Conclusions

Heat-related emergencies in the Gulf region represent a critical and escalating health challenge that will intensify as climate extremes worsen. This review consolidates current evidence on the epidemiology, mechanisms, clinical implications, and management of heat illness within a uniquely high-risk environmental and occupational context, highlighting substantial gaps in surveillance, prevention, and research across GCC countries. The findings underscore the need for standardized regional reporting systems, improved early recognition and rapid cooling capabilities, and stronger integration of occupational and emergency care frameworks. Future research should prioritize multicenter prospective studies, standardized diagnostic criteria, evaluation of region-specific prevention strategies, and assessment of long-term functional and neurological outcomes among heatstroke survivors. From a policy perspective, strengthening occupational heat-protection regulations, implementing comprehensive heat-health warning systems, and expanding public education initiatives are essential to reducing heat-related morbidity and mortality. In clinical practice, the development of standardized emergency management protocols, regular healthcare provider training, and improved access to evidence-based cooling techniques and post-discharge rehabilitation services will be critical to enhancing patient outcomes and ensuring that healthcare systems across the GCC are equipped to respond effectively to the growing burden of extreme heat.