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Theme Park Goers Face Life-Threatening Illnesses Amid Dangerous Sun Exposure as Heat Index Reaches Historic Level

Dozens of theme parks are now at risk of exposing hundreds of vacationers to some of the most dangerous “feels like” temperatures ever recorded on Earth, and its all happening in Dubai as we speak.

The entrance of LEGOLAND Dubai, a vibrant theme park, features colorful LEGO brick towers and characters. A large LEGOLAND Dubai sign is displayed above the gate, designed with bright LEGO-themed elements. Families and children can be seen walking and playing in the foreground.
Credit: LEGOLAND DUBAI

Related: Theme Parks in Crisis: Earth-Shattering Heat Waves Prompt National Emergency at Disneyland, Other Major Parks

Dubai Sees Earth-Shattering Heat Index, Thousands of theme park Vacationers at Risk of Illnesses

Dubai, a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates, is renowned for its luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and vibrant nightlife scene. The skyline is dominated by the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 830 meters. At its base lies the Dubai Fountain, featuring jets and lights choreographed to music, where visitors can then venture off to the Dubai Mall, Dubai International Airport and check out the Arabian gulf, get panoramic views from the Burj Khalifa (the worlds tallest building), and check out the local sports teams practicing or playing.

Just offshore, on artificial islands, is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort that boasts water and marine-animal parks. Dubai is home to various world-class theme parks that offer unique and thrilling experiences for visitors of all ages. Among the most prominent is Dubai Parks and Resorts, which encompasses several individual parks, including Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, and Legoland Dubai.

Motiongate Dubai brings Hollywood to the Middle East with attractions and rides themed around blockbuster films from DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate. Bollywood Parks Dubai offers an immersive experience of the vibrant world of Indian cinema, featuring live performances, cinematic rides, and Indian cuisine. Legoland Dubai, designed for families with children aged 2-12, features interactive rides, building experiences, and attractions themed around the iconic LEGO bricks.

An exterior view of the entrance to Motiongate theme park. The large sign reads "motiongate" in colorful letters, set against a backdrop of a decorative golden film reel. The entrance area is paved, and various theme park structures are visible around the main entrance—make sure to enjoy safely while avoiding excessive sun exposure.
Credit: Motiongate Dubai

Related: Dangerous Heat Forces Thousands to Leave Disney World as Record Temperatures Grip Florida

Scorching Heat Index Leaves Thousands of theme park Goers Defenseless

Kuwait registered the third-highest temperature globally in June, recording 49.3 degrees Celsius at the International Airport. Recently, temperatures climbed to 51 degrees Celsius, approaching the country’s record of 54 degrees Celsius. Dubai has also been experiencing a severe heatwave.

Dubai recorded a heat index of 144°F (62.2°C) today at 3 PM. The heat index is currently 129°F (53.9°C) at 5 AM local time. Life-threatening heat.

@US_Stormwatch on X

While the thermometer shows temperatures reaching 43 degrees Celsius, the ‘feels like’ temperature, as reported by US-based weather services, is soaring to around 62 degrees Celsius. This exceptionally high ‘feels like’ temperature is attributed to intense air temperatures and high humidity levels, creating a heat index much higher than the actual recorded air temperature. Kuwait and Dubai are grappling with the scorching heat, with temperatures nearing levels where outdoor exposure could become life-threatening.

On July 17, Dubai’s ‘feels like’ temperature peaked at a challenging 62 degrees Celsius, approaching the upper limits of human heat tolerance. Climatic conditions characterized by high heat and humidity concurrently are particularly hazardous. The wet-bulb temperature, which accounts for heat and moisture, is critical in assessing these conditions.

In a desert with a city skyline in the background, a person wearing a headscarf and flowing clothing leads two camels adorned with colorful patterned blankets. Skyscrapers, including a tall tower, contrast with the sun-drenched sand dunes in the foreground.
Credit: Dubai

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A reading of 35 degrees Celsius or higher is deemed fatal for humans if exposure exceeds six hours. When humidity reaches 100 percent, sweat ceases to evaporate effectively, impairing the body’s ability to cool down. Prolonged exposure under such conditions can be lethal.

Most people don’t know that the most humid place on Earth is the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. Water temperatures in the Persian Gulf are currently as warm as 95°F (35°C), leading to oppressive humidity and widespread heat indices above 125°F (51.7°C). Today at noon, Persian Gulf International Airport reported a heat index of 149°F (65°C).

@US_Stormwatch on X

Weather services in Dubai caution that temperatures near the wet-bulb limit beyond which outdoor activities could pose life-threatening risks. Dubai’s geographical location near the Tropic of Cancer ensures consistently high temperatures, exacerbated by its proximity to the Persian Gulf, which elevates humidity levels. Additionally, the urban heat island effect plays a significant role, where city surfaces in this country absorb and retain heat, making urban areas notably warmer than surrounding rural zones.

Whether folks visit Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, Bollywood Parks Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, or any of the other theme parks in this part of the world, it is best to adhere to the warning from country officials. The heat index will lead to life-threatening circumstances, endangering hundreds of families visiting the country. Use caution and remain hydrated if you’re out there today and through the weekend; stay safe!

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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