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Heavy fines and legal action for companies ignoring summer work ban / Image - file
The UAE has stepped up enforcement of its annual Midday Break programme, warning employers that companies violating the summer work ban could face fines of up to Dh50,000, suspension of new work permits and legal action.The initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), is one of the country's most important worker welfare measures. Running from June 15 to September 15, it prohibits outdoor work under direct sunlight between 12:30pm and 3:00pm every day, when temperatures across the UAE regularly exceed 45°C. Authorities say the rule is designed to protect workers from heat exhaustion, heatstroke and other serious heat-related illnesses during the hottest months of the year. MoHRE has urged employers to strictly comply with the regulations, warning that inspectors are conducting extensive field visits across construction sites and outdoor workplaces throughout the summer.
UAE midday break rules
Under the regulation, employers must ensure that all outdoor work stops between 12:30pm and 3pm every day throughout the three-month programme.Companies are also required to provide workers with:
- Shaded rest areas.
- Adequate drinking water.
- Cooling equipment or fans where appropriate.
- First-aid supplies.
- Measures to reduce heat stress during working hours before and after the midday break.
The ministry says businesses should reorganise work schedules so outdoor tasks are completed during the cooler parts of the day, helping maintain productivity while protecting employee health.
The Midday Break does not reduce workers' daily wages or employment rights and forms part of the UAE's wider occupational health and safety framework.Speaking about this year's campaign, Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection Affairs at MoHRE, said the initiative reflects the UAE's commitment to ensuring safe working environments and protecting workers' wellbeing during periods of extreme heat.
Fines, and legal action explained
Authorities have made it clear that employers ignoring the Midday Break regulations face severe consequences.According to MoHRE, businesses violating the rule can receive:
- A fine of Dh5,000 for every worker found working during prohibited hours.
- A maximum penalty of Dh50,000 if multiple violations are recorded at the same workplace.
- Suspension of new work permit issuance for offending companies.
- Additional legal and administrative action depending on the seriousness or repetition of the offence.
The ministry stressed that penalties are intended not only to punish offenders but also to encourage companies to prioritise worker safety and comply fully with labour regulations. Labour inspectors continue to carry out surprise inspections across the UAE throughout the summer, while members of the public are encouraged to report violations through MoHRE's official communication channels.
Who is exempted?
While the Midday Break applies to most outdoor work, the regulations recognise that certain activities cannot be postponed because of public safety or technical requirements.MoHRE allows limited exemptions for work that must continue due to:
- Urgent repairs affecting public utilities such as electricity, water or telecommunications.
- Essential infrastructure work where interruption would pose safety risks.
- Emergency situations requiring immediate intervention.
- Work that, for technical reasons, cannot be interrupted once started.
Even where exemptions apply, employers must still provide workers with appropriate protective measures, including shaded rest areas, drinking water and other health and safety facilities.
The ministry emphasises that exemptions are narrowly defined and do not remove employers' responsibility to protect workers from extreme heat.
Why the midday break matters
This year's enforcement comes as the UAE enters Jamrat Al Qayth, traditionally recognised as the hottest 40-day period of the summer, with temperatures expected to exceed 50°C in some inland areas.Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke.
Construction workers, delivery personnel and others working outdoors are particularly vulnerable because of prolonged physical activity under direct sunlight.Since introducing the Midday Break programme more than two decades ago, the UAE has reported significant improvements in workplace safety during the summer months. Authorities say the initiative has become an internationally recognised example of balancing economic activity with worker welfare.MoHRE has called on employers, workers and the public to work together to ensure full compliance throughout the summer, stressing that protecting workers from extreme heat remains a shared national responsibility. Employers are encouraged to review work schedules, provide adequate facilities and cooperate fully with labour inspectors to avoid penalties while safeguarding the health of their workforce.
