The UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to labour welfare this summer with the launch of more than 10,000 air-conditioned rest shelters for delivery riders. This significant expansion supports the country’s annual Midday Break rule, which restricts outdoor work from 12:30pm to 3:00pm between 15 June and 15 September each year.
A major step to protect delivery riders in soaring summer heat
Unlike construction or landscaping workers who typically operate in one location, delivery drivers are constantly on the move, making them uniquely vulnerable during the scorching midday hours. Recognising this, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), in collaboration with local authorities and private sector platforms, is rolling out designated cooling zones across all seven emirates.
These shelters are designed to provide drivers with a safe space to rest and recover between deliveries—without risking heat-related illness.
What facilities will the rest shelters include?
Each rest station has been thoughtfully equipped to offer comfort and protection from the summer heat. The key features include:
- Fully functional air conditioning
- Comfortable seating areas for rest and recovery
- Access to drinking water and rehydration points
- Cooling fans and shaded environments
- In-app location features on major delivery platforms, helping drivers find the nearest rest stop with ease
These air-conditioned stations will be clearly signposted and strategically placed in high-traffic areas, including near petrol stations, commercial zones, and residential communities.
Supporting frontline workers through collaboration
This initiative is the result of a joint effort between MoHRE and major entities such as the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi, and several municipalities and private delivery platforms.
The project builds on the success of a similar effort last year, which saw around 6,000 cooling shelters introduced. With strong demand and positive feedback, this year’s coverage has nearly doubled, advancing labour rights and safety.
what employers and workers need to know
The Midday Break rule applies annually from 15 June to 15 September, prohibiting any form of outdoor labour under direct sunlight between 12:30pm and 3:00pm. This is a mandatory measure aimed at reducing heat exhaustion, sunstroke, and dehydration during the hottest hours of the day.
Employers are expected to comply fully with this regulation. Failure to do so can result in penalties, including fines and possible suspension of work permits. MoHRE urges workers to report violations through its official channels, ensuring effective enforcement of the rule.
Smart delivery apps make shelter access easier
Leading delivery platforms in the UAE have already integrated the locations of these rest stations into their mobile apps. This ensures that riders can find the nearest available shelter in real-time while planning their delivery routes. It’s a smart, tech-enabled solution designed for convenience and quick access.
Worker feedback underscores the initiative’s impact
Many delivery workers who used the rest shelters last year described them as a lifesaver during peak hours. The availability of cooling, water, and even mobile charging stations made a significant difference in their daily routines.
This expansion will lighten drivers’ load, uplift morale, and foster a culture of care and respect.
UAE sets a regional benchmark in worker welfare
With temperatures often soaring above 45°C during the summer months, the health and safety of those working outdoors has become a national priority. This latest move not only enhances physical wellbeing but also positions the UAE as a leader in progressive labour policies within the Gulf region.
The expansion of these shelters aligns with the UAE’s long-term vision of creating a more resilient, humane, and productive workforce. It underscores the growing recognition of delivery drivers as vital to city operations, especially in peak times.
What this means for residents and businesses
This initiative doesn’t just benefit workers—it has broader implications for residents and businesses as well. By ensuring that delivery staff are properly rested and hydrated, service reliability and efficiency improve. Orders arrive on time, customer experiences are smoother, and companies retain a happier, healthier workforce.
It clearly reminds us that sustainable growth and community well-being are deeply connected in the UAE’s evolving urban landscape.
A blueprint for the region?
The UAE’s comprehensive approach to labour welfare—especially in high-risk environments—could serve as a model for other countries in the region. As the global economy continues to rely heavily on logistics and last-mile delivery, safeguarding the people who power this ecosystem will remain a key priority.
Through policy and collaboration, this initiative shows how technology, empathy, and infrastructure drive meaningful change. Launching 10,000 air-conditioned shelters in the UAE reaffirms worker dignity, public safety, and smart planning.
Dubai and the UAE depend on swift, reliable delivery, and this initiative values, protects, and supports drivers.
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