For the twelfth consecutive year, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) has renewed the midday work ban to protect laborers working in extreme heat. Beginning June 15 and continuing through September 15, the Ministry will enforce the annual directive. The ban prohibits all outdoor work under direct sunlight between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM daily.
This move reflects the UAE’s deep commitment to occupational health and safety standards. Every year, the midday work ban serves as a crucial step toward ensuring worker well-being in scorching summer conditions, a testament to the UAE’s midday leadership in protecting workers.
Furthermore, under the new rules, total working hours may not exceed eight hours per day. Employers must divide the schedule between morning and evening shifts.
Construction, infrastructure, as well as agricultural firms must now revise their schedules. Failure to comply will also lead to strict enforcement actions to uphold the midday work standards set forth.
To further protect workers, the Ministry issued four essential obligations for all of the employers:
- They must provide shaded areas for rest or task performance.
- They must install proper cooling equipment at the worksite, especially during the mandated midday work ban.
- They must offer drinking water and approved rehydration salts.
- They must maintain first-aid kits at all work locations.
The midday work ban is now in its 21st year of consistent implementation. This vital initiative aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s comprehensive national strategy to create a safe, sustainable, and worker-friendly environment, particularly during the region’s high-risk summer months when heat-related illnesses are most prevalent.
Overall, by extending and enforcing the midday work ban, the UAE not only reinforces its leadership in labor rights across the Gulf region, but also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to prioritizing midday work safety and preserving the dignity of outdoor workers.
