Midday-break work windows, 15 Jun – 15 Sep

Every summer, outdoor work in the UAE pauses from 12:30 to 15:00. Plan two windows per trade, post the schedule, and keep crews watered and shaded — this page is the planner.

June 2026 UAE · MOHRE midday break Outdoor works

Ban window

12:30 – 15:00

Daily, for work in open areas and under direct sun.

Dates

15 Jun – 15 Sep

Inclusive, every year. Plan the whole quarter now.

During the break

Rest, shaded

Workers rest in shade with water — not relocated to other outdoor tasks.

On the wall

Posted schedule

Daily work-and-rest hours posted in the languages workers read.

Shift plan by trade — fill in and post

Trade	Crew	Morning window (start – 12:30)	12:30 – 15:00	Afternoon window (15:00 – finish)
e.g. blockwork	12	05:30 – 12:30	BREAK	15:00 – 18:00
			BREAK
			BREAK
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			BREAK
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			BREAK

Indoor works with ventilation and cooling may continue through the break under the rules — confirm a task qualifies before reassigning a crew to it. Move the heaviest physical tasks into the early-morning window.

Hydration & shade checklist

Cool drinking water within reach of every crew, all day — not just at the mess.
Electrolyte / rehydration supply available for outdoor crews.
Shaded rest area large enough for the whole break-time crew.
First-aid kit stocked and a trained first aider on site.
Supervisors briefed to spot early heat-illness signs: cramps, dizziness, no sweating.
New and returning workers given lighter duties while they acclimatise.

Heat illness — the 5-point response

Stop and move. Get the worker out of the sun into shade or an air-conditioned space.
Cool fast. Water on skin and clothing, fan them, cold packs to neck, armpits and groin.
Give water. Small sips — only if the worker is conscious and alert.
Call 998. Confusion, collapse, vomiting or hot dry skin means suspected heat stroke. That is an emergency, not a rest break.
Stay and record. Never leave the worker alone. Log the incident and fix what caused it.

Required signage

Post the daily work-and-rest schedule where workers actually see it — site entrance, mess and rest area — in the languages your workforce reads. Inspectors ask for it, and an unposted schedule reads as a breach even when the crew is resting.

Penalties

Fines are applied per worker found working in the ban window, and have been published at AED 5,000 per worker, up to AED 50,000 where several workers are involved. Limited technical-necessity exemptions (for example continuous concrete pours) carry strict conditions — never assume one applies.

Verify the current fine schedule and exemption conditions with MOHRE.