Workplace Safety & Midday Break
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions.
UAE Federal Law
What is this right?
Employers in the UAE must provide a safe working environment. There are also special rules to protect workers from extreme heat:
- Midday work ban: From June 15 to September 15, outdoor work is banned between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. This protects workers from dangerous heat exposure.
- Safety equipment: Employers must provide all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to the worker.
- Training: Employers must train workers on occupational hazards and safety procedures before they start work.
- Reporting injuries: Work-related injuries and illnesses must be reported to MOHRE. The employer covers all medical costs for workplace injuries.
- Refusal of unsafe work: Workers can refuse to perform tasks that pose a serious and immediate threat to their life or health.
When does it apply?
- The midday work ban applies to all outdoor workers in the private sector, including construction, agriculture, and delivery workers.
- General workplace safety rules apply to all private-sector workers.
- Some free zones have their own additional safety regulations.
What should you do?
- If you are asked to work outdoors during the midday ban period, report it to MOHRE immediately via the app or hotline.
- Report unsafe conditions — you can file a complaint with MOHRE without revealing your identity.
- If you are injured at work, seek medical treatment first, then report the injury to MOHRE within 48 hours.
- Keep records of any safety concerns you raise with your employer.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work through the midday ban — your employer faces fines of up to AED 5,000 per worker per violation.
- Do not ignore symptoms of heat stress — dizziness, nausea, and confusion are signs of heat stroke, which can be fatal.
- Do not pay for your own safety equipment — this is always the employer's responsibility.
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