Sandstorm covers UAE, experts warn of health impacts from dusty conditions
May 20, 2022, 7:53 am

Sandstorm covers UAE, experts warn of health impacts from dusty conditions

Sandstorm affects not only visibility - it also acerbates existing health conditions among people - Photo: Pixabay

Experts across the UAE have warned of the health impacts from the dusty conditions caused by sandstorms which have blanketed large parts of the country this week.

This week, forecasters issued a countrywide alert of hazardous weather due to sandstorm-related dust conditions.

In recent days, the dusty weather has descended over almost all of the UAE.

Forecasters at the National Center of Meteorology said much of the same weather is expected over the course of the next few days, with a high likelihood of dust and sand affecting visibility up until at least Sunday.

A sandstorm has also engulfed Saudi Arabia’s capital and other regions of the Kingdom this week, hampering visibility and slowing road traffic.

In recent days, the dusty weather has descended over almost all of the UAE. (Supplied: Twitter)

Doctors said that as winds blow dust and sand into the atmosphere - affecting not only visibility - it also acerbates existing health conditions among residents.

Iraq sandstorm forces closure of airports, schools and public administrations

Dr Rakesh Kumar Gupta, deputy medical director and specialist pulmonologist of Lifecare Hospital, Musaffah, told Al Arabiya English: “In this dusty weather, a higher number of patients seek medical attention for respiratory issues.

“Exposure to sandstorms can cause health problems in people in the high-risk category like patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions, pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those who work outdoors.”

“While the larger dust particles can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, the finer particles can irritate the lungs and lead to allergic reactions,” he added.

Iraq sandstorm sends more than 1,000 to hospital with respiratory ailments

The doctor said assuring to take adequate precautions during a sandstorm: “Sandstorm exposure may worsen conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. It may also trigger an acute attack of asthma in previously stable asthmatics, so these patients must take extra care.”

Source: alarabiyanews

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced its sponsorship of the “Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition (GU - IST Solutions), hosted by Gulf University at its main campus.
This strategic sponsorship reflects BENEFIT’s active role in advancing technological innovation and fostering sustainable solutions to future challenges. It also seeks to empower Bahraini youth by enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competitiveness in innovation and solution development—contributing meaningfully to the broader goals of sustainable development across all sectors.
As part of BENEFIT’s active involvement in the competition, the company has announced that Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication, will serve on the competition’s supervisory committee. Her upcoming participation reflects BENEFIT’s forward-looking commitment to championing academic and professional excellence.
Commenting on the occasion, Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication at BENEFIT, said, “We are privileged to support this pioneering initiative, which aligns seamlessly with BENEFIT’s enduring commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the potential of Bahrain’s youth. Our participation is rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility and a firm belief in the pivotal role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Through such platforms, we seek to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and foresight required to develop impactful solutions that address future challenges, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Dr. Aseel Al Ayash Dean of the College of Engineering in Gulf University commented, “We extend our sincere gratitude to BENEFIT for their generous sponsorship and support of the Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition. This contribution plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve the strategic goals of this initiative, namely, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability, encouraging efforts that address the imperatives of sustainable development, and enhancing the practical and professional capabilities of our students and participants.”
The event will bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, including secondary school students, university undergraduates, engineers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and subject matter experts representing a wide range of disciplines.
The competition seeks to inspire participants to develop and present innovative, sustainable technologies aimed at addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. It encourages the formulation of business models that integrate advanced technological solutions with core principles of sustainability. Moreover, it serves as a platform for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promote the ethos of responsible technology, and demonstrate its transformative potential across various sectors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a series of project presentations submitted by participants, covering diverse areas such as eco-friendly product design, smart and sustainable innovations, renewable energy technologies, water conservation and management, waste minimisation and recycling, green architectural solutions, and sustainable transportation systems. Outstanding projects will be formally recognised and awarded at the conclusion of the event.