Heat Stress: Symptoms, Prevention & Gulf Work Rules (2026)
Summer in Dubai, Riyadh, Doha or Kuwait means daytime temperatures that can be dangerous for anyone working outdoors or in hot kitchens and laundries. Heat waves now also hit the UK, Europe, Australia and North America. Heat stress happens when the body cannot get rid of enough heat, and it can progress to heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke.
This guide explains the warning signs, how to help someone who is overheating, how employers and workers can prevent problems, and the UAE midday break rules for 2026. It is general information; in an emergency, call for medical help immediately.
Please note: this article is general information, not professional medical advice. Rules change, so check the official sources linked below or speak to a qualified professional before you decide. Read our disclaimer.
Table of contents
What is heat stress?
Heat stress is the total heat load on the body from hot weather, humidity, sun, hot equipment, physical work and heavy clothing. When the body's cooling (mainly sweating) cannot keep up, core temperature rises and heat-related illness follows. The World Health Organization describes heat as a growing health risk in its heat and health fact sheet, and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes workplace guidance on its heat exposure page.
Heat stress symptoms to watch for
The NHS lists signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Common warning signs include:
- Headache, dizziness and confusion
- Loss of appetite and feeling sick
- Excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- Fast breathing or pulse
- Intense thirst and tiredness
Heat stress vs heat exhaustion vs heat stroke
| Condition | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Early overheating | Body is struggling to cool; discomfort, thirst, rashes, cramps | Rest in shade, drink water, reduce workload |
| Heat exhaustion | Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea | Move to a cool place, lie down with legs raised, fluids, cool the skin; get help if no improvement |
| Heat stroke | Body cannot cool itself; confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, may stop sweating | Medical emergency: call an ambulance and cool the person while waiting |
The NHS advises calling emergency services if someone with heat exhaustion does not start to feel better after resting in a cool place and drinking water, or shows signs of heatstroke.
How to treat heat stress: first aid steps
- Move the person to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned place.
- Have them lie down and raise their feet slightly.
- Give water or a rehydration drink if they are conscious and able to swallow.
- Cool the skin with a wet cloth, cool water spray and fanning; cold packs on the armpits and neck help.
- Stay with them and watch for worsening signs.
- Call your local emergency number if they are confused, unconscious, having a seizure, or not improving.
Never leave a person with suspected heat stroke alone, and do not give fluids to someone who is unconscious.
UAE midday break rules for 2026
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) runs an occupational heat safety policy each summer. For 2026, MOHRE announced a ban on outdoor work under direct sunlight and in open areas from 12:30pm to 3:00pm daily, from 15 June to 15 September (see MOHRE: The Midday Break and the WAM announcement). Employers must provide shaded rest areas, cooling, drinking water and first aid, and certain technically unavoidable work is exempt under conditions. Other Gulf countries have their own summer work rules; check the labour ministry in your country.
How to prevent heat stress at work
For workers
- Drink water regularly, before you feel thirsty.
- Wear light, loose, breathable clothing and a hat outdoors.
- Take breaks in shade or cool rooms.
- Tell your supervisor early if you feel unwell; check on colleagues too.
- Be extra careful in your first weeks in a hot country, when your body is not yet used to the heat.
For employers
- Schedule heavy work in cooler hours and follow the midday break.
- Provide water, shade, cooling and trained first-aiders.
- Build up workloads gradually for new arrivals.
- Ventilate kitchens, laundries and plant rooms.
OSHA's guidance stresses water, rest and shade, and gradual acclimatisation for new or returning workers, as the core of prevention.
Work in hotels or restaurants? Hospitality Vacancy lists hotel jobs in India, the Gulf and Europe, and registering is free.
Best drink for heat stress
Water is the main drink for most people. During long, sweaty shifts, drinks with electrolytes or oral rehydration solutions can help replace salts lost in sweat. Avoid relying on energy drinks or alcohol; the NHS also advises avoiding too much alcohol and caffeine in hot weather. If you have a heart or kidney condition or take diuretics, ask your doctor how much to drink.
More guides for hot-climate workers
Long shifts in heat are tiring. See our night shift health tips, shoes for standing all day, back pain from standing all day and burnout symptoms.
See a doctor if symptoms are severe, sudden, getting worse, or come with warning signs listed by your national health service. In an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK, 911 in the US and Canada, 000 in Australia, 998 or 999 in the UAE).
FAQ: heat stress
What are the first signs of heat stress?
Thirst, headache, dizziness, heavy sweating, cramps and tiredness are common early signs. Rest in shade and drink water straight away.
What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
Heat exhaustion causes heavy sweating, weakness and dizziness and usually improves with cooling. Heat stroke is an emergency where the body cannot cool itself and confusion or collapse may occur.
How long does heat stress last?
Mild symptoms often ease within about half an hour of cooling and fluids. If they do not, or worsen, seek medical help.
What are the UAE midday break hours in 2026?
MOHRE bans outdoor work in direct sunlight from 12:30pm to 3:00pm daily, from 15 June to 15 September 2026, with some exemptions.
What is the best drink for heat stress?
Water for most people, with electrolyte or oral rehydration drinks during long, sweaty shifts. Avoid alcohol and energy drinks.
Read next
- Night shift health tips for hotel and hospital staff
- Back pain from standing all day: causes and relief
- Shoes for standing all day: what to look for
- Burnout symptoms: signs, causes and recovery
- More Heat Safety guides
- About Shift Worker Health
Work in hotels or restaurants? Hospitality Vacancy lists hotel jobs in India, the Gulf and Europe, and registering is free.
About the author: Sumit Manwal
Sumit Manwal is the founder of Hospitality Vacancy, the job site built for the hotel industry. He is passionate about helping hotel management students and hospitality professionals build successful careers, and connects talented people with hotel jobs across India, the Gulf and Europe. On Shift Worker Health he writes clear, practical everyday wellbeing guides for shift workers and hospitality staff, so every reader can make confident decisions about their work and life. He is not a medical professional, so every guide here links to official sources and he encourages readers to confirm details with a qualified expert before acting.
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