- Midday outdoor work banned from 12:30pm to 3pm, June 15–September 15.
- Violators face fines up to AED 50,000 and possible suspension of permits.
- Employers must provide shade, water, and first aid for worker safety.
The UAE has reinstated its annual Midday Work Ban, now in its 21st year, to shield workers—especially in construction and manual labour—from the punishing summer heat.
In addition to inspections and penalties, MoHRE is rolling out educational campaigns to boost compliance. Awareness materials are being distributed in multiple languages to address the UAE’s highly diverse workforce.
Midday Heat Rules Return: UAE Steps Up Worker Welfare Measures This Summer
The UAE’s Midday Work Ban is a proactive response to climate conditions that can endanger the health of outdoor workers. With temperatures often surpassing 50°C, heat-related illnesses become a serious concern. By halting work during peak heat hours, the government aims to prevent cases of dehydration, heatstroke, and fatigue.
Employers are obligated to provide not just shaded spaces, but also cooling amenities, hydration, and medical support. This reinforces a culture of care and accountability within the private sector, ensuring that productivity doesn’t come at the cost of human dignity.
Notably, there are limited exceptions to this ban, such as emergency repairs or critical infrastructure tasks. In such cases, employers must notify the ministry in advance and compensate workers with equivalent rest hours. This balance between practicality and protection is central to the policy’s design.
The campaign also places emphasis on digital and community engagement. MoHRE has streamlined reporting through its smart app and hotline, encouraging residents to take part in monitoring efforts. The initiative exemplifies a modern governance approach, blending enforcement with empathy.
The Midday Work Ban is not just a seasonal regulation—it’s a symbol of the UAE’s growing emphasis on sustainable, humane labour practices in a changing climate.
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, but whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
