Amidst record-breaking heat, the UAE has launched several initiatives to help outdoor workers cope with extreme temperatures. With the mercury rising above 50℃ in late June, those working outside face significant challenges.
In the Hamriya area of Sharjah, around 600 workers received meals, gifts, sanitary tools, water, and juice. This initiative, part of a campaign to educate workers about heat exhaustion, also included medical examinations conducted by the Emirates Red Crescent Authority – Sharjah Centre. The program will extend to all regions of the emirate until the end of July. Watch a video shared by Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) on their X handle.
The Dubai Centre of ERC, in collaboration with Dubai Health Authority and Noor Dubai Foundation, organized a ‘health day’ at worker accommodations. Workers underwent medical examinations and received gifts as a token of appreciation for their hard work. Watch a video of the health day shared on X.
To combat the summer heat, the UAE has enforced a midday break policy, prohibiting outdoor work between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM from June 15 to September 15. Companies violating this policy face fines of Dh5,000 per employee, with penalties reaching up to Dh50,000 for multiple violations.
Comprehensive Measures
The UAE’s initiatives also include distributing free ice cream and juices and providing air-conditioned rest stations to ensure workers’ well-being during the scorching summer months. These efforts reflect the country’s commitment to worker safety and health during unprecedented heat waves.
