From June 15 to September 15, 2025, the UAE’s Midday Break rules will be in effect when more this summer to protect employees from extreme temperature during busy evening time. Under strict guidelines issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation ( MoHRE), outdoor work that is done in direct sunlight is prohibited from 12:30pm to 3:00pm during this time.
a long-standing devotion to employee health
The UAE has a long history of commitment to employee welfare, environmental sustainability, and global occupational health standards, and the Midday Break is now in its 21st year. In the hottest month of the year, the initiative aims to prevent injuries and diseases related to heat. Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection and Compliance at MoHRE, Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, noted that the program has maintained over 99 % adherence in recent years. This report demonstrates the deeply ingrained cultural and humanitarian values in the private sector of the UAE, he said. Additionally, it reflects a high level of knowledge of the importance of safeguarding human capital, which is the most valuable commodity in any organization. MoHRE will continue conducting on-site inspections and awareness campaigns to ensure that both employers and employees are fully aware of their rights and obligations under this annual rules.
Private business praised for its lively position
Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection, Dalal Alshehhi, praised the private industry’s strategic efforts.” It has developed into a type of creative partnership between the Ministry, the private market, and the general community,” she said. She also urged businesses to place air-conditioned sleep areas and increase workplace conditions during the noon break, noting their positive impact on productivity and worker wellbeing.” Some organizations have launched their own initiatives to aid workers, reinforcing the values of social responsibility and contributing to the success of our awareness campaigns.
Compliance requirements must be met.
Employers must provide:
- Shaded restrooms or indoor cooling facilities
- Cooling facilities, such as air-conditioned areas, can be found there.
- adequate electrolytes and drinking water
- First-aid supplies on-site
These safeguards ensure workers are safe and healthy both during the break and while carrying out tasks permitted under regulated circumstances.
Exemptions for important tasks
Some work-related tasks are exempt because of technical restrictions or concerns for public safety. These include:
- When timing is important, there are times when laying or pouring concrete or asphalt.
- Emergency utility repairs (electricity, water, and sewage )
- Traffic control or other essential public services
- Government-approved initiatives that call for uninterrupted operation
Employers are still required to take all conceivable safety measures to protect workers even in these circumstances.
Monitoring and penalties
MoHRE has implemented advanced inspection tools to verify compliance and encourages the general public to report violations via:
- Call centre: 600590000
- website for MoHRE
- MoHRE smart app
Penalties for violating are:
- Dh5, 000 per worker
- Up to Dh50, 000 for repeated or extensive breaches
We the UAE 2031 is just one part of a larger vision.
The Midday Break is a component of the wider” We the UAE 2031″ strategy, which promotes sustainable, human-centered work environments across sectors. It benefits the over 200 nationalities living and working in the UAE by upholding the country’s values of inclusivity and care. In order to ensure complete understanding and uniform use of the Midday Break in all workplaces, the Ministry will increase inspection visits and awareness campaigns in partnership with public and private stakeholders.
