Temperature in Saudi Arabia and UAE how it has changed in the past and present

Saudi Arabia and the UAE sit in one of the hottest regions on Earth. Both countries have desert climates with scorching summers and mild winters. Over time their heat has intensified. In recent decades temperatures have steadily risen due to global climate change. This article explains how and why the temperature in Saudi Arabia and UAE has changed from past to present. We’ll explore historical climates, recent trends, extreme heat events, impacts on people and the environment, and how each nation is responding.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE share an arid, desert climate. In Saudi Arabia, most of the country is desert and daytime summer temperatures average around 45°C, sometimes reaching up to 54°C. Nights cool off quickly. In the UAE, summers are also extremely hot – typically 40–50°C on the coast. Winters in both nations are mild, rarely dropping below freezing.

Rainfall is very scarce year-round. The Arabian Peninsula’s heat creates frequent sand and dust storms (e.g. the Empty Quarter desert in southern Saudi). In short, both countries have traditionally been hot and dry: temperature in Saudi Arabia and UAE have long been among the world’s highest due to desert sunlight and minimal rainfall.

Recent Temperature in Saudi Arabia and UAE

In the late 20th and early 21st century, however, scientists have found that temperatures are rising faster than before in both countries. Data-driven studies show Saudi Arabia has warmed about 50% faster than the Northern Hemisphere average over the past 40 years. Similarly, the UAE is one of the fastest-warming countries globally. Between 1800 and 2017, the average annual temperature in the UAE increased by roughly 1.8°C, mostly in the last few decades. In practical terms, this means summer heat is getting fiercer. Warming is stronger in summer than in winter, raising drought and heatwave risks.

Key points of recent trends:

• Both countries show clear upward temperature trends. The 2010–2019 decade was the warmest on record for the region.
• Nighttime lows have also risen. Even nights stay warmer, giving less relief from daytime heat.
• Higher dew points (humidity) have made Arabian summers feel even more oppressive.

In short, climate change is warming Saudi Arabia and the UAE more quickly than many other places. Models and observations agree: the Persian Gulf region is heating up, meaning average and extreme temperatures are going up.

Extreme Heat Events

Alongside steady warming, the region has seen alarming heat waves and record highs. In recent years both countries have hit or neared all-time temperature records during summer. For example:

• June 2024 (Saudi Haj pilgrimage) – A deadly heatwave struck Mecca and surrounding deserts. Temperatures on the pilgrimage route exceeded 47°C, and at one point topped 51.8°C at Mecca’s Grand Mosque. Scientists attributed this extreme heat partly to climate change: they estimated human-caused warming made the surge about 2.5°C hotter than it would have been naturally.
• Summer 2024 (Saudi Arabia) – A joint WMO/WHO report noted that parts of Saudi Arabia “soared beyond 50°C” during 2024, exposing millions of people to dangerous conditions and contributing to roughly 1,300 heat-related deaths during the Haj.
• August 2025 (UAE) – The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) reported that the desert town of Sweihan reached 51.8°C on August 1, 2025 – just shy of the UAE’s all-time record of 52.1°C set in 2002. Coastal cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi saw daily highs in the mid-40s°C.
• May 2025 (Saudi Arabia) – Climate records were shattered when Abqaiq in Saudi Arabia reached 52.2°C (126°F) on May 24, 2025 – the hottest measured temperature in the Northern Hemisphere for that year.

These events illustrate a new reality: 40°C days and even 50°C+ heat waves are becoming common. Data show heatwaves now start earlier, last longer, and reach higher peaks in the Gulf region.

One expert warned that “unbearable temperatures over 40°C and even 50°C are increasingly frequent” due to climate change. In effect, extreme heat events like those above would have been much rarer or cooler in a world without added greenhouse gases.

Human and Environmental Impacts

Rising Temperature in Saudi Arabia and UAE are already affecting daily life and nature in the region. People and ecosystems are feeling the strain of hotter weather:

