UAE prohibits outdoor work under direct sunlight between 12:30pm and 3pm

The UAE will enforce the annual midday work ban from June 15, restricting outdoor labour under direct sunlight and in open areas between 12:30pm and 3pm until September 15.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said that the policy, now being implemented for the 22nd consecutive year, is aimed at protecting workers from extreme summer temperatures and reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries.

Under the regulations, employers are required to provide suitable shaded rest areas for workers during the restricted hours. Companies must also ensure the availability of cooling facilities such as fans, along with sufficient drinking water and hydration supplies.

The ministry said some activities would be exempt from the ban in situations where work cannot be stopped for technical or operational reasons.

These exemptions include asphalt paving and concrete pouring projects that cannot be postponed beyond the restricted hours, as well as emergency maintenance work necessary to restore essential services like water, electricity and traffic movement.

Projects that require special permits from government authorities because of their impact on public life and transportation are also excluded from the restrictions.

Authorities warned that companies violating the midday work ban could face fines of Dh5,000 for each worker involved, with penalties reaching up to Dh50,000 in cases involving multiple workers.