The United Arab Emirates will enforce its annual midday work ban starting Monday, June 15, 2026, marking the 22nd consecutive year of this policy aimed at safeguarding outdoor workers from extreme summer heat. The ban runs until September 15, prohibiting work under direct sunlight and in open-air locations between 12:30pm and 3pm each day.
Background of the Policy
This measure is part of the UAE’s occupational health and safety framework, designed to reduce risks such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses. According to Gulf News, the policy reflects the country’s commitment to worker protection during the Gulf’s hottest months, when daytime highs frequently exceed 45°C in many areas, with humidity adding to discomfort, especially in coastal regions.
Exemptions for Essential Services
Authorities confirmed that exemptions remain limited to activities that cannot be postponed or carried out outside restricted hours. These include:
- Road paving and concrete works
- Emergency repairs affecting water and electricity networks
- Projects requiring special government permits due to their impact on public movement
Employer Responsibilities
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation stated that employers must provide:
- Shaded rest areas
- Cooling equipment
- Drinking water and hydration supplies
- First-aid facilities
These measures are particularly important for workers involved in exempted operations.
Health Risks and Benefits
Heat exposure in the UAE can cause serious health risks including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, with symptoms ranging from dizziness and nausea to seizures and organ failure. Chronic conditions such as hypertension and kidney problems may also worsen under extreme temperatures. The midday work ban helps reduce these dangers by limiting outdoor labour during peak heat hours. Although it temporarily slows construction and infrastructure projects, it ultimately lowers healthcare costs, improves worker productivity, and enhances the country’s global reputation for labour protection.
Historical Context
This policy is part of a long history of occupational safety measures in the UAE, beginning with constitutional worker rights in 1971, strengthened by Federal Law No. 8 in 1980, expanded through the OSHAD framework in 2012, and modernised by recent labour reforms that embed health and safety into the nation’s economic system.
