UAE Concludes Mandatory Summer Midday Break for Outdoor Workers
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has officially wrapped up its annual Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy for the year. This initiative, which ran from June 15 to September 15, strictly prohibited labor in open-air settings and under direct sunlight between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm. To support this effort, the government collaborated with private partners to establish over 12,000 cooling stations equipped with essential amenities, specifically designed to help delivery personnel and other outdoor workers manage the intense summer heat safely.
According to Dalal Al Shehhi, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection, the program’s success was driven by strong cooperation from the private sector and a growing culture of workplace safety. Moving forward, the ministry remains committed to utilizing digital tools and data-driven monitoring to uphold labor rights and maintain a healthy, competitive working environment. While most outdoor work was paused during the designated afternoon hours, exceptions were strictly managed for essential services where work could not be interrupted, ensuring that safety remained a priority without compromising public infrastructure or community needs.