UAE Midday Heat Break Achieves 99% Compliance

The Midday Work Ban Ends with 99% Compliance

In the United Arab Emirates, the three-month summer midday work ban officially ended on September 15, during which all outdoor work was prohibited during the hottest part of the day. The regulation, in effect from June 15 to September 15, prohibited working outside between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM, especially in work areas where workers are exposed to direct sunlight. The aim of the regulation was to safeguard the health and safety of workers during the peak summer heat.

The initiative, now in its 21st year within the framework of the Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy, was evaluated and supervised by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The ministry's latest report notes that 99 percent of companies fully complied with the regulations during this year's campaign, marking a significant achievement in the country's labor protection policy.

The Objective: A Human-Centric Working Environment

The Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy is not just a regulation but part of an overarching humanitarian-based system aiming to provide a safe and equitable work environment for both domestic and foreign workers. The mandate particularly focuses on sectors such as construction, logistics services, road building, and agriculture, where work often occurs in open areas with direct sunlight.

Companies were required to provide shaded, covered resting areas for their workers, equipped with cooling facilities, drinking water, electrolyte supplements, and first-aid equipment. This year, more than 10,000 air-conditioned resting stations were set up across various parts of the country, paying special attention to couriers and delivery personnel.

Health and Welfare Measures

During this year's campaign, the emphasis was not only on enforcing rest periods but also on providing numerous additional health and welfare services for workers. Besides the resting stations, several organizations organized food and drink distribution drives and offered medical check-ups for workers nationwide. These measures helped mitigate the risks of heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related health issues.

The program's goal was not merely to reduce incidents related to heat stress but also to position the United Arab Emirates as a responsible and employee-friendly country on the international stage. According to MoHRE officials, such measures are an essential part of a long-term strategy aimed at promoting a sustainable labor market and people-centric economic development.

Compliance and Inspections

During the three-month campaign, MoHRE inspectors examined thousands of workplaces to ensure compliance with the regulation. The inspections were targeted at critical sectors and high-risk work areas, particularly around Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other industrial hubs. A 99 percent compliance rate shows that the overwhelming majority of businesses took the regulation seriously and actively participated in its enforcement.

Companies that violated the mandate faced fines and other sanctions. However, the ministry's goal was not punishment but prevention, with numerous cases involving informational campaigns, warnings, and educational materials to help companies understand and comply with the rules.

A New Level of Corporate Social Responsibility

For the UAE government, worker safety and welfare are key strategic goals. Initiatives like the midday work ban contribute to the country functioning as a model not just economically but also socially. In recent years, sustainability, workplace safety, and the mental and physical health of workers have gained increasing focus.

This comprehensive approach has a positive impact not only on workers but also on companies. A safer and more comfortable working environment reduces the number of sick leaves, increases productivity, and strengthens worker loyalty. Responsible companies also enjoy a better reputation, both nationally and internationally.

Summary

The 2025 summer season saw the successful conclusion of the midday work ban in the United Arab Emirates. This year's campaign was exceptional not just for the excellent 99 percent compliance rate but also because it applied a more comprehensive and humane approach than ever before. The establishment of resting areas, provision of cooling facilities, medical checks, and community initiatives all contributed to making heat protection not just a compulsory rule but a shared social value.

With the end of the three-month period, attention now turns to next year's campaign. Experience shows that such well-functioning systems can bring about meaningful change in labor protection and contribute to developing a healthier, safer labor market in the UAE over the long term.

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