Mandatory Midday Work Break Starts June 15

Mandatory Midday Work Break Starts June 15 – Protecting Workers from Summer Heat

With the extremely hot summer months approaching, the authorities in the United Arab Emirates are once again implementing the annual midday work break, which in 2025 will be in effect from June 15 to September 15. During this period, all outdoor work will be prohibited between 12:30 and 15:00 – the hottest hours of the day – to protect workers from the health-damaging effects of extreme heat.

More than Two Decades of Worker Protection

The midday break has been a part of occupational safety measures in the UAE for 21 years, and the practice has yielded significant results: compliance with the regulation has exceeded 99% in past years. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses.

Strict Inspections and Fines

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) actively monitors compliance with the decree. Companies that employ workers outdoors during the prohibited period may face fines of up to 5,000 dirhams per worker, up to a maximum of 50,000 dirhams if multiple workers are affected.

Mandatory Employer Measures

Employers are not only obligated to provide the work break, but also to:

Establish shaded rest areas for workers,

Provide cooling equipment such as fans,

Ensure an adequate supply of drinking water and electrolyte-replacement beverages approved by the authorities,

And maintain first aid kits at the worksite.

Exceptions for Unavoidable Technical Work

While the general rule prohibits outdoor work, there are some exceptions. These include activities that cannot be interrupted for technical reasons – such as concrete pouring or asphalting – and urgent repairs affecting public services, like water or power restoration.

Furthermore, exceptions apply to work that requires official permits and impacts transportation or essential urban infrastructure.

Reporting Rule Violations

Residents are encouraged to report any violations to the Ministry of Human Resources' customer service (600590000), via the website, or through the smart application. The authorities also launch educational campaigns and conduct on-site inspections at companies to ensure everyone is aware of the regulation.

Summary

The midday work break starting on June 15 is not only a regulation but a life-saving measure that has proven its effectiveness year after year. The goal is for workers to operate in safe and dignified conditions even during the hottest months.

(The article source is a statement from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre).)