UAE ministerial decree No. 401 of 2015 regarding the determination of midday working hours

In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Labour has implemented a midday break under Ministerial Decree No. 401 of 2015 (United Arab Emirates 2015). This legislation, aiming to reduce heat stress and prevent heat-related illnesses, prohibits outdoor work from 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m. from 15 June to 15 September annually (United Arab Emirates 2015). Additionally, the United Arab Emirates Government has launched the "Safety in the Heat" programme in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (United Arab Emirates 2023). This programme focuses on educating about 800,000 workers and employers on effective strategies for managing the risks of excessive heat, such as hydration, salt intake, rest breaks, gradual adjustment to heat, reduced work demands and monitoring for at-risk individuals.