Midday break heat policy and unified wage date now in effect — all employers — June 2026
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has activated its annual Midday Break (Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy) for 22 consecutive years, prohibiting outdoor work under direct sunlight from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. through 15 September 2026, and has designated the first day of each Gregorian month as the unified wage due date for private-sector employees effective immediately.
The analysis — automated & source-checked
- Applies to
- Labour · UAE
- What to do
- Employers must ensure all private-sector wage payments are made on the first day of each Gregorian month via the Wage Protection System (WPS) starting June 2026. Outdoor work under direct sunlight must cease daily from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. through 15 September 2026.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has issued a decision establishing the first day of each Gregorian month as the mandatory wage payment date for private-sector employees, effective June 2026. Employers must process all wage payments through the Wage Protection System (WPS) to enhance transparency and strengthen labour relations. The Midday Break policy, now in its 22nd year, prohibits outdoor work under direct sunlight daily from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. from 15 June to 15 September 2026. The UAE has deployed more than 12,000 air-conditioned rest stations equipped with essential amenities for delivery service workers nationwide to support worker well-being during peak heat months.
Source
“The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued a decision designating the first day of each Gregorian month as the unified wage due date for private-sector employees, effective from June 2026.”
— WAM, 15 Jun 2026
Source: WAM — official 15 Jun 2026 Read the original ↗ More from WAM →
Quick answers
What do I need to do?
Employers must ensure all private-sector wage payments are made on the first day of each Gregorian month via the Wage Protection System (WPS) starting June 2026. Outdoor work under direct sunlight must cease daily from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. through 15 September 2026.
What was the deadline?
1 Jun 2026 — this deadline has passed.
Who issued this?
WAM (UAE).
When was it announced?
15 Jun 2026.
Where can I read the original?
Read the original at WAM: https://www.wam.ae/en/article/179uv22-uae-advances-worker-safety-well-being-standards
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