UAE Shelters Couriers from Summer Heat

10,000 Air-Conditioned Rest Spots Await Couriers in UAE Heat

In the United Arab Emirates, there is increasing emphasis each year on protecting the well-being and safety of workers, especially during the hot summer months. This year, more than 10,000 air-conditioned rest areas are provided for delivery couriers to shield them from exhausting heat during the period from June 15 to mid-September.

What is the “Midday Break”?

The “Midday Break” initiative was launched in 2024 and aims to prohibit outdoor work in direct sunlight from 12:30 to 15:00 each day. The regulation is in effect for three months and aims to prevent heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related health issues.

Why are couriers special?

Couriers have a unique situation as they do not work in a fixed location but are constantly moving in cities. Therefore, it is particularly important for them to have resting spots where they can cool down in an air-conditioned environment, drink water, and recuperate. The UAE government, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and delivery platforms have collaborated to make an interactive map available within apps, allowing workers to quickly find the nearest air-conditioned facility.

Last year's numbers, this year’s developments

In the summer of 2023, 6,000 air-conditioned rest stations were available for couriers. This year, the number has been significantly increased to provide more workers with protection against the heat. The rest areas not only offer cooling but also cold drinking water, hydration tools, and first-aid supplies.

Employers' obligations

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has made it clear that employers are obliged to provide shaded areas and adequate cooling equipment at all job sites where workers are exposed to heat. Companies violating the Midday Break regulation can be reported by the public via an official phone number or through the ministry’s website.

Regional examples: Kuwait's steps

Following the UAE's example, Kuwait has also implemented similar protective measures for motorcycle couriers. From June 1 to the end of August, working for them from 11:00 to 16:00 is prohibited - a measure issued by the country's Ministry of Interior.

Why is this important?

Delivery services form the logistic backbone of the UAE. The work of couriers is not just a convenience service but a fundamental economic driver that delivers food, medicine, and other necessary goods quickly to the population. If these workers do not receive adequate support, it could jeopardize the efficiency of the entire system.

Conclusion

The more than 10,000 air-conditioned rest spots are not only a noteworthy number but a clear indication that the UAE takes the protection of workers seriously, especially during the hot summer period. The initiative is exemplary not only in the region but globally as it shows how to support economic function and human dignity simultaneously.

(Source of the article: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announcement.)