Humidity is one of the most important indoor environmental conditions, but it is often overlooked until there is a noticeable problem. Employees may complain of dryness, eye irritation, damp smells, discomfort, condensation or a “heavy” feeling in the air, but without humidity testing it can be difficult to know whether the issue is linked to the building, the HVAC system, ventilation, water leaks or normal occupancy.

In the UAE, humidity control is especially important because buildings rely heavily on air-conditioning and dehumidification. Even when the temperature feels acceptable, relative humidity can still be too high or too low, affecting comfort, indoor air quality, equipment performance and the long-term condition of the building.

RMT provides humidity testing in the UAE as part of its environmental testing services. By measuring relative humidity alongside temperature, RMT helps companies understand whether indoor conditions are within suitable comfort ranges and whether further investigation or corrective action is required.

What poor humidity conditions do to a workplace

Poor humidity conditions can affect both people and buildings. The issue may not always be immediately visible, but sustained humidity outside the recommended range can create recurring complaints and hidden risks.

High humidity can make a workplace feel uncomfortable, even when the air temperature is within the normal comfort range. Employees may describe the space as sticky, damp, stale or heavy. It can also increase the likelihood of condensation, musty odours and moisture-related issues.

Low humidity can create a different type of discomfort. Staff may report dry eyes, dry throat, skin dryness, irritation or static electricity. This is especially relevant in air-conditioned offices where employees spend long periods indoors.

Poor humidity control can contribute to:

• discomfort and reduced workplace satisfaction;
• complaints about dryness, dampness or stale air;
• increased risk of condensation on cold surfaces;
• musty smells or suspected mould issues;
• possible damage to documents, furniture, finishes or stored materials;
• discomfort for employees using screens for long periods;
• static electricity in very dry areas;
• concerns about indoor air quality;
• difficulty maintaining consistent thermal comfort.

For companies, humidity problems are important because they often point to wider building or HVAC issues. A high humidity reading may indicate poor AC drainage, inadequate dehumidification, water leaks, ventilation problems or incorrect HVAC operation. Testing helps identify whether there is a measurable issue rather than relying only on complaints.

Why good humidity control is important

Good humidity control supports comfort, indoor air quality and building condition. It helps employees feel comfortable and helps facilities teams identify issues before they become more serious.

Humidity is closely linked to temperature. An office may be within the correct temperature range but still feel uncomfortable if humidity is too high. Similarly, very low humidity can cause discomfort even when the temperature is acceptable.

Good humidity control helps companies:

• improve employee comfort;
• reduce complaints about dryness, dampness or stale air;
• support indoor air quality reviews;
• reduce the risk of condensation and damp materials;
• identify possible HVAC or drainage issues;
• protect sensitive materials, equipment and documents;
• support health, safety and facilities management decisions;
• demonstrate that workplace comfort concerns are being assessed properly.

Humidity testing is valuable because it provides clear evidence. Instead of guessing whether the office “feels humid,” companies can compare measured readings against recognised guidance and decide what action is needed.

Ideal workplace humidity values

For indoor workplace comfort, RMT uses a target range of 20% to 60% relative humidity. Sustained readings above 60% RH should be treated as an issue requiring investigation.

Dubai Municipality’s IAQ technical guidance lists 20% to 60% relative humidity as the recommended range for indoor thermal and physical comfort, alongside recommended temperature and air movement values. ASHRAE thermal comfort guidance also makes clear that humidity should not be considered alone; it should be assessed together with temperature, radiant temperature, air speed, clothing and activity level.

As a practical guide:

Typical office comfort range:
20% to 60% RH

Readings above 60% RH:
Should be investigated, especially if sustained or linked to odour, condensation, dampness or occupant complaints

Very low humidity:
Should be recorded as a comfort issue where staff report dryness, eye irritation, throat irritation or static

Sensitive environments:
May require tighter humidity control depending on the process, material, equipment or product being protected

Different workplaces may require different humidity control. A general office, archive room, clinic, laboratory, museum, pharmaceutical area and equipment room may not all have the same requirements. This is why testing should consider both the measured values and the purpose of the space.

Why humidity readings alone are not enough

Humidity testing should not be treated as a single number on a meter. A proper assessment should consider how the reading relates to temperature, occupancy, HVAC operation, ventilation and visible site conditions.

For example, a humidity reading may be acceptable at one time of day but rise later due to occupancy, AC cycling, poor drainage or ventilation patterns. A meeting room may become more humid when fully occupied. A perimeter office may behave differently from an internal office. A space near an entrance may be affected by outdoor air infiltration.

A proper humidity assessment should consider:

• relative humidity readings;
• temperature readings at the same location;
• whether the reading is sustained or temporary;
• whether the space is occupied normally during testing;
• whether condensation is visible;
• whether there are damp materials or musty odours;
• whether AC units are draining correctly;
• whether ventilation may be inadequate;
• whether there are leaks or water ingress;
• whether staff report dryness, irritation or discomfort.

This is why RMT’s humidity testing focuses on workplace impact, not only the reading itself. The aim is to help companies understand whether humidity is affecting comfort, indoor air quality or building performance.

