As temperatures across the Gulf sharply rise each summer, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) governments reintroduce the annual “midday sun” or “midday work ban” rules designed to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat exposure. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the annual midday break comes into force on 15 June and remains one of the region’s best-known seasonal labour protections.
While each GCC country has adopted some form of outdoor work restriction for the summer, the details vary significantly by jurisdiction. Employers operating across the Gulf—especially in construction, infrastructure, logistics, oil and gas, facilities management, landscaping, and delivery services—should ensure they understand the differences between local rules, enforcement practices, and employer obligations.
Below we summarise the position across the GCC, highlight key differences between countries, and consider the practical implications for employers.
What Is the Midday Sun Rule?
The “midday sun rule” (sometimes referred to as the “midday break,” “summer work ban,” or “heat stress rule”) generally prohibits outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day in the summer months.
The rules are intended to:
Typically, the rules apply to work carried out under direct sunlight, in...
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