The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the implementation of the midday break campaign for the 19th consecutive year. This initiative aims to ensure the safety of workers during the scorching summer months when temperatures can reach up to 50°C. The midday break prohibits laborers from working in open spaces and under direct sunlight from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm daily, starting from June 15 to September 15, 2023.
The campaign has been successful in reducing cases of heat exhaustion and heatstroke among workers over the years. The MoHRE has conducted various awareness and guidance activities to educate workers and employers about the importance of adhering to the work ban during the specified times.
Exceptions to the midday break apply to certain professions and jobs that require uninterrupted work for technical reasons. These include tasks like laying asphalt or pouring concrete, emergency repairs, and works that impact essential services like water supply, electricity, and traffic flow. Jobs that require permits from relevant government authorities and involve cutting or diverting traffic routes, power lines, and communications are also exempted.
Employers are obligated to provide a shaded area where workers can rest during the midday break. They must also display the schedule of daily working hours in a prominent place, in a language that workers can understand, along with Arabic. In exempted cases, employers must provide cold drinking water, hydrating food, first aid at the work site, adequate industrial cooling, and umbrellas to protect workers from direct sunlight.
Failure to comply with the midday break regulations can result in a fine of AED 5,000 per worker for employers. If multiple workers are found working in violation, the maximum fine can reach AED 50,000. Individuals can report violations of the midday work ban to the Ministry’s call center or through their smart application.
