- Government, Humanitarian Organisations and Communities Join Forces to Protect Outdoor Workers During Summer 2026
ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates is reinforcing its comprehensive approach to protecting workers from the effects of high temperatures, bringing together government authorities, the private sector, humanitarian organisations and community groups in a coordinated effort to safeguard workers’ health, safety and well-being during the summer months.
The UAE’s extensive summer protection initiatives reflect the country’s strong commitment to workers’ welfare, occupational safety and social responsibility, particularly for those employed in outdoor and field-based occupations who are most exposed to extreme temperatures.
Integrated Measures to Combat Heat Stress
During the summer of 2026, a broad range of programmes and initiatives are being implemented across the UAE. These include the provision of air-conditioned rest areas, drinking water, cold beverages, meals and protective equipment, alongside awareness campaigns designed to educate workers about the dangers of heat stress and effective prevention measures.
The initiatives are designed to ensure that workers receive support not only at their workplaces but also at their accommodation and other locations where they may be exposed to high temperatures.
MoHRE Implements Midday Work Restrictions
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is implementing its established summer policy from June 15 to September 15, prohibiting work under direct sunlight and in open areas during specified midday hours.
As part of the initiative, more than 12,000 air-conditioned rest areas equipped with essential facilities are being made available to delivery workers across the UAE, in cooperation with relevant government authorities and private-sector partners.
The measures form an important part of the UAE’s regulatory framework for protecting workers from heat-related risks and promoting safe working conditions.
Humanitarian Initiatives Extend Protection to Workers
Government measures are being complemented by a wide range of humanitarian and community-led initiatives.
The General Women’s Union, through its “Water for Life / Fatima bint Mubarak” initiative, is providing workers across the UAE with water, juices and dates, as well as items intended to help alleviate the effects of high temperatures during working hours.
The initiative reflects the UAE’s longstanding tradition of humanitarian support and community solidarity, while reinforcing efforts to ensure that workers receive practical assistance during the hottest months of the year.
Abu Dhabi Police Promote Heat-Safety Awareness
In Abu Dhabi, police authorities are also intensifying efforts to protect workers during the summer.
Abu Dhabi Police is implementing the “Cool Their Summer” initiative, which focuses on raising awareness of heat-stress prevention and promoting occupational health and safety practices among workers at field sites.
The programme seeks to strengthen workers’ understanding of heat-related risks while encouraging employers and workforces to adopt appropriate preventive measures.
Al Ain Initiative Supports Workers During Extreme Heat
The Traffic and Patrols Directorate in Al Ain is conducting the “Summer of Goodness for Workers” initiative in cooperation with Fazaa, providing assistance and essential refreshments to workers from various professions during periods of high temperatures.
The initiative further demonstrates the role of public institutions and community partners in supporting workers and enhancing their well-being during challenging summer conditions.
Dubai Community Campaign Brings Relief to Workers
Dubai’s “Neighbourhood Fridge” campaign provides another example of community participation in protecting workers from the summer heat.
The initiative distributes water, juices and ice cream to workers at their workplaces, particularly those employed in cleaning, construction, delivery and agricultural sectors.
Dedicated refrigerators and distribution teams have been deployed at various locations, with volunteers from different sections of the community participating in the campaign.
Emirates Red Crescent Allocates AED 11.5 Million for Water Aid
Humanitarian organisations are also playing a major role in the UAE’s summer relief efforts.
The Emirates Red Crescent has launched its “Water Aid” initiative to help reduce the impact of rising temperatures both inside the UAE and internationally.
An initial budget of AED 11.5 million has been allocated to implement programmes in the UAE and in countries experiencing particularly high temperatures.
Within the UAE, the initiative provides measures to protect workers from direct sunlight, including umbrellas and specially designed containers to keep drinking water cool. It also supports the installation of water coolers at public transport stations and the maintenance of mosque refrigerators in cooperation with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat.
Internationally, the programme includes the provision of water tanks and water networks in communities facing acute needs.
Charitable Organisations Expand Summer Support
Charitable organisations are also strengthening their outreach during the summer of 2026 through programmes aimed at workers and vulnerable members of society.
These include the “A Breeze of Goodness” campaign organised by the Dubai Charity Association and the “Cool Them Down” campaign launched by the International Charity Organisation.
The Beit Al Khair Society and the Emirates Charity Association are likewise contributing by providing workers and people in need with water, cold beverages and meals.
UAE’s Model of Social Responsibility
The UAE’s summer worker-protection programmes extend beyond the immediate provision of water, food and shelter from the heat. They also play an important role in raising awareness of occupational safety, promoting workers’ rights and strengthening cooperation between government institutions, employers, humanitarian organisations and the wider community.
By combining regulatory safeguards with humanitarian and community initiatives, the UAE is creating a broad protective framework designed to support workers throughout the summer season.
The coordinated approach reflects the UAE’s commitment to ensuring that workers’ health, dignity and well-being remain central to the country’s development agenda, while reinforcing its broader values of humanitarianism, social responsibility and community partnership.
BY: The Times Union
