UAE Outdoor Work Ban: Summer Restrictions 2024
- The United Arab Emirates is enforcing its annual Midday Break, a ban on working in direct sunlight and open-air spaces during the hottest hours of the day.
- The Midday Break aims to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries, aligning with international occupational health and safety standards.
- MoHRE is actively raising awareness through workplace visits, educating both employers and employees about the importance of adhering to the regulations.
The UAE’s annual Midday Break is back, restricting outdoor work during the hottest summer hours. From June 15 to September 15, 2025, employers must halt labor activities between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., protecting workers from heat-related hazards. This essential summer work ban, enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, prioritizes the safety and well-being of outdoor laborers. Companies face penalties up to AED50,000 for non-compliance, while exemptions apply to essential services. News Directory 3 is closely following the updates. Explore this article for the latest on worker safety measures and regulations. Discover what’s next …
UAE Implements Summer Midday Break for Outdoor Workers
Updated June 08, 2025
The United Arab Emirates is enforcing its annual Midday Break, a ban on working in direct sunlight and open-air spaces during the hottest hours of the day. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced the initiative, now in its 21st year, will run from June 15 to September 15, 2025. This summer work ban prohibits labor between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The Midday Break aims to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries, aligning with international occupational health and safety standards. Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection & compliance at MoHRE, noted the high compliance rate in previous years, attributing it to a strong commitment to worker welfare within the business community.
MoHRE is actively raising awareness through workplace visits, educating both employers and employees about the importance of adhering to the regulations. Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at mohre, emphasized the collaborative effort between the ministry, the private sector, and the community in ensuring the safety of outdoor workers.
Companies are obligated to supply shaded rest areas, cooling equipment like fans, ample drinking water, and electrolyte supplements. Though, exemptions are granted for work that cannot be interrupted for technical reasons or that addresses essential public needs, such as repairing water or electricity disruptions.
Violations of the Midday Break will result in fines of AED5,000 per worker, with a maximum penalty of AED50,000 for multiple violations. The ministry encourages the public to report any breaches through its call center, website, or smart application.
What’s next
MoHRE plans to intensify its awareness campaigns and field visits, working with public and private sector partners to ensure widespread understanding and compliance with the Midday Break regulations throughout the UAE.