The United Arab Emirates will conclude its annual Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, marking the end of the three-month midday outdoor work ban. Effective Wednesday, 16 September, outdoor work under direct sunlight between 12:30pm and 3:00pm will be permitted once again across all emirates.
- Annual policy concludes on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
- Outdoor work under direct sunlight permitted again from 16 September between 12:30pm and 3:00pm.
- Enforced for the 22nd consecutive year by MoHRE.
This marks the 22nd consecutive year the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has enforced this mandate, which ran from 15 June to 15 September. The regulation applies to sectors such as construction, landscaping, roads, logistics, and last-mile delivery. During the period of the ban, violations carried a penalty of Dh5,000 per worker, capped at a maximum of Dh50,000 per company. MoHRE reported a private-sector compliance rate of approximately 99% for the previous year. Limited exemptions previously allowed for technical or public-safety reasons—such as asphalt laying, concrete pouring, emergency utility repairs, and government-permitted works—required employers to provide shade, fans, drinking water, hydration salts, rest facilities, and first aid.
While the legal ban ends on 15 September, MoHRE occupational safety rules remain in effect.
Employers are still legally required to provide sufficient drinking water, shaded rest areas, first-aid kits, and training for supervisors to identify heat exhaustion and heat stroke. They must also adjust work-rest cycles when the wet-bulb globe temperature is high. Following the ban, delivery riders continue to have access to the approximately 12,000 air-conditioned rest stations and spots at bus and metro stations established by MoHRE and the RTA. As temperatures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can still reach the high 30s to low 40s Celsius with high humidity in September, workers are advised to confirm their shift schedules in writing to clarify if employers are returning to full midday hours or maintaining voluntary breaks.
Emergency heat stroke symptoms include confusion, fainting, seizures, and hot or dry skin; in such events, individuals should call 998 or 999 immediately.
Labourers may continue to report unsafe practices or a lack of required amenities to the MoHRE call centre at 600 59 0000 or via the MoHRE website and smart app.