What Are the 2025 UAE Construction Safety Rules During Summer Heat?
Learn about UAE construction safety rules for summer 2025. MoHRE midday break regulations, AED 50,000 fines, and worker protection requirements explained.
Key Takeaways
- UAE labour law is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
- Employees and employers both have specific rights and obligations under the law
- MOHRE handles labour disputes and can be contacted for complaints
- Understanding your rights is essential for a fair working relationship
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) enforces strict midday break regulations from 15 June to 15 September, prohibiting outdoor construction work between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. Companies violating these safety rules face fines up to AED 50,000 per worker.With temperatures soaring above 47°C across the Emirates, construction workers face significant health risks during peak
summer months. The UAE government has implemented comprehensive safety measures to protect this vulnerable workforce, backed by substantial penalties for non-compliant companies.How Long Has the UAE Summer Midday Break Been in Effect?The summer midday break regulation celebrates its 21st year in 2025, demonstrating the UAE's long-standing commitment to worker safety. This prohibition covers all outdoor
work under direct sunlight during the most dangerous heat hours of the day.Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, personally inspects construction sites across Dubai to verify companies meet safety standards. These inspections focus on implementation readiness and occupational health compliance before temperatures reach dangerous levels.What Safety Equipment Must Construction
Companies Provide?Companies operating during summer months must supply comprehensive safety provisions:Essential Worker Protection Requirements:Shaded rest areas to prevent heat stressAdequate cooling systems for worker comfortSufficient water supply to combat dehydrationFirst-aid equipment for immediate responseComfort facilities supporting overall wellbeingThese requirements apply to all construction
sites operating during the regulated period, with companies required to demonstrate full compliance during MoHRE inspections.Which Construction Activities Are Exempt from the Midday Break?Certain critical operations receive exemptions from the standard midday break restrictions:Technical Process Exemptions:Asphalt laying operations requiring continuous completionConcrete pouring activities where interruption
compromises structural integrityManufacturing processes that cannot be safely stoppedEmergency Infrastructure Exemptions:Water supply disruption repairsElectricity supply restoration workTraffic flow emergency correctionsEssential service malfunctions requiring immediate attentionCompanies claiming exemptions must demonstrate legitimate technical or emergency reasons for continued operations during
prohibited hours.What Are the Financial Penalties for Violating Summer Break Rules?MoHRE imposes significant financial penalties for companies failing to comply with safety regulations:AED 5,000 fine per worker found working during prohibited hoursMaximum penalty of AED 50,000 for multiple worker violationsAdditional penalties for companies lacking proper safety equipmentThese substantial fines reflect
the UAE's serious commitment to protecting construction workers from heat-related health risks during summer months.How Can Workers Report Summer Break Viola...
About This Article
This article provides general information about UAE labour law and employment regulations. The information is based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and subsequent amendments. For specific legal advice regarding your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional or contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).