UAE Ends Midday Work Ban After Three Months with 99% Compliance
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has officially ended its annual Midday Work Ban, which took place from June 15 to September 15. The rule prevented outdoor labour under direct sunlight between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The goal was to protect workers from the dangerous summer heat.
According to MoHRE, around 99 per cent of companies across the country followed the regulation this year. This matches the high compliance rates seen in recent years, showing that the ban has become an important part of UAE’s labour system and workplace culture.
Key Measures and Requirements for Employers
During the three months of the ban, employers had to follow strict rules to ensure worker safety. Companies were asked to provide shaded or indoor rest areas for their staff during restricted hours. They also had to supply cooling tools or equipment such as fans or air-conditioned spaces.
In addition, workers were to be given plenty of drinking water, hydration supplements like electrolytes, and access to first aid at work sites.
There were some exemptions to the ban. Urgent public service works such as repairs to water and electricity lines were allowed to continue. Certain projects like asphalt or concrete work were also permitted if delays would have caused safety risks. Even in these cases, employers had to make sure workers had shade, water, rest breaks, and protection against heat stress.
Inspections, Penalties and Public Reporting
To make sure the rules were being followed, MoHRE conducted regular inspections at outdoor workplaces and worker accommodations. Companies that ignored the ban faced strict penalties. A fine of 5,000 dirhams could be applied for each worker found in violation, with higher penalties for repeat or large-scale breaches.
Members of the public were also encouraged to play a role in ensuring compliance. They could report violations through MoHRE’s official channels, including mobile applications and hotlines. This helped increase awareness and accountability across the country.
Why the Ban Matters and What Comes Next
The Midday Work Ban is part of the UAE’s wider Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy. Now in its 21st year, this policy is designed to reduce the risks of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke during the hottest months of the year.
This year’s result of 99 per cent compliance highlights the growing awareness of worker safety in the UAE. It also shows that practical measures like shaded rest areas, proper hydration, and monitoring can be widely applied by companies of all sizes.
Although the ban has officially ended, MoHRE has reminded employers that workplace safety must remain a priority throughout the year. Even outside the peak summer months, companies are encouraged to continue providing water, shade, and cooling solutions for employees working outdoors.
Workers and businesses now look forward to more flexible outdoor work schedules. However, the lessons learned from this summer are likely to influence planning for future hot seasons. The focus on health, safety, and shared responsibility between government, companies, and the public is expected to remain central in years to come.
