The UAE’s annual midday work-break policy ended on 15 September after prohibiting outdoor work under direct sunlight from 12:30pm to 3pm during the hottest part of summer. The policy covered the period from 15 June and was intended to reduce heat-related risks for outdoor workers.

The details

The UAE’s 2026 Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy ended on 15 September after running from 15 June. During the policy period, outdoor work under direct sunlight was prohibited between 12:30pm and 3pm.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation describes the measure as an annual workplace-safety policy aimed at protecting workers from heat-related risks during the summer. Employers were expected to organise work schedules and provide the required protections during the restricted hours.

The end of the midday break marks the formal close of the seasonal restriction, but it does not remove employers’ general duties to protect workers or manage occupational health and safety risks. Heat exposure can remain relevant after mid-September, particularly during unusually hot conditions or for physically demanding outdoor work.

For residents, the policy is most visible through construction, delivery, landscaping, maintenance and other outdoor services. Its end is therefore a useful seasonal marker, but it should not be interpreted as a signal that heat-safety obligations have ended.