• Health risks: Extreme heat leads to dehydration, heatstroke, and other illnesses. Vulnerable groups (the elderly, young children, outdoor workers) suffer most. For instance, the 2024 Haj heatwave saw hundreds of deaths among pilgrims. Public health warnings now urge limiting outdoor work during peak heat.
• Daily life: In summer, schools and businesses often adjust schedules to avoid midday heat. Many outdoor activities are impractical during the hottest months. Construction and laborers must work around heat advisories. Even in cities, people rely heavily on air conditioning; one visitor noted, “We are whining while sitting in the air-condition… they (outdoor labourers) are working 24/7 in this heat.”.
• Economy: Energy demand spikes as temperatures rise. Air conditioning and cooling make up a large share of electricity use in summer, straining power grids. Agriculture is also challenged by heat and water scarcity; farmers rely on irrigation and may shift planting seasons. Hot weather can slow tourism (desert tours, city sightseeing) when visitors avoid peak heat.
• Environment: Wildlife and natural ecosystems are stressed by higher heat. Some desert plants and animals are adapted to heat, but heat plus drought can worsen desertification. Higher evaporation means drier soils inland and even more humidity on the coasts. For example, the Abu Dhabi area sees increased humidity, making the heat feel more oppressive for residents. Meanwhile, dust storms become more frequent and intense: NASA imagery shows massive sandstorms blanketing Saudi Arabia. These winds can reduce air quality and visibility across the Gulf.

In summary, hotter temperatures mean more health emergencies, greater electricity use for cooling, and stress on water and food resources. The summer Temperature in Saudi Arabia and UAE is no longer just uncomfortable – it is a growing hazard that affects infrastructure, the economy, and public safety.

Dust Storms: An Extreme Example

In a hot, dry climate, natural events like dust storms also illustrate rising temperatures. Saudi Arabia’s landscape is 95% desert, and the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) is one of the world’s largest sand dunes. Strong heat can lift dust into huge plumes. The NASA image above shows one such storm rolling over the Arabian Peninsula.

These dust storms can raise daytime temperatures (dark dust absorbs heat) and worsen respiratory problems. They are a dramatic example of how the region’s arid climate combines with heat to produce extreme weather conditions.

Climate Change and Causes

Why are these heat trends happening? The answer is global climate change. Saudi Arabia and the UAE burn large amounts of fossil fuels (oil and gas), and the resulting greenhouse gases have warmed the planet. This global warming affects the Gulf more strongly than many places. Attribution studies confirm that many Gulf heat waves were made significantly hotter by human-caused warming.

Worldwide, 2024 was the hottest year on record, exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. That means even deserts are experiencing new temperature extremes. Experts say both Saudi and Emirati heat waves can be 3–4°C warmer than in the past, and events like the 2024 Haj heat were “directly linked to fossil fuel burning”.

Government Response and Energy Policies

Faced with rising heat, both countries have begun taking action. They are investing in new energy policies and climate initiatives:

• Saudi Arabia: Under its Vision 2030 plan, Saudi Arabia is funding over 80 green initiatives and has committed $180 billion to expand its clean-energy and sustainability efforts. The kingdom is building large solar farms and wind projects (e.g. NEOM’s renewables), and planting trees to combat desertification. Saudi Aramco (the state oil company) also invests in carbon capture and alternative energy. Officials highlight these efforts at international forums.
• United Arab Emirates: The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy sets ambitious clean-energy targets. The country plans for 44% of its energy to be from renewables by 2050, and to be carbon-neutral by 2050. Already, the UAE has built some of the world’s largest solar parks (Al Dhafra, Noor Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Rashid Park) which collectively save millions of tons of CO₂ per year. In 2023, the UAE became the first Arab nation to operate a nuclear power plant, supplying 25% of its electricity with nuclear energy. These moves diversify the energy mix away from oil and gas. The UAE also took a leading diplomatic role by hosting COP28 in Dubai (Nov-Dec 2023). World leaders at COP28 agreed to move toward “net zero by 2050”, explicitly acknowledging the need to transition off fossil fuels.

In summary, both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are aware of the heat challenge. They are funding renewable energy and raising efficiency, while planning to reduce oil dependence. For example, the UAE’s 2050 Energy Strategy aims to triple its renewable capacity and increase non-oil energy to 30% by 2031.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiative targets planting 10 billion trees and expanding renewables under Vision 2030. These policies show that each country is attempting to adapt to rising temperatures even as they address global climate goals.

