Employers who breach the ban before September 15 face penalties of Dh5,000 for every worker involved.
The annual midday work ban will take effect on June 15, restricting outdoor labour in direct sunlight and open areas between 12:30pm and 3pm through September 15, according to the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Now in its 22nd consecutive year, the initiative is part of the UAE’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe work environment and safeguarding workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries during the peak summer season.
Under the regulations, employers must provide workers with shaded rest areas during the ban period, as well as cooling facilities such as fans, sufficient drinking water, and hydration supplies.
The ministry said some activities will be exempt from the midday work ban when operations cannot be halted for technical reasons. These include asphalt paving and concrete pouring that cannot be postponed until after restricted hours, as well as emergency maintenance work required to restore essential services such as water, electricity and traffic movement. Projects that require permits from specialised government authorities due to their impact on public life and mobility are also excluded from the ban.
Companies that breach the regulations will face fines of Dh5,000 per worker involved, with penalties capped at Dh50,000 in cases where multiple workers are found working during the prohibited hours.
Last year, the ministry recorded a 99 per cent compliance rate among companies as part of its Heat Stress Protection campaign. The initiative also established 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations nationwide, providing delivery riders with access to essential facilities and amenities during the summer months.
