Sandstorms are part of desert life, and often occur in Dubai. Sandstorms happen because strong, dry northwesterly winds carry fine sand across the desert. Visibility often falls below 500 meters, creating hazardous conditions. During sandstorms in Dubai, local authorities advise residents to stay indoors until conditions improve.
Such advisories are more than just weather notes for homeowners and businesses. They’re practical realities that shape daily planning in the Emirates. Drawing on our regional experience in property and home maintenance in challenging environments, we emphasize the need for reliable infrastructure during sandstorms.
Here’s a guide to help you know what to do in a sandstorm, before and after the weather event.
Key Takeaways
- Exposure to sand and dust is harmful and creates hazardous conditions outdoors, which is why local authorities suggest that residents stay indoors with closed windows and doors.
- Fine particles from sandstorms can enter the tiniest gaps and neglected areas can also become entry points, affecting the comfort and safety of any property.
- Sandstorms can carry viruses and bacteria, so scheduling sanitization services in Dubai after conditions improve offers greater precaution.
Table of Contents
- What to Do in a Sandstorm
- Fortifying Your Home: How to Survive a Sandstorm
- What to Do After Sandstorms in Dubai
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Protect Your Property from a Dubai Sandstorm Today
What to Do in a Sandstorm
Sandstorm safety begins with being aware of the weather forecast. An update on the weather allows you to plan your outings and manage other activities safely. Exposure to sand and dust is harmful, especially to people with compromised immune systems, children, and the elderly.
Given the hazardous conditions a sandstorm in Dubai can create, the health authority suggests the following measures:
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- Close the windows on windy days.
- If you have to leave the house or building, wear protective masks and goggles or glasses.
Exposure to dust and sand can be damaging to your health, but the debris can also take a toll on your home.
Fortifying Your Home: How to Survive a Sandstorm
Home and property maintenance in Dubai goes a long way toward securing your assets. With the city’s exposure to sandstorms from June to September, the tiniest gaps and neglected areas can become entry points for fine particles, affecting the comfort and safety of any property.
Abrasive sand can create mechanical damage in a heating and cooling system and make it inefficient. Fine particles can clog air filters and coat evaporator coils.
Sandstorms also come with strong winds, and these can destroy exterior areas.
Fine particles that settle indoors can also damage interior surfaces and electronics.
It’s important to prepare your property, whether it’s your residence or place of business, ahead of a sandstorm in Dubai.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can do to prevent the damage.
| Features | What to Do |
| HVAC |
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| Windows and doors |
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| Furniture, carpets, and curtains |
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| Exterior walls |
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| Outdoor spaces |
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What to Do After Sandstorms in Dubai
Once the sandstorm clears and the dust settles, your property will need deep cleaning. You’ll need to do more than wipe down surfaces, inside and outside of your property.
Sandstorms can severely compromise air quality. Other than dust, sandstorms can carry viruses and bacteria. You can use a vacuum with HEPA filters or, as a greater precaution, schedule sanitization services in Dubai. Infiway’s skilled technicians carry out municipality-approved disinfection, using advanced techniques and EPA-approved disinfectants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read more information about sandstorms in Dubai.
What should I do during a sandstorm?
During a sandstorm, you should stay indoors until conditions improve. Keep the doors and windows closed. Make sure your pets are safe, too. If you’re caught outdoors, cover your nose and mouth with a mask. If you don’t have a mask, a damp cloth can help reduce dust inhalation. Protect your eyes with glasses or goggles, and try to seek shelter where possible.
Is it safe to go outside during a sandstorm?
It’s generally unsafe to go outside during a sandstorm. Apart from the low visibility endangering movements, sandstorms in Dubai can compromise air quality. Exposure to dust and other harmful particles can worsen or cause respiratory issues. It can also lead to eye and skin irritation. Sandstorms can trigger asthma and allergies.
How long does a sandstorm last in Dubai?
The duration of a sandstorm in Dubai varies. Most sandstorms last a few hours, and the severe ones might last an entire day. Fortifying your home ensures you stay safe indoors, whether it’s for a few hours or the rest of the day.
Protect Your Property from a Dubai Sandstorm Today
The proactive steps you take today can make all the difference when sandstorms hit. From sealing entry points and protecting your AC system to securing outdoor areas and minimizing damage, following simple measures can provide protection for your home or building.
Protect your property with our annual maintenance contract in Dubai. With an AMC, you gain peace of mind knowing your property is in top condition when the next sandstorm in Dubai happens.
