UAE midday break ends as the 2026 heat stress policy concludes
The midday work ban that ran through the summer has ended for 2026, but the wider occupational heat stress policy remains the standard employers are measured against.
Photo: Jan Seifert (CC BY 2.0)
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.
What it means for employers
- Record this year's compliance now while the evidence is fresh.
- Keep welfare facilities in place outside the ban period.
- Diarise next summer's ban window into project schedules early.
Related pages
Summarised by the Horizon GCC team. Original reporting: WAM (Emirates News Agency)
This briefing is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before acting.
Get the latest HR, jobs and labour-market news
Labour law changes, visa rules, hiring trends and salary data from the UAE and the wider Gulf — sent with a link to read the full briefing on our site.
Talk to a Horizon GCC recruitment specialist.
Speak to one of the team and find out why UAE and GCC employers trust Horizon GCC to hire HR, technical and professional talent.