As Gulf temperatures climb above 40°C and air-conditioning systems run around the clock, experts are warning that one of the region’s fastest-growing health risks may be hiding indoors.

While residents often blame sneezing, congestion, and poor sleep on dust or seasonal changes, specialists say poorly maintained cooling systems can significantly affect indoor air quality — an issue that is becoming increasingly important as people spend more time indoors.

These symptoms are often attributed to dust or seasonal change, yet one of the most commonly overlooked areas of home care remains the AC system itself. Dr. Saira Hyder, Medical Director at Justlife, says, “Regular maintenance is often the most practical intervention available to residents,” adding that most people only act when they notice odors or reduced cooling performance, even though “the buildup has usually been developing long before that point.”

In the region, during the summer, temperatures often exceed 40°C, and humidity can reach 50% to 70%. These conditions make AC systems more likely to develop mould, even before you notice anything unusual. In summer 2024, AC companies in Dubai saw a 70% increase in calls, typically driven by heat, humidity, dust, and trapped moisture in cooling systems.

The result is not only weaker cooling performance and reduced airflow, but also, most importantly, poor air quality. Experts now see indoor environments as a public health issue. The quality of indoor air affects breathing, focus, productivity, sleep, and overall health.

FROM COMFORT TO INDOOR HEALTH

Dubai Municipality recognizes HVAC systems as a potential source of indoor air contaminants, including microbiological growth in drip pans, ductwork, coils, and drainage components. Beyond mould, poorly maintained AC systems may also become less effective at filtering bacteria, fine dust particles, and other indoor pollutants.

Dr. Hyder emphasizes that even when homes appear clean, hidden systems often tell a different story. She says, “Even if a room looks clean, hidden buildup inside the AC can affect airflow, cooling, and the quality of the air you breathe.”

Local AC service providers estimate that up to 30% of homes may have some kind of mould buildup in their AC systems. According to Dr. Hyder, this figure is based on “observations from AC cleaning and maintenance visits carried out by Justlife’s professionals across homes in the UAE,” particularly in units that have not been serviced for extended periods.

She adds that this is not an isolated trend but part of a broader pattern in demand and usage. “Justlife has observed a 30% increase in search volume for AC Cleaning services between January and March 2026,” she says, adding that “this is consistent with broader industry signals reported in the region.”

Dr. Hassam Chaudhry of Heriot-Watt University Dubai highlights the broader public health dimension of the issue, stating that “indoor air quality is a major public health issue in Gulf cities because people spend a significant portion of their time indoors.”

He explains that this exposure is not occasional but structural: “In regions where residents spend 80–90% or more of their time indoors, ensuring clean indoor air becomes just as, or even more important than focusing only on outdoor environmental conditions.”

As climate change pushes temperatures and humidity higher across the Gulf, reliance on air-conditioning systems is expected to increase further and for longer periods of the year. This extended usage introduces new challenges for maintaining healthy indoor environments.

According to Dr. Chaudhry, “Climate change is expected to make indoor air quality management increasingly challenging across Gulf cities,” as buildings rely more heavily on air conditioning for longer periods. He says that without proper maintenance, “excess moisture can develop in hidden areas such as ducts, ceilings, and wall cavities, allowing mould to spread unnoticed.”

When cooling systems operate continuously, moisture can accumulate inside ducts, coils, and drainage systems, particularly if maintenance is irregular. Over time, these hidden conditions can support microbial growth that remain unnoticed until symptoms or system inefficiencies emerge.

These issues may contribute to respiratory irritation, allergy-like symptoms, and reduced comfort, especially for vulnerable individuals.

When air-conditioning systems are not regularly maintained, buildup inside filters, coils, and ducts can restrict airflow, reduce cooling efficiency, increase electricity consumption, and accelerate wear on mechanical components. These effects often develop gradually, meaning residents may only notice them once performance has already declined.

In practical terms, poor maintenance affects more than comfort. It can also increase operational costs and shorten the lifespan of cooling systems, making preventative care a more cost-effective approach over time.

In addition, Dr. Hyder outlines both the health and financial consequences of neglected systems. “Untreated mould buildup can lead to health effects such as respiratory irritation, allergy-like symptoms, nasal congestion, and general discomfort, particularly for individuals with asthma or existing sensitivities,” she says. 

The impact extends beyond health, she says. “From a financial perspective, buildup in filters, coils, ducts, and drainage components can restrict airflow and reduce cooling efficiency,” Dr. Hyder says, forcing systems to work harder and resulting in higher electricity consumption and increased utility bills over time.

She also notes that in many cases, damage is cumulative. “Over time, it may also result in more frequent servicing needs and faster wear on system components if maintenance is delayed.”

BUILDINGS ARE BECOMING HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE

More experts now say that indoor environmental quality should be a key measure in building design and management, alongside energy efficiency and carbon emissions.

Dr. Chaudhry frames buildings not just as structures, but as lived environments. “Buildings are places of shelter where people live, work, study, and receive healthcare, making indoor environments critical to community wellbeing,” he says. 

“The quality of indoor air can support healthier occupants, reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and enhance overall quality of life,” says Dr. Chaudhry.

Researchers also note that the Gulf region presents unique environmental conditions, including extreme heat, high dust levels, and near-continuous air conditioning. These factors create a strong case for more localized research and region-specific standards for indoor air quality and HVAC performance.

Dr. Chaudhry acknowledges progress in the UAE but highlights gaps. “There is still room for more comprehensive research on the relationship between indoor air quality, cooling system maintenance, and long-term respiratory health outcomes,” he says. 

“Much of the existing knowledge comes from international studies, while local conditions such as extreme heat, high dust levels, and heavy reliance on air conditioning create unique challenges that warrant further investigation,” he adds.

As cities in the region continue to get hotter, air-conditioning will remain essential to everyday life. However, the focus is gradually shifting from simply cooling spaces to ensuring they remain healthy over long periods of occupancy.

He further notes that this shift must be reflected in policy and planning. “Indoor environmental quality should be treated as a key performance indicator rather than an afterthought.”

The new challenge is not just about keeping spaces cool. It is about ensuring indoor environments — homes, offices, and public buildings — remain clean, stable, and safe, especially since people spend most of their time indoors. Indoor air quality is becoming one of the most important—and least visible—factors shaping health and well-being.