Providing much-needed relief from the heat to outdoor delivery service workers, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) - UAE has set up more than 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations, fully equipped with comfort amenities, across the nation during the midday break period.

We announce that over 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations equipped with comfort amenities will be provided for use by delivery service workers across the UAE throughout the Midday Break period.
The Midday Break is implemented in collaboration with relevant government entities… pic.twitter.com/IOutOj4aw4

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) June 10, 2025

The Ministry recently announced that all private and government organisations will enforce an outdoor work ban during the peak summer season, i.e., June 15 to September 15, 2025, to safeguard all workers from extreme temperatures and heat-related injuries.

It also appreciated all the organisations, including Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Integrated Transport Centre at the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, the Departments of Economic Development across all Emirates, and the Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), for collaborating on this humanitarian initiative.

The Ministry also extended its appreciation to private partners, “delivery platforms such as Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon, and Careem, among others, as well as numerous restaurants, shopping centres, retail stores, and cloud kitchens who contributed to the effort.”

Emphasising the importance of this initiative, the Ministry said, “Given that delivery services are a vital logistical sector with a unique operational model, where workers are not stationed in fixed locations during the Midday Break, and where certain items require speed and precision in delivery, delivery service workers can access the nearest rest stations through interactive maps available on the apps.”

During the Midday Break, which has become a common practice in the Gulf nations during the peak summer months, the UAE ensures that outdoor workers are protected from heat exhaustion. It also mandates all employers to provide “appropriate shaded areas for workers to rest, along with adequate cooling devices, sufficient cold drinking water depending on the number of workers, hydration supplies approved by local authorities, and first aid equipment at job sites,” the Ministry explained.

Last year, around 6,000 such rest stations were set up for outdoor delivery workers, protecting them from the risks of heat exhaustion during the summer season, especially during the Midday Break hours from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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In addition to the Ministry's efforts, all employers are required to set up similar rest stations for their outdoor workers, ensuring they can work comfortably during the permitted work hours.

MoHRE is also inspecting all outdoor work areas to ensure that employers are complying with the Midday Break regulations. It has requested the public to report any violations directly via phone call, mobile application, or the official website.