UAE heat protection measures have been reinforced as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) reminded employers to protect outdoor workers from extreme summer temperatures. Companies are required to provide cold drinking water, shaded rest areas, industrial cooling systems and first aid facilities to reduce the risk of heat stress and ensure a safe working environment.
In a statement shared across its official social media platforms, the ministry said all establishments employing outdoor workers must comply with the country’s Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy by providing adequate safety and preventive measures to reduce the risks associated with high temperatures and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Related Stories
The ministry said these requirements are designed to safeguard workers’ health, improve occupational safety and create a secure working environment throughout the summer season.
Five key obligations for employers
MoHRE outlined five fundamental measures that employers must implement at outdoor worksites to minimise the risk of heat stress and heat-related illnesses.
One of the primary requirements is ensuring workers have access to sufficient quantities of cold drinking water throughout the workday. Employers are also expected to provide hydration supplies that help replace fluids and electrolytes lost while working in extreme heat, reducing the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
The ministry said maintaining proper hydration is one of the most effective ways to protect workers from the adverse effects of high temperatures.
First aid facilities must be readily available
Employers have also been instructed to equip worksites with appropriate first aid tools and emergency equipment to enable a rapid response if a worker experiences heat exhaustion, heatstroke or any other heat-related medical emergency.
The ministry stressed that quick intervention can significantly reduce the severity of heat-related illnesses and help prevent life-threatening situations.
Companies are expected to ensure first aid equipment is easily accessible and maintained in good condition at all outdoor work locations.
Cooling systems and shaded rest areas required
To further reduce workers’ exposure to excessive heat, MoHRE said employers must provide suitable industrial cooling systems wherever possible to lower temperatures in outdoor work environments.
In addition, companies are required to create fully shaded rest areas where workers can take breaks away from direct sunlight. These shaded spaces should provide a comfortable environment for employees to cool down before returning to work.
The ministry said these measures play an important role in preventing heat stress while improving workers’ overall wellbeing and productivity.
Focus on occupational safety
The reminder forms part of the UAE’s broader efforts to strengthen occupational health and safety standards during the country’s intense summer months, when temperatures frequently exceed 45°C.
Authorities have consistently urged employers to prioritise worker welfare by ensuring workplaces are equipped to cope with extreme weather conditions.
The Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy aims to reduce incidents of heat-related illness while promoting safer working practices across industries that rely heavily on outdoor labour, including construction, infrastructure development, landscaping and municipal services.
Shared responsibility
MoHRE emphasised that protecting workers from heat stress is a shared responsibility between employers and workers. While companies are required to provide the necessary facilities and protective measures, employees are encouraged to stay hydrated, use designated shaded rest areas and immediately report any symptoms of heat-related illness to supervisors.
Common signs of heat stress include excessive sweating, dizziness, muscle cramps, headaches, fatigue and nausea. Without timely treatment, heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.
The ministry said adherence to the Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy contributes not only to workers’ health and safety but also to maintaining productive and sustainable workplaces throughout the summer.
By reinforcing these preventive measures, UAE authorities continue to encourage employers to place worker welfare at the centre of their operations during one of the hottest periods of the year, ensuring that outdoor employees can carry out their duties in the safest possible conditions.
Also Read: Dubai Summer Activities: How to Spend the Weekend Indoors
