UAE summer: Midday break ends; working hours return to normal

The ban barred workers from working in open spaces or under direct sunlight from 12.30pm to 3pm daily

What is the midday break?

The ban came after the The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that working hours should not exceed eight hours during the months of the ban. In the case of an employee working more than eight hours a day, the additional time period would be considered overtime and the employee would be given compensation.

Additionally, employers were required to provided a shaded area for the workers to rest during the period of their break.

Workers well-being

The move comes every year keeping in mind workers' well-being and safety. This initiative protects them from sun exposure, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke, among other health risks during extreme heat.

Fines and exceptions

A fine of Dh5,000 was set for each worker to be imposed on non-compliant employers. The maximum fine amount was Dh50,000 when multiple workers were made to work during the banned hours.

There were exemptions of some jobs, in which case employers were required to provide sufficient cold drinking water for workers. Additionally, they had to provide hydrating food, such as salts and/or other food items approved by local UAE authorities.

For safety measures, the provision of first-aid at the work site was mandatory, along with adequate industrial cooling, and umbrellas.

Authority inspections

The ministry has conducted more than 67,000 inspection visits to establishments from June 15 to August 17. It had also called for community involvement by asking residents and workers themselves to report any violations to the authority.