UAE’s mandatory midday break for all outdoor workers is scheduled to begin on June 15 and will continue till September 15. As the temperature in the Emirates soars as high as 50°C, this important annual initiative was launched to protect workers during the hot summer months. It was announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in 2004. This will be the 19th year of the implementation of this campaign.
All You Need To Know About UAE Midday Break
Midday Break
It is an initiative by MoHRE under which outdoor workers are banned from working in open spaces that are directly under sunlight during the peak summer months from 12:30pm to 3pm.
Exemptions
Due to technical requirements, several occupations and jobs were exempt from the noon break. In these cases, work must continue without interruption. The exemption also applies to projects that, due to their effect on the delivery of services and the flow of traffic, require a permit from the appropriate government agency before they may be carried out.
Implementation
This campaign was initiated to protect the workers from the potential injuries that can be caused by the heat during the summer months. MoHRE had also launched various initiatives to provide such workers with protective supplies.
Employers
They are expected to provide these workers with a shaded area where they can comfortably rest during the midday break. They must also post the schedule in a language that the workers can understand.
In the case of exempted workers, the employers must provide them with cold drinking water and hydrating food. Industrial cooling, umbrellas, and first aid should also be provided.
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Fine
In the event that an employer fails to abide by the midday break rule, a fine of Dh5,000 per worker will be imposed. The maximum amount of this fine can go up to Dh50,000.
Complaints
Workers or others can complain if they see a violation of the midday break rule by calling 600590000. This is a 24/7 number available in 20 languages.
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