The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced a ban on working in open spaces and under direct sunlight from 12:30 to 15:00 every day from 15th June to 15th September 2023.
Implementing the midday break is in line with Ministerial Resolution No. (44) of 2022 on Occupational Health and Safety and Labour Accommodation, which aims to provide an adequate work environment that protects workers from occupational hazards and prevents work-related injuries or illnesses.
Daily working hours, in the morning and evening shifts, shall not exceed eight hours during the months of the ban. If an employee is made to work more than eight hours in a 24-hour period, the additional hours will be considered overtime and the employee would be entitled to additional pay, based on the Regulation of Employment Relationship Law. Employers are required to provide a shaded area where workers can rest during the midday break.
