UAE midday work ban: Abu Dhabi workshop ensures worker protection

As part of efforts to uphold the humanitarian values that embody the principles of the United Arab Emirates, the Department of Municipalities and Transport — represented by Abu Dhabi City Municipality — organized a workshop titled “Safety in the Heat”.

The event targeted construction companies operating both on and off Abu Dhabi Island, specifically project managers and site supervisors, to raise awareness about the importance of adhering to regulated working hours in open and sun-exposed areas during the summer months. The initiative aims to protect the health and safety of workers and foster compassion and care in line with the UAE’s core values.

The workshop also educated participants on the dangers of working during peak summer heat, the symptoms of heat stress, and emergency response procedures. Emphasis was placed on the need to provide shaded rest areas equipped with proper cooling and ventilation systems — particularly in high-temperature zones — and the importance of utilizing electric tools or mechanical aids to reduce physical strain. The municipality recommended distributing rehydration solutions at worksites and encouraging workers to drink water regularly to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The Environment, Health, and Safety Department of Abu Dhabi City Municipality reaffirmed its commitment to conducting intensive inspection and awareness campaigns at construction sites across Abu Dhabi Island and surrounding areas throughout the summer. These efforts are designed to ensure companies are complying with the midday work ban and are implementing adequate safety precautions to safeguard workers’ health and wellbeing.

It is worth noting that the UAE’s midday work ban is a standout preventive measure globally, obligating all companies — particularly in the construction sector — to completely halt outdoor operations during designated midday hours for three consecutive months. Strict penalties are imposed on violators to uphold worker health and safety standards.

Through its Urban Planning Sector – Environment, Health, and Safety Department, Abu Dhabi City Municipality is carrying out field inspections of construction sites across Abu Dhabi Island to monitor compliance with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s decision on midday work restrictions.

Municipal inspectors are urging contractors and site managers to strictly adhere to the ban and ensure the provision of key safety measures, including sufficient supplies of cold drinking water, appropriate rehydration solutions for all workers, artificial cooling systems, protective shading from direct sunlight, designated shaded rest areas, and well-equipped first aid stations to handle any onsite emergencies.