Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke: Official Warning Signs and What to Do

Heatstroke is a medical emergency with a high case-fatality rate, the World Health Organization (WHO) says in its heat and health fact sheet, updated on 31 July 2026. In the UAE, the number for an ambulance is 998.

This guide brings together what the WHO, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) have published on recognising heat illness and what to do while help is on the way. It is general information, not a substitute for medical care; for advice about your own health, including how medicines or conditions affect you in the heat, see a doctor.

Heat exhaustion or heatstroke?

Heat exhaustion is often accompanied by dehydration, the DHA said in July 2022. UAE doctors quoted by Gulf News in July 2026 said heat-related illness typically progresses from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to heatstroke if untreated, and that the clearest difference is how alert the person is.

Heat exhaustionHeatstroke Signs describedHeavy sweating, thirst, dizziness, weakness, cramps, nausea, headache, clammy skinConfusion, disorientation, slurred speech, loss of coordination, fainting, seizures AlertnessUsually still alertConfused, disoriented or unconscious UrgencyAct straight away to cool down; it can progressMedical emergency: call 998

One of the doctors said heatstroke occurs when body temperature rises above 40°C, and another said it can develop within 10 to 15 minutes once the body's cooling fails.

The DHA's warning signs

In a July 2022 awareness message focused on children, the DHA listed these signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke:

• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Headache
• Red, hot and dry skin
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Unconsciousness

What to do

The DHA's steps, published for children in 2022:

1. Call an ambulance immediately.
2. Move the person to a shaded or cool place.
3. Remove excess clothing.
4. Lie them down with the legs raised.
5. Use a fan to help bring their temperature down.
6. Apply cold compresses or a wet towel to the head, neck and armpits.
7. If possible, help them drink water.

The doctors quoted by Gulf News in 2026 added a caution on step 7: don't give drinks to someone who is confused or not fully alert, because of the risk of choking; small sips only if they are conscious and can swallow safely. If the person is unconscious but breathing normally, one doctor advised placing them in the recovery position until paramedics arrive.

When to call 998

998 reaches an ambulance from anywhere in the UAE, a Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services paramedic told Gulf News. The DHA's advice is to call as soon as warning signs appear, and the WHO treats heatstroke as an emergency. Call at once for confusion, collapse, fainting or a seizure. Our guide to medical emergencies in Dubai explains what to tell the call handler.

Who is most at risk

The WHO lists older adults, especially those over 65; people with heart, lung or kidney conditions, diabetes or disabilities; people living alone; infants and children; and outdoor and manual workers and athletes. MOHAP's July 2024 guidance also names pregnant women.

Prevention, from official guidance

• Plan around the heat: MOHAP advises checking the forecast for heatwave warnings and scheduling outdoor activity for early morning or evening. The DHA singles out midday to 3pm for extra care.
• Dress for it: loose, light-coloured clothing and a hat or umbrella (DHA, MOHAP).
• Drink regularly: the WHO suggests about a cup an hour and at least 2–3 litres a day in hot weather.
• Never leave anyone in a parked car (DHA, WHO).
• Be ready: MOHAP suggests keeping oral rehydration salts, a thermometer, spare water and cooling cloths at hand, and saving the number of your nearest health centre.
• Check on others: the WHO advises regular checks on older neighbours and people living alone.

If you work outdoors, see our guide to heat safety at work and the summer midday break.

For general information, not medical advice. Details can change; check with the DHA, MOHAP or WHO before relying on them, and see a doctor for advice about your own health.