Climate-controlled rest areas introduced to improve comfort, safety and efficiency during peak summer.
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that more than 12,000 air-conditioned rest stations equipped with essential amenities will be made available to delivery service workers across the UAE in partnership with government entities and private-sector organisations.
The facilities will operate throughout the implementation of the Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy, which prohibits outdoor work under direct sunlight and in open areas between 12:30pm and 3:00pm from June 15 to September 15, 2026.
The provision of rest stations for a fourth consecutive year reflects the UAE’s people-centred approach to labour welfare, its strong commitment to occupational health and safety, and the growing culture of social responsibility among public and private sector organisations.
Authorities said the initiative underscores a shared commitment to creating a safe and progressive work environment while ensuring that outdoor workers across various sectors have access to the protections and support needed during the peak summer months.
MoHRE emphasised the importance of the initiative, noting that delivery services are a critical part of the UAE’s logistics sector and operate under unique conditions, with workers constantly on the move rather than based at fixed locations. The ministry also highlighted that many deliveries involve time-sensitive goods that require prompt and accurate transportation.
To support workers during the implementation of the Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy, delivery riders can access the nearest air-conditioned rest station whenever needed. The locations of these facilities are available through interactive maps integrated into applications installed on their devices, enabling them to easily identify nearby rest areas while on duty.
The ministry further clarified that delivery workers may choose, in coordination with their employers, whether to continue working or temporarily suspend operations during the daily restricted hours covered by the midday break policy. This flexibility is intended to balance operational requirements with worker safety and wellbeing during the summer months.
MoHRE praised the contributions of the many public and private sector entities participating in the initiative. These include the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Mobility, which operates under the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the Departments of Economic Development across various emirates, and Emirates General Petroleum Corporation. Major delivery platforms, including Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon, Careem and Keeta, are also supporting the programme, alongside numerous restaurants, shopping malls, retail outlets and cloud kitchens.
The ministry said the provision of air-conditioned rest stations forms part of a broader framework of measures that will be implemented throughout the Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy period. These include awareness campaigns, inspection programmes and compliance monitoring aimed at strengthening occupational health and safety standards.
According to MoHRE, the initiative is designed to increase adherence to workplace safety requirements and raise awareness of the risks associated with direct exposure to sunlight and extreme heat. By protecting workers from heat-related hazards, the programme seeks to safeguard their health and wellbeing while improving productivity and overall quality of life.
