Heat Safety at Work: What MoHRE Requires of Employers

The UAE's Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy bans work under direct sun and in open areas from 12.30pm to 3pm between 15 June and 15 September, and in 2026 it ran for the 22nd consecutive year. Alongside the ban, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) sets out what employers must provide at outdoor work sites throughout the season.

This guide covers those duties and the wider workplace safety rules on u.ae. For dates, fines and exemptions, see our guide to the UAE midday work ban.

What employers must provide

MoHRE's 2026 announcement, published by Dubai Media Office and Zawya, lists these requirements:

RequirementDetail ShadeShaded areas for rest during the break, and shade for any exempt work CoolingCooling equipment such as fans WaterAdequate drinking water Hydration suppliesRehydration salts and other locally approved products WelfareComfort facilities at work sites First aidFirst-aid equipment at work sites

MoHRE's 2025 season closed with 99% compliance, and its awareness activities that year included refreshments, meals and medical examinations for workers.

Delivery riders

MoHRE set out specific rules for delivery platforms in July 2026, as reported by Khaleej Times:

• Riders cannot be forced to work during the restricted hours.
• Foot deliveries are prohibited from 12.30pm to 3pm.
• Riders working in that window cannot be given more than three orders or more than 60 minutes of delivery time.
• Platforms must provide hydration materials and cooling equipment, schedule work to limit heat exposure, allow adequate rest and send regular safety reminders.
• Platforms must make sure riders know where rest stations are. MoHRE cited more than 12,000 air-conditioned rest stations nationwide, with sufficient seating and cold drinking water.

The year-round safety rules

Heat rules sit within a wider duty. u.ae says that, under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, employers must:

• provide a safe and appropriate work environment;
• supply appropriate safety gear and suitable clothing;
• train workers to avoid risks, display awareness materials and check compliance periodically;
• report a workplace injury or death to MoHRE within 48 hours;
• appoint an Occupational Health and Safety Officer in industrial and construction establishments with 100 or more workers.

Establishments with 50 or more workers must also keep records of injuries and occupational diseases, maintain a hazard inventory and run training for high-risk activities. The legal detail is in Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022, whose Article 3 sets the midday ban.

Office workers

The midday ban covers work in direct sun and open areas. For indoor roles, the general Labour Law rules on hours and breaks still apply; see rest breaks and working hours and our guide to setting up your desk.

What to check

• Is there shade, water, rehydration salts and first aid on site?
• Are break times scheduled and enforced between 12.30pm and 3pm in summer?
• Do riders know their nearest air-conditioned rest station?
• To report a breach, call MoHRE on 600590000 or use its app.

For general information, not legal or medical advice. Rules are confirmed each season; check with MoHRE before relying on them.