The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announces massive expansion of cooling facilities as outdoor work ban takes effect from June 15 to September 15
Over 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations will serve delivery service workers across the UAE throughout the peak summer period, marking a significant 67% increase from last year’s 6,000 stations. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the implementation of the Midday Break, prohibiting outdoor work under direct sunlight between 12:30pm and 3:00pm, from 15 June to 15 September 2025.
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Now in its 21st consecutive year, the initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to protecting workers from extreme summer temperatures that can exceed 50°C during peak hours.
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Comprehensive Partnership Network
The Ministry spearheads the initiative in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Integrated Transport Centre at the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, and the Departments of Economic Development across all emirates. Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat) also contributes to the extensive network.
Private sector participation includes major delivery platforms such as Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon, and Careem, alongside numerous restaurants, shopping centres, retail stores, and cloud kitchens across the seven emirates.
MoHRE emphasised the critical importance of this initiative, particularly since delivery services represent “a vital logistical sector with a unique operational model”, where workers are not stationed at fixed locations during midday hours. Workers can locate the nearest rest stations through interactive maps integrated into delivery apps.
Mandatory Employer Requirements and Penalties
The midday break regulations require employers to provide comprehensive safety measures including:
- Appropriate shaded areas for worker rest
- Adequate cooling devices at all job sites
- Sufficient cold drinking water based on workforce size
- Hydration supplies approved by local authorities
- First aid equipment readily available
Companies found violating the Midday Break regulations face a fine of Dh5,000 per worker, up to a maximum of Dh50,000 for multiple breaches. MoHRE actively monitors compliance through its advanced inspection systems deployed across construction sites and outdoor work locations.
Reporting Violations and Public Participation
The public can report midday break violations through multiple channels:
- Call Centre: 600590000
- MoHRE Smart Application
- Official Website: www.mohre.gov.ae
This multi-channel approach ensures comprehensive monitoring and swift response to potential violations during the three-month enforcement period.
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Regional Context and Similar Measures
The UAE’s expanded initiative follows similar protective measures across the Gulf region. Last month, Kuwait also enacted provisionary measures to offer motorcycle delivery workers respite during peak daytime hours. The temporary ban started on June 1 and will continue until the end of August, prohibiting delivery workers from operating between 11am and 4pm, demonstrating regional commitment to worker safety.
Worker Feedback and Real-World Impact
When the initiative first rolled out last summer, delivery riders reported that the rest areas provided essential relief from intense heat and enabled more comfortable working conditions throughout the day. The significant expansion from 6,000 to over 10,000 stations directly responds to this positive feedback and growing demand.
Key Dates and Compliance Timeline
- Start Date: June 15, 2025
- End Date: September 15, 2025
- Daily Timing: 12:30pm to 3:00pm
- Duration: Three months of enforcement
- Coverage: All seven UAE emirates
The midday break applies to all outdoor work under direct sunlight, with specific exemptions for continuous operations requiring uninterrupted workflow, such as concrete pouring and emergency repairs.
Looking Forward
This year’s initiative represents the most comprehensive worker protection programme in the UAE’s 21-year midday break history. The dramatic increase in rest stations reflects the government’s recognition of delivery services as essential infrastructure requiring specialised support during extreme weather conditions.
The initiative reinforces the UAE’s position as a regional leader in labour protection and demonstrates practical commitment to worker welfare amid challenging climatic conditions that characterise Gulf summers.
