Living in the Sun but Still Deficient? Here’s Why

When you live in a place like Dubai where sunshine is practically guaranteed year-round you’d think vitamin D deficiency would be the last thing to worry about. But here’s the surprising truth: it’s actually very common here.

In fact, studies have found that a large percentage of people in the UAE are vitamin D deficient even with all that gorgeous desert sun. So how does that even happen? Let’s break it down.

1. The Heat Keeps Us Indoors

Yes, Dubai has stunning beaches and year-round light, but let’s be real, most of us spend a huge chunk of our time inside, especially during the scorching summer months. Between air-conditioned offices, malls, and cars, we can go days with minimal direct sun exposure.

2. Sun Protection Habits

We’ve been taught (rightly so) to protect our skin from harmful UV rays with sunscreen, long sleeves, and hats. While this helps prevent skin damage, it also blocks the UVB rays our skin needs to make vitamin D.

3. Timing Matters

Vitamin D synthesis happens best when the sun is high in the sky, usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. But that’s also when the heat is most intense in Dubai, so many people avoid being outdoors at those hours.

4. Skin Tone and Vitamin D

People with darker skin naturally have more melanin, which offers built-in protection from UV rays. The flip side is that it also reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D, meaning longer sun exposure is needed to make the same amount as someone with lighter skin.

5. Diet Isn’t Filling the Gap

Even if you’re not getting enough sun, your diet can help—but only if it includes vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), egg yolks, and fortified products (milk, cereals). In the UAE, many diets rely heavily on bread, rice, and meat, which aren’t significant vitamin D sources.

6. Cultural and Clothing Factors

For many, cultural clothing norms involve covering most of the body when outdoors. While important for comfort and tradition, this also reduces the skin’s ability to soak in sunlight.

Signs You Might Be Deficient

Fatigue or low energy
Muscle weakness or aches
Low mood or irritability
Frequent illnesses

(Always confirm with a blood test before making any supplement changes.)

What You Can Do in Dubai

Get short bursts of safe sun: 10–20 minutes of direct sun exposure on arms/legs, a few times a week.
Include vitamin D-rich foods: salmon, tuna, fortified dairy, mushrooms.
Consider supplements: Only after speaking to your doctor—vitamin D toxicity is possible if you overdo it.
Check your levels regularly: Especially if you have risk factors like darker skin, older age, or certain medical conditions.

Living in a sunny place doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting enough vitamin D. Between the Dubai heat, lifestyle habits, and sun protection, deficiency is surprisingly easy here. The key is finding a safe, balanced approach mixing smart sun exposure, good nutrition, and medical guidance.

Your city gives you the sunshine; it’s up to you to let your body use it.