Due to the severe heatwave in the UAE, the government has banned outdoor work during the afternoon hours during hot weather. This is a labour safety law that aims to protect workers from heatstroke, dehydration and fatigue when temperatures exceed 45°C (113°F).
The enforcement period is from 15 June – 15 September 2025, under which workers are ordered to rest between 12:30pm – 3:00pm. A fine of Dh5,000 per worker will be imposed for the first violation of the law. If a company violates the law repeatedly, it will be fined up to Dh50,000 + suspension of its business license. In case of serious negligence, legal action will be taken.
Who will be affected by midday work ban?
This ban applies to all outside workers, including:
- People involved in agriculture
- People involved in gardening and landscaping
- Workers in the construction industry
- People involved in cleaning streets and public places
- People involved in delivery and loading/unloading work
In what situations are there exceptions to the ban?
In certain circumstances, working during the afternoon may be permitted, but there are strict conditions for this:
- Emergency repair work where it is necessary to immediately fix leakages in electricity, water or gas.
- Projects where delay may result in major financial loss. In such cases, prior approval from MOHRE is required.
- Working in shaded or AC areas where the temperature is controlled.
If any of these conditions are met, work can also be done between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm.
Responsibilities of Company or Organization
If you are the owner of a company or organization, you have the following responsibilities:
- Provide shaded rest areas where workers can rest during the afternoon.
- Provide clean drinking water and electrolytes so that workers do not become dehydrated.
- Adjust work hours, such as starting work earlier in the morning or extending your work hours in the evening.
- Post the restricted hours on notice boards in Arabic, English, Urdu, and Hindi so that every worker can understand.
How much will be the fine for breaking the ban?
If a company or employer violates any of these laws, it may be subject to the following penalties:
- First violation: Dh5,000 per worker
- Second violation: Dh10,000 per worker
- Continuous violations: Fine up to Dh50,000 and business license suspension
Workers’ rights and grievance procedures in UAE
There are many workers in the UAE who are overworked and have no time to spare. Companies or employers harass such workers, causing them physical and mental problems.
If you are a worker and your employer is not following the rules, you can complain in the following ways:
- MOHRE Hotline: Report directly by calling 80060.
- Visit MOHRE website: www.mohre.gov.ae and fill out the online form.
- MOHRE UAE Mobile App: Download the app and file a complaint online.
The team investigates the worker’s complaint within 48 hours, and if the worker is found guilty, immediate action is taken.
Safety measures to protect against heat in UAE
You can avoid heat-related illnesses in the UAE by taking the following precautions:
- Drink plenty of water, drink water every 30 minutes. You should drink water, especially with saline drinks (such as ORS), in this extreme heat.
- Wear light and cotton clothes so that your body can breathe and sweat from the heat can be absorbed.
- Do not go out in the hot sun, if this is important/emergency, use a shady place or use a hat and umbrella.
- If you feel dizzy, have a headache, or feel nauseous, stop working immediately, rest, and go to a cool place.
Question and answer
Yes, all delivery drivers are also prohibited from working between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM unless they are working in an AC vehicle and take regular breaks.
You should call 999 immediately and report the incident to MOHRE. Such incidents are investigated and if the employer is found to be negligent, a heavy fine is imposed.
Yes, many companies in the UAE adjust their working hours during the summer. They work from 4am to 10am and after 3pm. This does not cause any problems for the workers in working.
In such a case, the worker should immediately contact the MOHRE or call 999 to complain. MOHRE team will investigate and can suspend license and impose a heavy fine to company.