May Heat Record at 51.6°C

Die Geissens Real Estate L.L.C
1. June 2025

The United Arab Emirates recorded a sweltering 51.6°C in Sweihan (Al Ain) at 13:45 local time on Saturday, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM). This breaks the country’s May heat record for the second day in a row, surpassing Friday’s 50.4°C.

Climate Trends and Regional Impact

• Both days exceeded the previous May record of 50.2°C set in 2009.
• The UAE, one of the hottest countries globally, is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
• Scientists link recurring heatwaves to global warming, with projections showing increased frequency and intensity.
• A 2022 Greenpeace report highlights the region’s heating at nearly twice the global average, raising concerns about water and food security.

Expert Analysis and Outlook

Dr Ahmed Habib, meteorologist at NCM, attributes the current heat to a very hot air mass from the desert combined with a thermal low pressure system. He notes that this pressure system is expected to move east, potentially easing temperatures slightly in the coming days.

“We’ve recorded extreme temperatures in May this year. The highest in 25 years,” Dr Habib emphasized.

Real Estate and Infrastructure Implications

• The increasing occurrence of extreme temperatures highlights the importance of resilient building design and advanced cooling infrastructure in real estate planning.
• The UAE’s smart city initiatives and investment in sustainable technologies, such as energy-efficient buildings and green spaces, take on heightened importance amid climate stress.
• Urban planning in emerging markets across the region may follow Dubai’s lead, integrating air-conditioned transit, smart grid energy systems, and climate-resilient architecture.

Summer Outlook

The summer officially begins on June 21, and while Dr Habib notes that record-breaking heat may not persist into June and July, humidity is expected to rise due to the Indian monsoon system. This could further strain infrastructure and increase energy consumption for cooling.

Climate Changes?

As climate patterns shift and heat extremes become more common, investment in adaptive infrastructure and sustainable development will be essential to ensure livable urban environments in the UAE and beyond.