Summer safety in UAE… Tour operators take tourists for a ride

“As residents of the UAE, we might be aware of the risks of the local weather during the summer months, and of the way we can protect ourselves. But tourists just come here to enjoy their holiday, and are less concerned about the health risks,” said Wasyl Terych, chartered safety and health practitioner of ETA Consultancy at the launch of the Health and Safety Campaign of Dubai Municipality on Wednesday in Dubai Municipality Club.

According to Wasyl, the health of tourists coming to the UAE during the summer months is a challenge, because of their lack of awareness, and even more so this year because of the holy month of Ramadan falling in the midst of summer.

“Only a few tourist companies inform tourists about the health risks, and even fewer lead by example of how to behave in this weather,” said Wasyl.

“There is not a lot of guidance from tourist operators. We need to take up a more protective role in the UAE, and point out this issue to tourist operators.”

This year the UAE can expect to see more tourists during the summer months than in previous years because of the volatile situation in many countries in the region, said Wasyl.

“Tourists who would like to experience the Arab culture and hospitality, are now more likely to opt for the UAE,” he said.

“These tourists might look for a tan, go to the beach, go to the desert or join organized tours during which they are exposed to the sun.

“It is the job of tour operators, and in some cases also hotels to inform tourists about the right way of dealing with the heat and with the acclimatization process.

“During the hottest hours of the day, which are from 01.00-16.00 p.m. you should not be exposed to the sun.

“Consuming hot drinks, like tea, is better for the body when exposed to extreme heat then consuming cold drinks.

The sun screen block that is effective in other countries might not be effective here. A factor 30 is advised when being exposed to the sun during summer months in the UAE, and this should be put on time and time again.”

These are just a couple of advises Wasyl says tour operators should be passing on to the tourists that flock to this country in order to protect them.

And according to Wasyl, there is a challenge for children in particular.

“The skin of a child is more prone to skin burns, and their eyes more vulnerable. Furthermore, a child does not have these health concerns; they will just play and enjoy themselves.”

“Parents should tell their children to play in the shadow, have them wear wide shirts and a hat,” advises Wasyl.

On another note, he remarked that every year there are a couple of cases where children are left in the car in the heat unattended. “These cases can be fatal. A child should never be left in the car unattended under these weather conditions,” said Wasyl.

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