The heat’s easing, the UV isn’t: How much sun protection do you need in the UAE now?
So, we spent all summer hiding from the sun, and all winter walking straight into it. Come November, life gradually moves outdoors. Beach walks at noon, weekend desert camps, long brunches on open terraces, school runs with the windows down: hours under open sky that nobody would have risked in August. Yet the sunscreen that felt non-negotiable in July has slipped to the back of the cabinet. The…
The UAE's winter season brings a change in perspective for sun protection, as the heat eases but ultraviolet (UV) radiation remains a concern. Dr. Dina Magdy Noor, a dermatologist at RAK Hospital, emphasizes that UV rays persist year-round, with UVA rays causing cumulative skin damage and pigmentation. While UVB levels vary with the seasons and time of day, UVA remains relatively consistent.
Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin damage and cancer prevention, making broad-spectrum protection essential, according to Dr. Rahaf Ali Madanieh, a dermatologist at Medcare Medical Centre. Contrary to the misconception that SPF represents the duration of sun protection, it only indicates UVB protection. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure, while those with indoor jobs and minimal direct sunlight exposure may require daily sunscreen application.
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