The UAE’s annual midday work ban will come into effect on June 15, prohibiting outdoor work under direct sunlight and in open areas between 12:30pm and 3pm. The restriction will remain in force until September 15 as part of efforts to protect workers from extreme summer temperatures.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said the measure is aimed at ensuring a safe working environment and reducing the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stress and other weather-related health issues among outdoor workers.
Now in its 22nd consecutive year, the midday break has become one of the UAE’s key worker welfare initiatives during the summer season. Authorities have repeatedly highlighted its role in improving occupational health and safety standards across the country.
The ministry noted that certain activities will be exempt from the ban where work cannot be postponed for technical or operational reasons. These include asphalt paving, concrete pouring, emergency maintenance work and projects requiring special permits due to their impact on essential public services and traffic movement.
Employers found violating the regulation will face fines of Dh5,000 for each worker involved, with total penalties reaching up to Dh50,000 in cases involving multiple workers.
The ministry reported a compliance rate of 99 per cent during last year’s implementation of the ban. As part of its Heat Stress Protection campaign, authorities also provided thousands of air-conditioned rest areas and support facilities for delivery riders and outdoor workers across the UAE.
Officials urged companies to strictly comply with the regulations and continue implementing measures that protect workers’ health and safety throughout the summer months.
