UAE Midday Break: Delivery Riders Given Choice Over Summer Working Hours

Delivery riders in the UAE have been granted the flexibility to choose whether to continue working or pause operations during the mandatory midday break hours. This clarification follows the annual implementation of the summer work ban, designed to protect outdoor workers from high temperatures. Midday Ban Regulations The UAE midday break officially runs from June 15 to September 15 each year. Under the regulations set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), work performed under direct sunlight and in open spaces is prohibited between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. The policy aims to mitigate the risk of heat exhaustion and sunstroke during the peak summer months. For the delivery sector, the choice to work allows for the continuation of essential services, provided that riders are not subjected to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Delivery platforms are required to provide cooling facilities and rest areas for their staff to ensure safety during these periods. Infrastructure and Safety Measures Major delivery aggregators across the country have established dedicated rest stations, mobile cooling vans, and shaded parking areas. These facilities are equipped with…