As temperatures rise across the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) has announced the return of the midday break rule, now in its 21st year. This annual initiative is designed to protect workers from exposure during the hottest part of the day and ensure their health and safety during the peak of summer.
Starting June 15 and running until September 15, outdoor work under direct sunlight will be prohibited daily from 12:30 PM to 3 PM.
What the Summer Midday Break in UAE Involves:
- Ban on work from 12:30 PM to 3 PM applies to all sectors involved in outdoor labour.
- Companies must provide shaded rest areas and ensure cooling equipment like fans is available.
- Employers must also supply drinking water, electrolyte supplements approved by local authorities, and first-aid resources on-site.
Businesses that violate the midday break rule can be fined AED 5,000 per worker, up to a maximum of AED 50,000 if multiple violations are detected. Regular inspections will be carried out by the ministry to monitor compliance.
Certain activities are exempt from the ban due to technical or public interest reasons. These include:
- Work that must continue uninterrupted (e.g. laying asphalt or pouring concrete).
- Emergency maintenance or services affecting public life, like water or power outages.
- Projects requiring permits for public safety or infrastructure continuity.
The rule applies equally to private and public sector companies, who are expected to adapt workflows and schedules accordingly.
This UAE initiative is part of broader efforts to uphold worker welfare during extreme weather conditions. Oman has also announced a three-hour midday work ban for summer 2025, reflecting a shared regional commitment to worker protection in high-heat environments.
