The UAE’s Midday Break regulation will be enforced once again this summer, from June 15 to September 15, 2025, to protect workers from extreme heat during peak afternoon hours. Outdoor work under direct sunlight is banned from 12:30pm to 3:00pm during this period, under strict guidelines issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
A long-standing commitment to worker safety
Now in its 21st consecutive year, the Midday Break reflects the UAE’s sustained commitment to worker welfare, environmental sustainability, and international occupational health standards. The initiative is designed to prevent heat-related injuries and illnesses during the hottest months of the year. Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection and Compliance at MoHRE, noted that the initiative has maintained over 99% compliance in recent years.“This record highlights the deeply rooted social and humanitarian values within the UAE’s private sector,” he said. “It also reflects a high level of awareness about the importance of safeguarding human capital, the most valuable asset in any organisation.”MoHRE will continue on-site inspections and awareness drives at both work sites and labour accommodations, to make sure employers and employees fully understand their rights and obligations under this seasonal regulation.
Private sector praised for active role
Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection, praised the private sector’s proactive contributions: “It has become a model of constructive partnership between the Ministry, the private sector, and the broader community,” she said. “Many organisations have launched their own initiatives to support workers, reinforcing the values of social responsibility and contributing to the success of our awareness campaigns.”She also encouraged companies to install air-conditioned rest areas and improve workplace conditions during the midday break, noting their positive impact on productivity and worker wellbeing.
Requirements for compliance
To meet MoHRE’s Midday Break regulations, employers must provide:
- Shaded rest areas or indoor cooling facilities
- Cooling equipment, including fans or air-conditioned spaces
- Adequate drinking water and electrolyte supplements
- On-site first-aid supplies
These provisions ensure workers remain safe and healthy not only during the break but also while performing tasks allowed under regulated conditions.
Exemptions for critical tasks
Some work activities are exempt due to technical constraints or public safety concerns. These include:
- Asphalt laying or concrete pouring where timing is critical
- Emergency utility repairs (electricity, water, sewage)
- Traffic management or essential public services
- Government-approved projects requiring uninterrupted operations
Even in such cases, employers are still obligated to implement all possible safety measures to protect workers. MoHRE has deployed advanced inspection systems to track compliance, and encourages the public to report violations through:
- Call centre: 600590000
- MoHRE website
- MoHRE smart app
Penalties for violations are:
- Dh5,000 per worker
- Up to Dh50,000 for repeated or large-scale breaches
Part of a bigger vision: We the UAE 2031
The Midday Break is a component of the broader ‘We the UAE 2031’ strategy, which promotes sustainable, human-centered work environments across sectors. It reflects the country’s values of inclusivity and care, benefiting the over 200 nationalities living and working in the UAE. The Ministry will intensify inspection visits and awareness campaigns in partnership with public and private stakeholders to ensure full understanding and consistent application of the Midday Break across all work environments.
