UAE Midday Outdoor Work Restriction Ends for 2026

UAE concludes 2026 heat stress prevention period

The UAE’s annual Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy concluded on 15 September 2026, bringing to an end the summer restriction on work performed under direct sunlight and in open-air areas during the hottest part of the day.

The policy applied from 15 June to 15 September 2026 and prohibited covered outdoor work between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm. From 16 September, employers may once again schedule outdoor work during that period, subject to the UAE’s wider occupational health and safety requirements.

This is not a general change to UAE working hours The end of the summer restriction should not be interpreted as a change to the UAE’s general statutory working-hours framework.

Under the UAE Labour Law, the normal maximum working hours for most private-sector employees remain eight hours per day or 48 hours per week, subject to the applicable exceptions and working arrangements provided for under the legislation.

The September change specifically concerns the annual restriction on work under direct sunlight and in open areas during the midday period.

Worker protection measures during the summer

During the implementation period, employers were required to take measures to protect workers from heat stress, including providing suitable shaded rest areas, cooling equipment, adequate drinking water and hydration supplies, and first-aid equipment at worksites.

More than 12,000 rest stations were also made available across the UAE for delivery workers during the 2026 summer period through cooperation between government entities and private-sector partners.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has described the policy as part of the UAE’s wider occupational health and safety framework and continues to use digital monitoring and data to strengthen compliance and preventative oversight.

NUR Advisory Note

Employers with outdoor workforces can resume normal scheduling during the previously restricted midday period following the conclusion of the 2026 policy. However, the end of the seasonal restriction does not remove employers’ broader responsibility to maintain a safe working environment.

Businesses operating in construction, logistics, maintenance, facilities management, landscaping and other sectors involving outdoor work should continue to assess heat exposure and occupational risks based on actual working conditions.

Companies should also retain clear internal procedures for implementing the Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy when it returns for the next annual summer period, particularly where workforce scheduling, site supervision and subcontractor management are involved.