UAE midday work ban comes into effect to protect outdoor workers from summer heat
Restriction remains active until September 15 with limited exemptions
ABU DHABI – The UAE’s annual midday work ban comes into effect today, Monday, introducing restrictions on outdoor labour activities during the hottest hours of the day.
The policy, which enters its 22nd consecutive year, is designed to protect workers from extreme summer temperatures and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) will enforce the measure until September 15, with work under direct sunlight and in open-air areas prohibited between 12:30pm and 3pm every day.
UAE midday work ban
The seasonal regulation forms part of the UAE’s occupational health and safety framework and aims to safeguard workers against conditions such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke and dehydration during the peak summer period.
Temperatures across the country continue to rise as summer begins, with daytime highs often exceeding 45°C in several areas, while humidity levels increase heat stress, particularly in coastal regions.
Limited exemptions
While the ban applies broadly to outdoor work, certain activities that cannot be delayed or completed outside the restricted hours may continue under approved exemptions. These include specific road paving and concrete works where postponement could affect project timelines or safety requirements.
Emergency operations involving essential services, including repairs to water and electricity networks, are also exempt. Projects that require special approvals due to their impact on public movement or infrastructure may continue with the necessary permissions.
Worker protection
MoHRE requires employers to provide suitable safety measures, including shaded rest areas, cooling equipment, drinking water, hydration supplies and first-aid facilities, especially for workers involved in exempted activities.
Companies found violating the midday break rules may face penalties, including fines of Dh5,000 per worker caught operating during prohibited hours, with the total penalty reaching up to Dh50,000 for multiple violations.
The ministry also encourages workers and members of the public to report violations through official MoHRE channels, including its website, mobile application and call centre.