How to improve humidity conditions in different situations

Humidity problems can have different causes. The correct improvement depends on whether the issue is high humidity, low humidity, condensation, HVAC performance, leaks, poor ventilation or the needs of a sensitive environment.

If humidity is consistently above 60% RH

Sustained readings above 60% RH should be investigated because they may indicate poor moisture control.

Possible improvements include:

• checking AC dehumidification performance;
• inspecting AC drainage lines and drip trays;
• checking for water leaks;
• investigating damp walls, ceilings or carpets;
• reviewing ventilation rates;
• checking whether outdoor humid air is entering the space;
• reviewing HVAC setpoints and operating schedules;
• ensuring doors and windows are not regularly left open;
• checking whether occupancy levels are too high for the ventilation system.

High humidity should not be ignored, especially if there are odours, condensation or visible dampness.

If there is condensation

Condensation usually means moisture in the air is contacting a cold surface. This may happen on AC diffusers, windows, pipes, ceilings or walls.

Possible improvements include:

• checking for cold surfaces caused by AC operation;
• reviewing insulation around ducts and pipes;
• checking AC supply air temperature;
• improving air movement in affected areas;
• reducing indoor humidity;
• checking for thermal bridging;
• investigating whether outdoor air infiltration is contributing to moisture.

Condensation is important because it can lead to staining, material damage and possible mould growth if left unresolved.

If the office feels dry

Low humidity can make employees feel uncomfortable, particularly in heavily air-conditioned environments. Staff may report dry eyes, dry throat, dry skin, irritation or static electricity.

Possible improvements include:

• recording employee complaints alongside RH readings;
• reviewing whether AC operation is over-drying the air;
• checking whether the issue is limited to specific zones;
• adjusting HVAC operation where appropriate;
• avoiding excessive cooling;
• reviewing fresh air and ventilation balance;
• considering humidification only where suitable and properly controlled.

Very low humidity should be treated as a comfort issue when it is sustained and linked to employee symptoms.

If humidity varies between different areas

Humidity may be acceptable in one part of a building and problematic in another. This is common in UAE offices with different HVAC zones, perimeter areas, meeting rooms, server rooms, pantries or areas close to entrances.

Possible improvements include:

• comparing readings between zones;
• reviewing HVAC zoning and air balancing;
• checking whether meeting rooms become humid when occupied;
• reviewing door opening patterns near entrances;
• checking pantry or washroom ventilation;
• checking for local leaks or damp materials;
• investigating areas with poor air circulation.

This is why humidity testing should be carried out at representative locations, not just one point in the office.

If there is a musty smell or suspected mould issue

Musty odours may indicate moisture problems, even if visible mould is not immediately present.

Possible improvements include:

• checking humidity levels over time;
• inspecting AC drip trays and drainage;
• checking carpets, ceiling tiles and wall finishes;
• looking for hidden leaks or damp materials;
• reviewing ventilation;
• investigating areas behind furniture or partitions;
• addressing the moisture source before cosmetic repairs.

Humidity testing helps determine whether the environment is supporting ongoing dampness or whether the issue may be localised.

If humidity control is needed for sensitive materials or equipment

Some workplaces require humidity control not only for comfort, but also to protect materials, equipment or processes. This may include museums, archives, laboratories, clinics, pharmaceutical facilities, electronics rooms, storage areas and manufacturing spaces.

Possible improvements include:

• setting tighter humidity limits based on the material or process;
• using continuous monitoring;
• improving HVAC control;
• separating sensitive areas from general office areas;
• limiting outdoor air infiltration;
• improving storage conditions;
• investigating any repeated RH fluctuations.

In these cases, humidity testing can help companies protect valuable materials, sensitive equipment and regulated processes.

Why companies in the UAE should test workplace humidity

Humidity testing is especially valuable in the UAE because outdoor conditions, strong air-conditioning demand and sealed indoor environments can create comfort and moisture-control challenges. A workplace may feel cool but still have humidity issues, or it may feel dry because of excessive cooling and dehumidification.

Companies should consider humidity testing when:

• employees complain about dryness, irritation or discomfort;
• staff report a damp, stale or heavy feeling in the air;
• there are musty odours;
• condensation appears on windows, diffusers, walls or ceilings;
• AC units show signs of poor drainage;
• there are concerns about mould or damp materials;
• different areas of the building feel noticeably different;
• sensitive equipment, documents or materials are stored on site;
• a company is carrying out an indoor air quality or workplace comfort review;
• facilities teams need evidence to support HVAC troubleshooting.

Humidity testing gives companies a clear basis for action. It helps identify whether the issue is related to comfort, HVAC performance, ventilation, leaks, drainage or building conditions.

Humidity testing by RMT in the UAE

RMT provides professional humidity testing services in the UAE for offices, commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, laboratories, museums, schools, warehouses and industrial workplaces.

Our humidity assessments help companies understand whether indoor moisture levels are suitable, whether employees are being affected by dryness or dampness, and whether further investigation is needed.

By measuring humidity properly, businesses can reduce complaints, support indoor air quality, protect building materials and create a more comfortable working environment.

For companies in the UAE, humidity testing is a practical way to show that workplace comfort, facilities performance and indoor air quality are being managed professionally.