The UAE Midday Work Ban: Dates, Hours and Rules

Work under direct sunlight and in open areas is banned across the UAE between 12.30pm and 3pm every day from 15 June to 15 September. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced the 2026 season on 3 June 2026, the 22nd consecutive year of the rule, and it ended on 15 September 2026.

u.ae lists the dates as applying "every year", and MoHRE has announced recent seasons in late May or early June. At the time of writing, no announcement had been made for 2027.

The rule at a glance

ItemDetail Dates15 June to 15 September Hours12.30pm to 3pm, daily WhereWork under direct sunlight and in open areas FineAED 5,000 per worker, up to AED 50,000 for several workers Report a violationMoHRE call centre 600590000, MoHRE website or smart app Legal basisArticle 3 of Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022

What employers must provide

The 2026 announcement, as published by Dubai Media Office and Gulf Today, requires employers to provide:

• shaded areas where workers can rest during the break, and shade for any exempt work;
• cooling equipment such as fans;
• enough drinking water, plus hydration supplements such as rehydration salts and other locally approved products;
• comfort facilities and first-aid equipment at work sites.

Exemptions

u.ae and MoHRE list three kinds of work that may continue during the ban:

1. Asphalt laying or concrete pouring, where it is not technically possible to stop or postpone the job.
2. Urgent work to prevent hazards or repair faults affecting the public, such as disruption to water, electricity or traffic.
3. Work that needs a permit from a government authority because of its impact on traffic or public life.

Even exempt work must be carried out with shade, water and cooling provided.

Delivery riders

MoHRE clarified in July 2026, as reported by Khaleej Times, that delivery riders cannot be forced to work during the restricted hours. Foot deliveries are prohibited from 12.30pm to 3pm, and riders who do work in that window cannot be assigned more than three orders or more than 60 minutes of delivery time. MoHRE cited more than 12,000 air-conditioned rest stations across the UAE, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) allocated 23 temporary rest areas at Dubai metro and bus stations.

Compliance and enforcement

MoHRE checks compliance through field inspections and digital systems. It reported a 99% compliance rate at the end of the 2025 season, and says compliance has exceeded 99% in recent years. In 2022, the rule's 18th year, Khaleej Times reported the same fine of AED 5,000 per worker.

For the wider set of employer duties in hot weather, see our guide to heat safety at work. For working hours and breaks the rest of the year, see rest breaks and working hours under UAE labour law.

What to check

• Next year's dates: watch for MoHRE's announcement in late May or early June.
• Whether a site's work falls under an exemption before assuming it is a violation.
• To report a breach, call 600590000 or use the MoHRE app.

For general information. Dates and rules are confirmed each year; check with MoHRE before relying on them.