Dubai, UAE – The recent surge in humidity across Dubai has resulted in significant damage to residential properties, with many residents experiencing equipment failures and structural issues.
As humidity levels soared above 80 percent in various parts of the city, the repercussions have been felt by countless households.
Noora T., a resident of Dubai, recently found herself in a frustrating predicament when her refrigerator ceased functioning due to the excessive humidity.
“When I woke up in the morning, the fridge was not cooling and all my food was spoilt,” she recounted. “I got a serviceman to check it and he said that the excessive humidity in my house had caused the damage. One of the air conditioners in my house was also ruined because of the humidity.”
Noora is among the many residents facing similar issues. The National Centre of Meteorology has reported that, despite temperatures averaging around 40 degrees Celsius, relative humidity levels have been alarmingly high.
Coastal and island areas have seen humidity ranging from 70 to 95 percent, while internal areas have experienced levels between 70 and 90 percent.
For Noora, this is a first-time occurrence. She suspects that ongoing construction work at her residence might have exacerbated the problem.
“We have been having construction work going on at my house so there has been a lot of people going in and out of the house,” she said.
To prevent future issues, Noora has ordered a new refrigerator and air conditioner, as well as a dehumidifier to combat the high moisture levels.
Structural Damage and Increased Maintenance Needs
The impact of the high humidity extends beyond appliances. Mohammed Iqbal, a long-term resident in an apartment near Satwa, reported structural damage caused by the moisture. “The intense humidity has caused a crack in my wall,” Iqbal explained.
This crack resulted in a large wall mirror falling and narrowly avoiding damage, thanks to a strategically placed sofa. Iqbal, who has lived in his apartment for over 12 years, described this year’s summer as one of the worst he has encountered.
“I feel like this year’s summer and humidity have been one of the worst in my two decades in the UAE,” he added.
The excessive moisture has also led to continuous water dripping from his false ceiling. “I have buckets and rags spread throughout the house to prevent puddles,” Iqbal said. “Sometimes the water comes pouring out of the ceiling.”
Another resident, Mehnaz A., has encountered problems with her property’s doors. Living in a villa in Jumeirah, she found that both her front door and gate had become jammed due to the high humidity.
“We have to use a certain amount of force as well as technique to be able to open the door,” Mehnaz reported. With the landlord currently traveling, she is left waiting for repairs.
Expert Advice on Maintaining Equipment
Experts are advising residents to maintain their air-conditioning units more diligently during these challenging weather conditions. High humidity levels can lead to the accumulation of dust and moisture in AC systems, reducing their efficiency and potentially causing damage.
Hiba Sakkir, a resident of Remraam, noticed an unusually high electricity bill, which was her first clue that something was amiss.
“The humidity was high, and the AC cooling was low,” Sakkir said. “Our electricity bill was also extremely high. Water was dripping off the ceiling.”
After calling a technician, she discovered that dust accumulation in her AC filters was the problem. The maintenance team cleaned the filters, and the situation has since improved.
The Bigger Picture
The impact of high humidity on residential properties in Dubai highlights the broader challenges associated with extreme weather conditions in the region.
As climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, residents must remain vigilant and proactive in maintaining their homes and equipment.
The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology continues to monitor humidity levels and provide updates to the public.
In the meantime, residents are advised to regularly check and maintain their air-conditioning units and be aware of potential signs of humidity-related damage.
For those experiencing similar issues, seeking prompt repairs and considering additional measures, such as dehumidifiers, can help mitigate the effects of excessive moisture.
As the summer continues, staying informed and prepared will be crucial for managing the impacts of high humidity in Dubai.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members