UAE Midday Work Ban to Resume From June 15th

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the federal authority responsible for labour regulation in the UAE, will reinstate the annual midday work ban from June 15th to September 15th, prohibiting work under direct sunlight and in open areas during peak afternoon hours.
Now entering its 22nd consecutive year, the measure applies nationwide and is intended to reduce occupational heat stress among employees working outdoors during the summer months.
Certain activities are exempt where work must continue for technical reasons or to serve the public interest. These include asphalt laying and concrete pouring when operations cannot be interrupted or postponed, as well as urgent work required to prevent hazards or repair faults affecting essential services such as water supply, electricity and traffic movement. Activities requiring permits from competent authorities because of their impact on public life and traffic flow are also covered by the exemption.
Companies undertaking exempted work are required to implement measures to protect employees from heat and sun exposure. Employers must provide shaded areas for breaks and permitted activities, cooling equipment including fans, sufficient drinking water, hydration supplements such as salts and other approved products, as well as comfort facilities and first-aid equipment at worksites.
According to the ministry, compliance with the midday break policy has exceeded 99% in recent years. Monitoring will continue through smart digital tools, field inspection campaigns and awareness initiatives aimed at ensuring adherence to occupational health and safety standards for outdoor work.