycles for baggage crews from 90 to 45 minutes. Airlines are also monitoring possible weight-and-balance restrictions on fully-booked ultra-long-haul services that depart during mid-afternoon peak heat. Medical experts at Dubai’s Rashid Hospital caution that visitors unacclimatised to Gulf summers are at heightened risk of heat stress, especially during outdoor sightseeing. Travel insurers Axa and Allianz told corporate clients that failure to follow official advisories—including the government’s directive to limit outdoor activity—could invalidate heat-related claims. Companies with assignees arriving for orientation programmes were urged to reschedule city tours or move them indoors. While no flight cancellations have been announced, mobility professionals should keep contingency plans ready. A prolonged heat-dome can trigger convective storms that disrupt arrivals, and ramp closures for lightning risk can cascade into missed onward connections. Relocation firms are therefore staggering airport pickups and pre-booking hotel day-rooms in case early-morning landings are held on the apron for temperature-related slot management.
Source: Gulf News
