The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued a stern reminder regarding the mandatory midday work ban, which prohibits outdoor labor under direct sunlight from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm daily until September 15. Companies found in violation of this safety policy face heavy fines of Dh5,000 per affected worker, with total penalties potentially reaching as high as Dh50,000 for multiple infractions. Beyond financial hits, the ministry warned that repeat offenders could face file suspensions, a reduction in their establishment classification, and even criminal referrals if worker safety is severely compromised.

While the ban is broad, it includes specific exemptions for critical infrastructure tasks—such as repairing essential utility failures or managing traffic flow—that cannot be safely paused. However, companies performing these exempted duties must prioritize worker welfare by providing climate-controlled rest areas, constant access to cold water, electrolytes, and proper cooling equipment. MoHRE has emphasized that its inspection teams are utilizing advanced digital monitoring to catch non-compliant businesses, and they have encouraged the public to report any visible violations via the official MoHRE app, website, or hotline.