With the summer heat in the UAE hovering around 50 degrees Celsius, delivery drivers are among the most affected populations. One solution has been enforcing a midday break, where employers offer air-conditioned rest areas, cold drinking water, and first aid equipment.

The UAE will open 6,000 rest stations nationwide in partnership with various government entities and private-sector companies, such as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, the Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi, the departments of economic development in the UAE, as well as delivery companies, Talabat and Deliveroo.

Delivery riders can track a rest station through interactive maps during their midday break, which starts on June 15 and runs until September 15. The break is between 12:30 pm and 3pm. 

“Delivery services are a key logistical sector, unique in nature, given that its workers do not stay in one place while the midday break is enforced, and due to the nature of certain materials being transported that need to be delivered on time,” said the MoHRE ministry. 

Moreover, MoHRE noted that restaurants, shopping centers, retail stores, and cloud kitchens in the country will also provide comfortable resting areas for riders. 

Now in its 20th year, the annual noon break provides respite for outdoor workers during summer. Companies must provide shaded areas and cooling equipment for workers during the three-hour break or pay fines of up to $1,360 per worker and more for multiple violations if they do not observe the regulation.