Understanding UAE Midday Break Rules and Penalties

UAE Implements Summer Midday Break to Safeguard Outdoor Workers

The UAE will enforce a midday break for outdoor workers from June 15 to September 15, 2024, prohibiting work under direct sunlight from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Employers violating this rule face fines up to AED 50,000. Exemptions apply to essential services. The policy aims to protect workers’ health during summer heat.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced an annual midday break for outdoor workers. It will be implemented from June 15, and will go on until September 15, 2024. The measure is now in its 20th consecutive year, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its labor force. This initiative aims to protect workers from the extreme summer heat, which can pose serious health risks.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued a directive. It states that work under direct sunlight and in open-air areas is prohibited between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm daily. This regulation is part of a broader effort to enhance labor conditions and ensure the safety of workers who perform physically demanding tasks in harsh weather conditions.

Fines and Compliance Measures:

Employers found to be in violation of the midday break rule will be penalized. They will incur a fine of AED 5,000 per worker, with a maximum penalty of AED 50,000 for multiple violations. The ministry urges the public to report any violations via its call center at 600 590 000. Alternatively, this can also be done on the website or the smart application. These stringent measures are designed to ensure strict compliance and deter any breaches of the midday break rule.

Mohsin Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection Affairs at MoHRE, expressed his gratitude to the workforce, saying, “Implementing the Midday Break has become a deeply ingrained culture in the UAE’s business community and among private-sector companies in the country, given its role in ensuring the health and safety of workers, who we consider to be the most valuable resource of any company.” His statement highlights the widespread acceptance and integration of this policy within the corporate culture of the UAE.

Exemptions and Safety Provisions

Due to technical reasons or emergency circumstances that affect public welfare, certain jobs are exempt from the policy. These include essential services such as water and electricity supply, traffic management, asphalt laying, and concrete pouring. However, in order to continue working during the off-hours, companies that fall under these categories will have to apply for a permit. This ensures that essential services continue without interruption while still prioritizing worker safety.

Employers are mandated to provide shaded areas, as well as cooling equipment, during the midday break. Sufficient drinking water, hydrating materials such as salts, and first aid equipment must be available at job sites. These measures have been put in place to prevent heat-related illnesses and to ensure workers’ safety. By requiring these provisions, the UAE aims to mitigate the health risks associated with extreme heat and strenuous labor.

Inspection and Awareness Campaigns:

In order to ensure compliance, MoHRE has declared that it will conduct inspection tours. Additionally, initiatives like awareness campaigns will be launched, in collaboration with various agencies. The goal is to educate workers and employers about the importance of adhering to the midday break policies. In previous years, the ministry’s efforts have culminated in a high rate of compliance among private-sector companies.

Al Nassi pointed out the importance of the break, stating, “The commitment we have seen from companies to implementing the Break over the past years reflects the deep sense of awareness, partnership, and social responsibility in the business community.” This statement underscores the collaborative efforts between the government and private sector in upholding worker safety standards.

The enforcement of this policy, coupled with stringent monitoring and awareness campaigns, showcases the nation’s dedication to worker welfare. By ensuring that outdoor workers are protected from the extreme heat, the UAE continues to demonstrate its commitment to the health and safety of its workforce. The midday break policy not only protects workers but also enhances productivity and morale, as workers are less likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses.

The UAE’s midday break policy is a comprehensive approach to worker safety and health, reflecting a deep commitment to labor welfare. The policy, now in its 20th year, illustrates the nation’s forward-thinking approach and its dedication to maintaining high standards in labor practices. Through stringent enforcement, regular inspections, and extensive awareness campaigns, the UAE aims to create a safe and supportive working environment for all outdoor laborers, ensuring their well-being during the harsh summer months.