DUBAI: Companies in the UAE may face fines if they violate the Midday Break rule, which bans outdoor work under direct sunlight during peak afternoon heat.
The rule applies from June 15 to September 15.
During this period, work under direct sunlight and in open-air areas is not allowed from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
The rule is meant to protect workers from heat stress, heat exhaustion, and other health risks during the UAE summer.
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What Employers Are Not Allowed to Do
Employers must not make workers perform outdoor work under direct sunlight during the banned hours.
This applies to open-air job sites, including construction and other outdoor work areas.
Companies that break the rule may be fined Dh5,000 for each worker found working during the banned period.
If several workers are found in violation, the fine may reach up to Dh50,000.
MoHRE may also take action depending on the case and the level of violation.
We announce the implementation of the Midday Break, prohibiting work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm, from 15 June to 15 September 2025.
— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) June 3, 2025
Now in its 21st consecutive year, the Midday Break is rooted in a sustainability-centred approach… pic.twitter.com/lDfZaa68yX
What Companies Must Provide
Companies are required to provide proper rest arrangements for workers.
This includes shaded areas where workers can rest during the Midday Break.
Employers must also provide enough drinking water to help prevent dehydration.
Worksites must have cooling devices and first aid equipment.
These requirements are part of the UAE’s Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy.
For workers, this means the Midday Break is not just a time rule.
It is also a safety measure that requires employers to prepare the worksite properly during the hot months.
Some Jobs May Be Exempt
Not all outdoor work can stop during the Midday Break.
MoHRE says some jobs may be exempt for technical or public safety reasons.
These may include laying asphalt, pouring concrete, emergency repair work, or work needed to fix problems affecting the community, such as water supply issues.
Some work that requires a permit from a government authority may also be allowed.
However, employers must still provide safety support, including shade, cooling, water, and first aid for workers doing permitted tasks.
How Violations Can Be Reported
MoHRE receives reports from community members about Midday Break violations.
Reports may be made through the MoHRE call centre at 600590000, the MoHRE app, or the ministry’s website.
For Filipino workers in outdoor jobs, the key point is simple.
From June 15 to September 15, work under direct sunlight should stop between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm unless the job is officially exempt.
Workers should also have access to shade, water, cooling, and first aid.
Residents and workers should watch official MoHRE updates and report unsafe work conditions through the proper channels.
