UAE concludes summer midday work ban, reaffirms commitment to worker safety

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that today, Monday, 15 September 2025, marks the last day of this year’s run of the Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy, which commenced on 15 June in cooperation with the government and private sectors.

The campaign recorded a whopping 99% compliance rate among companies that adhered to the daily ban on working under direct sunlight and in open spaces from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. throughout the duration of the campaign.

His Excellency Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection & Compliance at MoHRE, said: “Implementing the Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy for the 21st consecutive year asserts the UAE’s well-established humanitarian commitment in the labour market, which includes a range of labour protection policies within an integrated ecosystem designed to provide a safe work environment. This approach aligns with best practices and occupational health and safety requirements, enabling it to protect workers from injuries and hazards that may result from working in high temperatures during the summer months.”

Al Nassi noted that the private sector’s commitment to the policy reflects its awareness of the campaign’s benefits for workers’ health and safety, especially during the summer months. “This has become an established practice and top priority among companies operating in the UAE, in line with their dedication to providing protections for workers according to the highest occupational health and safety standards and requirements,” he added.

For her part, Her Excellency Dalal Al Shehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at MoHRE, commended the Ministry’s partners across the government and private sectors, as well as community members, for their efforts to support the implementation of the Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy, which saw them roll out an array of initiatives during the campaign period. “This confirms the significant regard given to workers in the UAE, who are considered key partners in driving sustainable development, enhancing the country’s leadership status, and ensuring the success of its ambitious economic strategies,” she explained.

“The UAE’s extensive commitment to social responsibility, noble ethical principles, and humanitarian values has allowed for establishing the protection and promotion of workers’ rights as a deep-seated culture among various segments of society,” Al Shehhi continued. “A wide range of initiatives have been launched to protect workers, develop the social security umbrella, and advance policies and legislations created to ensure workers’ happiness and enhance their participation in events and holidays.”

As part of this year’s campaign, more than 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations were provided for delivery service workers across all regions of the UAE, equipped with various amenities designed to ensure their rest and comfort. In parallel, initiatives were launched to provide refreshments and complete meals for workers, while awareness campaigns were held to highlight the risks of heat exhaustion during the summer months, and medical examinations were provided for workers across the country.

The Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy imposes a set of obligations on companies and employers, such as providing shaded areas for workers during the midday work break or as they continue to work if employed in one of the sectors or roles authorised to do so. They are also required to provide appropriate cooling solutions, ensure sufficient drinking water, and hydration supplements (such as electrolytes or similar products approved for use by local authorities in the UAE), in addition to first aid equipment at work sites.