Home saunas are becoming more popular in the UAE — The National
Demand for home saunas is growing in the United Arab Emirates as part of the trend toward at-home wellness solutions. As The National reports, this is being driven by interest in preventive health, the development of infrared technologies, and the habit of exercising at home, which intensified after the pandemic.
Kula Recovery managing director Nick Blair said users are increasingly tracking sleep metrics with Whoop and Oura devices. According to him, clients report higher levels of deep or REM sleep after evening sauna sessions.
Which saunas are chosen for the home
Three main types are available for home use: traditional Finnish saunas, infrared saunas and steam saunas. Blair estimates that traditional cabins are suitable for most households in the UAE and can be installed indoors or outdoors. Infrared models are more often ordered for private gyms and villas as part of a larger wellness space. Compact personal steam saunas are considered an option with lower upfront costs.
Recovery On Demand co-founder Joe Hennie advises assessing delivery feasibility, electrical requirements, installation space, ventilation and surrounding conditions before buying. He also noted that the choice between buying and renting depends on how regularly a person plans to use the sauna.
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Recommendations and cost
Priyanka Porwal, an internal medicine specialist at Aster Clinic, described the sauna as a form of passive heat therapy: exposure to heat speeds up the heartbeat, dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow. She noted that regular sauna use is associated with improved vascular function, reduced arterial stiffness and a moderate reduction in blood pressure. People with low blood pressure or existing medical conditions should consult a doctor in advance.
Sigma Clinic founder Mark Boyes believes that, for a healthy adult, sessions lasting 10–20 minutes several times a week may be an acceptable starting point. He stressed the importance of drinking enough water, especially in the UAE's hot climate.
According to Kula Recovery, the cost of the infrared saunas installed by the company ranges from about 20,000 to 30,000 dirhams. Traditional cabins cost from 22,500 dirhams for an outdoor model for one or two people and from 24,500 dirhams for an indoor model for two or three people. Recovery On Demand offers infrared sauna rentals for 3,900 dirhams per month or 7,500 dirhams for three months, excluding VAT.
