The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has officially announced the launch of the UAE 2026 Midday Work Ban, stressing its dedication to the protection of workers during the hottest period of the year.
The enforcement of the regulation began in 2015 and will continue through 2026, in its 22nd consecutive year, throughout the nation from June 15 through September 15, 2026.
The seasonal occupational health measure bans all work in the open air, in direct sunlight from 1 to 6 PM, except under strict safety controls, which the employers must implement. Failure by companies to do so could result in a fine up to Dh50,000 and further sanctions.
Midday Work Ban Timings and Duration
Owing up day and night, all physical activity will be halted in open areas in direct sunlight from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
It will be in place for a total of 92 days of operation, at the start of the summer months. Employers need to reassess how they schedule their employees, ensuring they keep up with their tasks during the non-restricted hours, and keep the workplace productive and safe.
Maximum Working Hours and Overtime Rules
In addition, MoHRE has strengthened the regulation for the number of working hours in summer. Employers shall ensure that workers do not work more than eight hours in a 24 hour-period.
In the UAE, whenever profits call for extra working hours, companies must pay their staff with overtime compensation per the labour law provisions.
Dh50,000 Fine for Violations
Authorities say they are going to have a no-tolerance policy on violations starting June 15, and they will be making routine inspections throughout the country.
The companies that break the “midday-work ban” will be fined Dh5,000 for each of the workers they are found to be working during the ban period. The fine for multiple infringements or systemic violations will not exceed Dh50,000.
Companies can also see their MoHRE classification downgrade and temporary restrictions when granting new work permits, besides financial penalties.
Continue reading to learn about the broader duty of employers beyond preventing work stoppages.
First Aid and Safety Preparedness
All worksites need to have up-to-date first aid boxes and supervisors should be trained to look for early indicators of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Employers must also post bilingual work schedules in Arabic and in English to specify working times and required rest breaks of each working day, and ensure all employees have access to the information.
Exceptions to the Midday Work Ban
The regulation applies to the vast majority of work activities conducted outdoors, although MoHRE has come up with a number of technical exemptions whereby the operation cannot be halted.
These are permanent road building projects, such as asphalt paving and concrete pouring, as well as emergency work to safeguard water, electricity or communication utilities; or projects operating on a 24 hour basis with special authorisation from the government.
If a project is exempt, it still requires cooling facilities, hydration and all necessary occupational health safeguards to be provided to workers.
FAQs
What is the start date for UAE midday work ban 2026?
The new 2026 Midday Work Ban will apply to all work days, including 92 days, between June 15 and September 15, 2026, all throughout the country.
What are the limited hours of work?
No outdoor work will be allowed in direct sunlight from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM during the enforcement time.
What are employers to provide during prohibition?
Shaded or cooled rest areas, cold drinking water, cooling equipment, physician-stocked first aid, and training of supervisors on heat-related illnesses must be provided by the employers.
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