The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has implemented a ban on outdoor work during midday hours for workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), effective from June 15 to September 15, 2024.

As part of this ‘midday break’ rule across the UAE, employers found violating this rule by having their workers perform outdoor tasks during the restricted hours, from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm, will be required to pay a fine. This measure is intended to protect workers from extreme heat and ensure their safety and well-being by prohibiting work under direct sunlight and in open-air areas for the next three months.

For the past two decades, the UAE has enforced a Midday Break policy as part of its labour law regulations, ensuring a safe working environment by adhering to the highest standards of occupational health and safety and protecting workers from injuries caused by extreme heat during the summer months.

However, the authority allows certain tasks, like laying asphalt or pouring concrete, to continue uninterrupted for technical reasons. These tasks are exempted because postponing them isn't feasible. Additionally, tasks like addressing hazards or repairing damages affecting the community, such as water supply or electricity interruptions, traffic disruptions, and other major issues with basic services, as well as work requiring government permits due to their impact on traffic and services, are exempted from the policy. Employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of these outdoor workers by providing parasols, shaded areas, adequate cooling devices such as fans, sufficient drinking water, hydrating materials like salts and/or other approved food items, along with other amenities and first aid equipment on job sites.

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MoHRE will launch awareness campaigns and conduct field visits to work sites to ensure compliance with the midday work policy for outdoor workers. The authority will also carry out inspections and accept reports of violations from the community. Employers found violating the rule will face a fine of AED 5,000 per worker, with a maximum fine of AED 50,000 for multiple workers operating during the restricted hours.

Mohsin Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection Affairs at the MoHRE, commented, “Implementing the Midday Break has become a deeply ingrained culture in the UAE’s business community and among private-sector companies in the country, given its role in ensuring the health and safety of workers, who we consider to be the most valuable resource of any company. The commitment we have seen from companies to implementing the Break over the past years reflects the deep sense of awareness, partnership, and social responsibility in the business community, underlining their dedication to implementing all regulations concerning workers’ protection and safety. We look forward to continued cooperation between the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, private-sector companies, and community members to achieve our shared goals, enhance the leadership and competitiveness of the UAE labour market, and boost its efficiency, productivity, and attractiveness to local and international talent, all while improving workers’ wellbeing. This reflects the humanitarian and positive nature of legislation and practices implemented in the UAE, highlighting the level of appreciation we have for workers in the country.”