Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are forecast to reach highs of 42°C on Thursday, July 23, information from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Dubai will also face impressive heat, with maximum temperatures reaching 40°C. The weather is expected to stay generally fair, offering little relief from the intense summer conditions typical of the region at this time of year. The forecast highs align with long-term climate summaries that put Dubai’s average daily maximum at about 41.5°C in July; those summaries place August’s average maximum at around 41.9°C.
The NCM forecasts low clouds in eastern parts of the UAE during the morning. Winds will be light to moderate, shifting from northwesterly to southeasterly and ranging between 10 and 20 km/h, with occasional gusts of up to 30 km/h. These wind patterns are not expected to significantly change the prevailing weather, though they may offer brief relief from the heat. Conditions can vary between inland and coastal areas: inland locations are often hotter during the day, while coastal humidity can make warm nights feel more oppressive.
Nighttime temperatures will stay elevated, with lows of 32°C forecast for Dubai and Sharjah and 31°C in Abu Dhabi. Long-term climate summaries put Dubai’s average July overnight temperature at about 31°C, a sign of how little nighttime cooling may be available during the hottest part of summer. The Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are forecast to have slight sea conditions, limiting the risk of maritime disruptions for commercial and leisure vessels in the area.
The UAE’s stable, hot weather contrasts with recent meteorological developments elsewhere in the region. Spain, for example, has been grappling with extreme weather events, including Saharan dust and muddy rains, as detailed in a recent report on unusual weather patterns affecting Mediterranean areas. The UAE is not currently facing such disruptions, but persistent high temperatures show the challenges of summer in the Gulf.
July is typically one of the UAE’s hottest months, with long-term climate data for Dubai showing average daily highs above 40°C. The country’s infrastructure and daily routines are adapted to these conditions, including widespread use of air conditioning and changes to outdoor work schedules.
The UAE’s annual midday work restriction is one such protection: under Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022, private-sector work performed directly under the sun and in open areas is prohibited from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. between June 15 and September 15. The restriction does not generally apply to indoor work or every outdoor activity, and employers are responsible for organizing covered work in line with labour and safety requirements. The NCM regularly issues weather updates and advisories to help residents manage risks from prolonged heat, including dehydration and heat-related illness. For those planning activities near the coast, slight seas are forecast, while high temperatures remain an impressive consideration.
