Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna in the UAE: Benefits, Differences and How to Choose
Last updated November 2026. Educational information only; it is not medical advice.
Saunas are one of the most popular recovery tools in the UAE, from hotel spas to recovery studios and, increasingly, homes. If you are choosing between an infrared sauna and a traditional one, this guide explains how they differ, what the research does and does not show, and how to pick the right option.
How the two types differ
- Traditional saunas heat the air with a stove, usually to about 70 to 90°C. Sessions are typically 10 to 20 minutes, often repeated in rounds with cool-downs.
- Infrared saunas use heating panels that warm the body more directly, at a lower air temperature, normally about 40 to 60°C. Sessions are often 30 to 45 minutes, and heart rate tends to be lower than in a traditional sauna.
These figures come from a published comparison by Western Sydney University researchers on The Conversation.
What does the research show?
Most of the large studies are on traditional saunas. A well-known Finnish study in JAMA Internal Medicine (Laukkanen et al., 2015) followed 2,315 middle-aged men for about 21 years. Compared with men who used a sauna once a week, those who used one four to seven times a week had about a 40% lower risk of death from any cause and about a 50% lower risk of fatal cardiovascular disease. Two to three sessions a week were linked to smaller reductions.
These are associations, not proof of cause, and the study included only men in a sauna-using culture. The Western Sydney University review concluded that there is no strong evidence that infrared saunas are better for health than traditional ones; the positive findings for infrared mostly reinforce what is already known about heat exposure in general. In practice, the best sauna is the one you will use regularly and tolerate comfortably.
Which suits you?
- Choose infrared if you prefer a lower air temperature, a longer, gentler session and a compact unit that plugs in at home.
- Choose traditional if you like intense heat, steam and the social, ritual side of sauna.
- Choose a blanket if you have little space or want to test infrared heat first.
Try it at Restore
Book a session in our infrared sauna at Sunset Mall, Dubai, or read how heat and cold work together on our contrast therapy page.
Home options at Restore
- Infrared Sauna for a straightforward home unit
- mPulse Sauna Signature I (for 1) and Signature II (for 2)
- mPulse Sauna Amplify II (for 2) and Smart Believe (for 2)
- mPulse Sauna Smart Aspire (for 1)
- Infrared Sauna Blanket or the Sauna Blanket Rental to test first
Safety tips
- Drink water before and after, and avoid alcohol.
- Start with shorter sessions and leave if you feel dizzy or unwell.
- Speak to a doctor first if you have heart or blood-pressure conditions, are pregnant, or take medication that affects heat tolerance.
What to look for when buying
- Size: match the sauna to the number of users and your space.
- Power and installation: check electrical requirements and ventilation.
- Heater type and coverage: ask what kind of heating panels are used and where they sit.
- Warranty and service: buy from a UAE seller that can deliver, install and support the unit.
Frequently asked questions
Is an infrared sauna better than a traditional sauna?
Research does not show that infrared is better. Infrared uses a lower air temperature and longer sessions, but most positive health findings come from traditional sauna studies.
How hot is an infrared sauna?
Infrared saunas normally run at about 40 to 60°C, compared with about 70 to 90°C for traditional saunas.
How often should I use a sauna?
In the Finnish study, four to seven sessions a week were linked to the largest reductions in risk, though this is an association. Build up gradually and follow medical advice.
Who should avoid saunas?
Speak to a doctor first if you have heart or blood-pressure conditions, are pregnant, or take medication affecting heat tolerance.
Can I try an infrared sauna before buying?
Yes. You can book a session at Restore, Sunset Mall, or rent a sauna blanket to try infrared heat at home.