Practical Tips for Coping with Extreme Heat

Living and traveling in Gulf heat requires special precautions. Here are some practical tips adapted from health experts to stay safe in Saudi Arabian and UAE summers:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink water constantly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Keep a refillable water bottle with you at all times.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing (cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics). A wide-brimmed hat or umbrella can provide shade. Sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 30+) are essential outdoors.
• Avoid Peak Sun: Plan outdoor activities for early morning or after sunset. Stay indoors during the hottest hours (roughly 11am–4pm). If outdoors, seek shade frequently.
• Use Cooling Aids: Apply cool, damp cloths to pulse points (neck, wrists). Spend time in air-conditioned or shaded spaces. Electric fans and misting sprays help but in intense heat they may be insufficient by themselves.
• Listen to Your Body: Watch for heat exhaustion symptoms (dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat). Take breaks and sit down if you feel faint. Do not over-exert yourself in high temperatures.
• Monitor Weather Alerts: Use smartphone weather apps or local forecasts to track heatwaves. Pay attention to any heat advisory warnings. Many national meteorology centers issue alerts on extreme heat.
• Adjust Routine: If possible, shift exercise or physical work to cooler hours. Take siestas or rest breaks during midday. Ensure children and elderly people rest more often.
• Eat Smart: Consume water-rich foods (watermelon, cucumbers) and light meals. Avoid heavy or oily foods that raise body heat. Traditional cooling teas (mint, anise, hibiscus) can help hydration.
• Safety Kit: Keep oral rehydration salts, a thermometer, and a small first aid kit at home or in your car. Know the location of nearest clinics or emergency services.

Implementing these tips can greatly reduce heat risks. For travelers: carry extra water, apply sunscreen, and take frequent shade breaks (especially if not acclimated). Many metro systems in Gulf cities have cool waiting areas.

Outdoor workers should have mandatory water breaks and shade as laws often require. Even indoors, leave lights off and use fans at night if the air conditioner is not running. Planning and awareness are the best defenses against temperatures well over 40°C.

FAQs

Q: Why are Temperature in Saudi Arabia and UAE so hot all year round?
A: These countries lie near the Tropic of Cancer in the Arabian Desert. The sun’s rays hit the ground at a steep angle, producing very high solar heating. Their terrain is mostly flat, sandy desert with little vegetation.

Without moisture and forests to cool the air, heat builds up quickly. In summer, daytime temperatures routinely exceed 40°C. Nights cool somewhat (especially in Saudi’s interior), but daytime peaks remain extreme. Coastal cities in the UAE can be more humid, making the heat feel “sticky.”

Q: How much have temperatures risen recently in Saudi Arabia and the UAE?
A: Substantially. Compared to the 20th century baseline, average temperatures in the UAE have climbed about 1.8°C since the 1800s. Saudi Arabia’s warming rate in recent decades is about 50% higher than the global average.

For everyday experience, this means summers are hotter and heatwaves more severe than they used to be. Records show new high-temperature records being set almost every few years, and heat extremes that would have been once-in-a-century events are now recurring.

Q: Is climate change to blame?
A: Yes, largely. The scientific consensus is that the region’s warming is driven by greenhouse gases from fossil fuel burning and global warming. Attribution studies indicate recent heatwaves in Saudi Arabia were several degrees warmer because of human-caused warming.

More broadly, global temperatures are at record highs, and the Middle East is warming faster than the global average. Without climate change, the Gulf’s heat extremes would be less severe.

Q: How are locals adapting to hotter weather?
A: In many ways. People adjust daily life: work shifts avoid midday heat, and many schools/businesses run shorter hours in summer. Buildings are built with high insulation and powerful air conditioning (nearly everyone has AC). Public health measures include hiring paramedics at outdoor events, educating workers on heat safety, and issuing heat alerts.

Traditional clothing (long, loose robes) also helps reflect sun and provide airflow. Governments invest in water desalination and shaded infrastructure. Both countries are also planting urban greenery and cooling projects to mitigate the heat island effect in cities.

Q: Will it keep getting hotter?
A: All indications say yes, unless greenhouse gas emissions are drastically reduced. Climate models project the Arabian Peninsula will warm by several more degrees by mid-century under current trends. Heatwaves will become even more frequent.

The timing of the Hajj pilgrimage is slowly drifting into hotter months, which scientists warn will increase risk unless global warming is limited. That said, both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing in cooling infrastructure and renewable energy to try to limit warming. The future climate depends on global and local action: reducing emissions could slow the rise, while business-as-usual would mean continuing heat rise and more extreme seasons.

Final Thoughts

Studying the temperature in Saudi Arabia and UAE reveals a clear pattern: historically scorching climates are becoming even hotter. Both nations already endure some of the world’s highest temperatures, and warming trends due to global climate change are pushing extremes higher. The past few years of record heat and deadly heatwaves make it clear that temperature trends matter for people’s health, comfort, and the economy.

Yet despite these challenges, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are taking steps – from massive solar farms to green finance – to adapt to and mitigate the heat. Meanwhile, residents and visitors must continue to use common-sense measures (hydration, shade, timing) to stay safe. Understanding past and present temperature changes helps prepare for what comes next. With good policies and personal awareness, this region can better cope with its rising heat.