UAE midday break comes into effect

The rule enforcing a midday break for outdoor workers in the UAE came into effect today.

It will remain in force until September 15, during which work in open spaces and under direct sunlight is prohibited from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm.

The directive by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) limits daily working hours to eight.

If an employee is required 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.

Employers are also required to provide parasols that protect workers from direct sunlight, shaded areas to rest during their break, and adequate cooling devices, such as fans, as well as sufficient drinking water.

Meanwhile, some jobs that require work to continue uninterrupted for technical/ emergency reasons are exempted from the midday break.

Hussain Alaleeli, Director of Customer Relations Department at MoHRE told ARN News that the rule takes into account the need to maintain continuity in certain jobs that affect the community as a whole.

Alaleeli also explained the process for reporting violations related to the midday break.

Our workers, our priority.
A ban on work performed under the sun and in open spaces will be in effect starting tomorrow, June 15th until September 15th, from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is dedicated to employee safety and is… pic.twitter.com/eyRb5JhY6j

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) June 14, 2023