Who Should Avoid Sauna? Key Risks and Safety Rules for Dubai Spa Goers

When you think of a sauna, a heated room designed to induce sweating and promote relaxation. Also known as dry heat therapy, it’s a popular feature in Dubai spas—but it’s not for everyone. While many enjoy the warmth for stress relief and muscle recovery, pushing into a sauna with certain health conditions can be risky, even dangerous. The real question isn’t whether saunas are good for you—it’s whether they’re safe for you.

People with heart conditions, including uncontrolled high blood pressure, recent heart attack, or arrhythmias should avoid saunas. The heat forces your heart to work harder, pumping more blood to cool your skin. For someone with a weak heart, that extra strain can trigger dizziness, chest pain, or worse. Similarly, those with low blood pressure, especially if they faint easily or feel lightheaded standing up, risk passing out in the heat. Dubai’s climate already pushes your body to its limits—adding a sauna on top of that? That’s asking for trouble.

Pregnant women, particularly in the first trimester, are often advised to skip saunas. Raising core body temperature too high can affect fetal development. Even if you feel fine, your baby doesn’t have the same ability to regulate heat. People with multiple sclerosis, a condition where heat worsens nerve signal delays, may find symptoms like fatigue or muscle weakness spike after just a few minutes. And if you’re on medications that affect sweating—like diuretics, beta-blockers, or antihistamines—your body can’t cool itself properly. That’s when heat exhaustion turns into heat stroke.

Don’t assume you’re fine just because you’re young or fit. If you’ve ever passed out, felt nauseous in hot rooms, or been told to avoid overexertion, you’re not just being cautious—you’re being smart. Saunas aren’t magic. They’re a tool. And like any tool, they can hurt you if used wrong. The same spa that offers you a Moroccan bath or a Vichy shower will also have staff trained to spot red flags. Tell them your history. Ask if it’s safe. It’s not rude—it’s responsible.

And don’t confuse a sauna with a steam room. They feel similar, but the risks aren’t the same. A steam room is wet heat, which can be easier on the lungs but harder on the skin if you have eczema or open wounds. A sauna is dry, which can spike your heart rate faster. Knowing the difference matters. So does knowing your own body. If you’re unsure, skip it. There’s no prize for pushing through discomfort. The best spa experience is the one where you walk out feeling better—not drained, dizzy, or in pain.

Below, you’ll find real guides from Dubai locals and spa professionals on what to watch out for, what to do after heat treatments, and how to tell if a therapy is right for your body. No fluff. No myths. Just clear, practical advice to keep you safe while you relax.