Midday break in UAE: Delivery riders get relief under safety rules

Dubai: The UAE has reaffirmed that delivery riders cannot be compelled to work during the country's midday summer work ban, while expanding a nationwide network of more than 12,000 air-conditioned rest areas to protect workers from extreme heat.

According to Al Bayan newspaper, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) said that delivery riders may choose whether to continue working during the daily midday work ban from 12:30pm to 3pm, provided the arrangement is coordinated with their employer.

The clarification comes after the ministry announced the provision of more than 12,000 air-conditioned rest stations equipped with essential amenities across the UAE for delivery workers. 

The facilities, established in partnership with government entities and private-sector organisations, are available throughout the summer heat protection period, which runs from 15 June to 15 September.

The initiative, now in its fourth consecutive year, forms part of the UAE's wider strategy to safeguard workers from heat stress while strengthening occupational health and safety standards across sectors involving outdoor work.

MoHRE said the delivery sector requires tailored measures because riders are constantly on the move rather than working from fixed sites, while many deliveries involve time-sensitive goods. Riders can locate the nearest cooling station through interactive maps available on their delivery applications.

The ministry said the network of rest areas had been developed with support from public and private partners, including Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, Abu Dhabi Mobility, economic departments across the emirates, Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), and major delivery platforms such as Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon, Careem and Keeta. Restaurants, shopping centres, retail outlets and cloud kitchens have also joined the initiative.