Medical experts highlight that children attending UAE summer camps are commonly at risk of heat exhaustion, stomach bugs, and respiratory infections, and explain how parents can help prepare for these challenges.
As summer camps across the UAE are set to begin within the next two weeks, doctors are urging parents to be more vigilant about heat-related illnesses, infections, and early signs of dehydration.
This is particularly important as children may spend time outdoors during free play as well as in shared indoor environments.
Medical experts say that the combination of extreme temperatures, active schedules, and close-contact environments creates conditions that can lead to common seasonal illnesses.
As summer camps across the UAE prepare to begin within the next two weeks, doctors are urging parents to be more vigilant about heat-related illnesses, infections, and early signs of dehydration.
This is especially important as children may spend time outdoors during free play as well as in shared indoor environments.
Medical experts say the combination of extreme temperatures, active schedules, and close-contact settings creates conditions that increase the risk of common seasonal illnesses.
Highlighting the biggest seasonal risks, specialists note that heat-related illness remains the most immediate concern for children attending camps in extreme temperatures.
Dr Mohamed Elgezouli, specialist in Family Medicine at Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Hospital Sharjah, said: “Heat exhaustion and dehydration lead the list — teens push hard physically without realising how fast the body struggles above 45°C. Skin and eye infections spread quickly in shared pools and close quarters. Respiratory infections are common too, caused by the constant shift between intense outdoor heat and over-air-conditioned indoor spaces. Stomach bugs and food poisoning round things out, especially where bulk catering is involved.”
He added that warning signs of heat illness include sudden confusion, irritability, a flushed face, or stopping sweating during activity.
Building a hydration habit
Doctors advise children to build hydration habits before attending camps.
“Two to three litres daily, starting the week before, not day one. Confirm the camp has structured indoor breaks during peak heat hours (roughly 12pm–4pm). Pack light-coloured breathable clothing, a hat, and SPF50 sunscreen,” Dr Elgezouli added.
Experts also note that early signs of heat stress are often overlooked because they appear mild before escalating quickly in high temperatures.
Infection risks
Beyond heat, specialists report a rise in infections linked to close-contact environments, shared accommodation, and group activities.
Dr Rupa Bakthavatchalu, paediatric specialist at NMC Medical Centre Safari Mall Sharjah, said gastrointestinal infections such as norovirus spread easily through close contact and contaminated surfaces in shared spaces. Respiratory infections like colds and flu also spread quickly, while skin infections such as hand, foot and mouth disease, chickenpox, and ringworm thrive in warm and humid conditions.
She added that prevention should begin before children leave home, including packing essentials such as sunscreen, water, snacks, insect repellent, and basic medicines, ensuring vaccination is up to date, and informing camp organisers about allergies or medical conditions.
Symptoms to watch for
Doctors urge parents and camp staff to monitor for early warning signs such as unusual tiredness, irritability, headaches, dizziness, nausea, reduced urination, or dark-coloured urine.
Dr Khaled Sayed Ahmed Youssef, paediatric specialist at Burjeel Specialty Hospital Sharjah, said these symptoms may indicate dehydration or heat stress and should not be ignored.
He added that heat exhaustion may present with heavy sweating, weakness, pale or clammy skin, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, and light-headedness, and requires immediate cooling and hydration.
Dr Youssef stressed that heat stroke is a medical emergency, with warning signs including confusion, seizures, very high body temperature, and altered sweating patterns, requiring urgent medical attention.
