The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has officially concluded the 2025 cycle of the Midday Break policy as of September 15, with a 99% compliance rate recorded nationwide. Introduced to protect outdoor workers from extreme summer heat, the three-month ban on midday outdoor labour has once again proven to be a cornerstone of the country’s occupational safety strategy.
A summer of safety measures and compliance
The 2025 Midday Break ran from June 15 to September 15, marking its 21st consecutive year. During this period, work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces was prohibited daily between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm. This year’s campaign saw an exceptionally high compliance rate of over 99%, a figure consistent with previous years and described by the Ministry as a clear indicator of the UAE’s entrenched humanitarian and social values within its labour ecosystem. The strong participation reflects the private sector’s growing awareness of the importance of protecting workers, considered the most valuable asset in any organisation. To support compliance, the Ministry, along with its public and private sector partners, carried out field inspections and awareness drives. These visits targeted worksites and labour accommodations, focusing on educating both employers and workers about occupational heat stress, its health implications, and the critical nature of the midday safety window.
Extensive support infrastructure for workers
Beyond enforcement, MoHRE introduced significant worker welfare measures under this year’s Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy. Key initiatives included:
- More than 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations set up across the UAE specifically for delivery service workers.
- Distribution of refreshments and complete meals to help workers stay hydrated and nourished.
- Medical check-ups offered to labourers nationwide to monitor and safeguard their health during the high-temperature season.
- Educational campaigns on the risks of heat exhaustion and ways to mitigate them.
These measures were all aligned with international best practices and the UAE’s commitment to providing a safe and sustainable working environment.
Exceptions and employer responsibilities
While the Midday Break was mandatory for most sectors, specific exemptions were granted for technical reasons where work could not be paused. These included:
- Critical infrastructure tasks, such as laying asphalt, pouring concrete, or emergency repair works for utilities including water, sewage, electricity, and gas.
- Projects requiring permits from relevant authorities, especially those impacting traffic or essential services, like power and telecom line maintenance.
In all exempted scenarios, strict health and safety requirements remained in place. Employers were required to:
- Provide cold drinking water appropriate to the number of workers.
- Offer hydration supplements and electrolytes
- Ensure access to first-aid kits, shaded rest areas, and industrial cooling systems.
- Maintain safety and public health conditions at all times.
Failure to comply with these requirements, even within exempted categories, was subject to regulatory scrutiny.
Enforcement, penalties, and national vision
To maintain high compliance, MoHRE deployed field inspectors and collaborated with multiple entities to conduct workplace checks. Companies found violating the Midday Break provisions were subject to fines:
- AED 5,000 per worker per violation, up to a maximum of AED 50,000 for multiple breaches.
These enforcement efforts were supported by ongoing education campaigns, reinforcing a shared sense of social responsibility and worker protection among employers. The Midday Break is a key initiative within the UAE’s broader “We the UAE 2031” vision, which aims to create a humane, inclusive, and sustainable work environment across all emirates. Hosting a workforce representing over 200 nationalities, the country continues to prioritise labour welfare as a central element of its development agenda.
