UAE to implement midday break prohibiting work under direct sunlight from June 15 to September 15

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation made an announcement of the Midday Break – prohibiting work under direct sunlight and in open-air areas across the UAE – between 12:30 and 15:00, from 15th June until 15th September, 2024.

The Midday Break takes into consideration the need to keep regularity in certain jobs that affect the community as a whole. Jobs which are required to be done without uninterruption are exempted from implementing the decision for technical reasons. These include laying asphalt or pouring concrete if it is inconvenient to postpone these tasks until after the Break.

Also on the list are works required to maintain hazards or repair damages that affect the community, such as interruptions to water supply or electricity, cutting off traffic, and other major issues with basic services. The exemption also includes work that requires an allowance from a government authority to be implemented, given their impact on traffic flow and services.

Employers are bound to provide parasols and shaded areas which will protect workers against direct sunrays during the Midday Break or while performing their exempted jobs, as well as adequate cooling materials such as fans, sufficient drinking water, hydrating materials such as salts and/or other food items allowed for use by the local authorities, along with other basic amenities and first aid equipment on the job sites.

MoHRE will regulate companies’ compliance with the Midday Break by conducting inspection tours and getting reports from community members about violations of the rule through its call centre at 600590000, website, or smart application. Companies found guilty will face fines of AED5,000 for each worker working during the Midday Break and up to a maximum of AED50,000 for multiple workers.

The Ministry will also launch awareness programs and conduct field visits to work sites, along with its partners, to keep updated workers and employers about the importance of complying with the Midday Break during its enforcement period.