Every year, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) enforces the midday work ban to protect outdoor workers from the extreme summer heat. This annual regulation prohibits outdoor work during the hottest hours and mandates specific welfare provisions that employers must implement.
2026 Midday Work Ban Period
The midday work ban typically runs from 15 June to 15 September, prohibiting outdoor work between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. Employers found violating the ban face fines of AED 5,000 per worker, per incident, and may face additional administrative penalties including work permit suspension.
Employer Obligations
During the midday ban period, employers must provide shaded rest areas with adequate cooling, unlimited supplies of drinking water and oral rehydration solutions, appropriate PPE designed for hot weather conditions, and training on heat illness recognition and first-aid response. Work schedules must be adjusted to front-load physically demanding tasks to the cooler morning hours.
PPE Recommendations for the Ban Period
During the summer months, select PPE that balances protection with thermal management. Ventilated safety helmets with neck shades reduce head and neck temperature. Lightweight, breathable coveralls in light colours minimise heat absorption. Mesh hi-vis vests maintain visibility compliance without trapping body heat. Cooling accessories such as evaporative neck wraps and cooling vests help maintain core body temperature during permitted outdoor work hours.
What Workers Should Know
Workers have the right to stop work and seek shade if they feel symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Supervisors must take any heat-related complaint seriously and never pressure workers to continue in unsafe conditions. The MOHRE operates a complaints hotline for reporting violations.
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