The United Arab Emirates has announced the return of its annual midday outdoor work ban during the summer months to protect workers from extreme heat.
According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, the restriction will remain in force from June 15 to September 15, prohibiting work in open areas and under direct sunlight between 12:30pm and 3:00pm.
The regulation is being implemented for the 22nd consecutive year to reduce heat-related illnesses and injuries while ensuring a safer working environment for employees.
Under the rules, employers must provide workers with shaded rest areas during the restricted hours, along with cooling equipment such as fans, clean drinking water, and other essential hydration facilities.
Certain activities that cannot be postponed for technical reasons will be exempt from the ban, including asphalt paving and concrete pouring that cannot be delayed beyond the restricted period. Emergency repair work to restore water, electricity, and traffic services will also be exempt, as will projects requiring special permits from relevant authorities due to their impact on public life and transportation.
Companies found violating the regulation will face a fine of AED 5,000 per worker, with the maximum penalty reaching AED 50,000 in cases involving multiple employees.
Earlier, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced major changes to its visa-on-arrival policy, making it easier for more international travellers to enter the country.
According to a June 2026 update issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, six new countries have been added to the visa-on-arrival programme. Effective from June 25, 2026, ordinary passport holders from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa, along with their eligible family members, can obtain a visa on arrival if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from one of the UAE’s approved countries.
Travellers who do not possess a qualifying visa or residence permit will still be required to obtain a UAE visa before travelling.
The UAE has also retained the existing visa-on-arrival facility for Indian citizens while expanding the list of accepted visas and residence permits to include New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. These join the previously recognised countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union member states, Australia and Canada.
Also read: Dubai announces to issue single-entry visas within 48 hours
