With summer summering hard this time around, working outdoors gets not just taxing but also dangerous in some cases. To combat the same, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the midday break in the UAE once more.
In effect for 21 years now, the initiative prohibits outdoor work under direct sunlight between 12:30 pm and 3 pm from 15 June to 15 September 2025.
As always, the aim is to ensure a safe working environment aligned with international occupational health and safety standards. The regulation aims to protect workers from heat-related injuries and illnesses during the peak summer months.
What are the Midday Break regulations in the UAE?
Companies are expected to provide:
- Shaded areas or indoor facilities for resting workers.
- Cooling equipment, such as fans or air-conditioned rooms.
- Adequate drinking water and approved hydration supplements like electrolytes.
- First-aid supplies on site.
These measures are intended to ensure the comfort and safety of workers during the daily break and while carrying out tasks that are permitted under the rules.
However, there are exemptions for critical and time-sensitive work due to technical or public safety requirements.
These include:
- Laying asphalt or pouring concrete, where delays may compromise the integrity of the work.
- Emergency repairs to utilities such as electricity, water, or sewage systems.
- Traffic management tasks or other services that affect public safety or mobility.
- Government-approved activities require continuous execution.
- Even in these cases, employers must still take all necessary precautions to ensure worker safety.
The initiative is part of the broader ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which aims to promote a sustainable and people-centric work environment for the over 200 nationalities that live and work in the country.
As it continues to get hotter, both work and leisure options outdoors continue to get limited. Fret not, we’ve rounded up some amazing indoor activities to do in and around Abu Dhabi to keep the summer fun going!