UAE midday break ends as the 2026 heat stress policy concludes

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed the conclusion of the 2026 midday break period, which prohibits outdoor work during the hottest hours of the summer afternoon.

Compliance during the period was reported as very high across construction, logistics and facilities management sites.

• The seasonal midday ban applied to outdoor work through the summer afternoons
• Shade, water and rest facilities are expected all year
• Heat-illness awareness training is part of the policy, not an optional extra

The ban is seasonal, but the duty of care is not. Shade, drinking water, rest areas and heat-awareness training are expected year round, and inspectors still check them outside the summer window.